Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Sandra Wollner’s «Everytime» Wins Top Prize at Sarajevo Film Festival
Austrian director Sandra Wollner's «Everytime» took home the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Narrative Feature at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, continuing the film's award-season run after its Cannes win.
Austrian director Sandra Wollner’s «Everytime» claimed the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Narrative Feature Film at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, which wrapped Friday with an awards ceremony at the National Theatre Sarajevo. The prize carries a cash award of 16,000 euros.
The film, which previously won the Un Certain Regard prize at the Cannes Film Festival, was the unanimous choice of a jury led by two-time Academy Award nominee Emily Watson. In its citation, the jury praised the work for what it described as moments of cinematic grace, according to the festival’s announcement.
«Everytime» is Wollner’s third feature and continues a strong festival run that has positioned it as one of the most decorated European titles of the season. The Sarajevo win adds to a growing list of honors for the Austrian filmmaker, whose work has drawn attention for its distinctive visual style and narrative approach.
The festival’s main competition showcased a diverse lineup of films from the region and beyond, with the jury weighing entries across multiple categories. The closing ceremony brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences for the final announcements of this year’s winners.
Sarajevo Film Festival has become a key stop on the international festival circuit, particularly for cinema from Southeast Europe. Founded during the siege of Sarajevo in 1995, the event has grown into a major cultural gathering that attracts global talent and highlights regional productions alongside international features.
Wollner’s win underscores the continued prominence of Austrian cinema on the international stage, following recent successes by filmmakers from the country at major festivals. The director’s previous works have explored themes of identity and technology, and «Everytime» has been noted for its ambitious storytelling.
The full list of winners across all competition sections was announced during the ceremony, with awards handed out for documentary, short film, and student categories in addition to the main narrative prize. The festival’s industry programs and screenings ran throughout the week, drawing attendees from across the global film community.
