Mission Statement
Through my short film Baklava, I aspire to explore the profound themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and love that transcend religious divides. This film aims to illuminate societal expectations, generational trauma, and the effects of stereotypes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, the narrative follows a young Muslim woman as she confronts entrenched social norms in her quest for love, thereby underscoring the struggles faced by younger generations in challenging conservative traditions. By representing an ordinary Bosnian family in Sarajevo and highlighting the cultural richness of the country—particularly baklava as a symbol of unity—this film provides an authentic perspective on love, family, and resilience. Through intentional cinematography and symbolic color palettes, Baklava endeavors to inspire contemplation on human connection and the pursuit of authentic relationships, despite societal resistance.
About the Director and Writer
Faris Sabanija, born in Sarajevo on November
27th, 2000, is a Bosnian writer/director currently
residing in Prague, Czech Republic. He is an alumnus of the
Prague Film School and a current student at
Prague City University. Faris discovered his passion
for filmmaking at an early age while producing short experimental
films and vlogs. Following his relocation to Ankara, Turkey, he
continued to advance his artistic endeavors at an American high
school through a film studies class. However, it was at the Prague
Film School that he further refined his expertise in
screenwriting and directing, receiving recognition
for his work. His recent diploma short film "
Miserable", which addressed domestic
abuse against men for the first time, garnered the "Best
Actress" award at the Lulea International Film
Festival in Sweden, among other selections. This experience
reinforced his desire to raise awareness of various social and/or
taboo topics, as exemplified in his recent short film. As a
screenwriter, director, and university student, Faris is poised to
expand his media production capabilities at Prague City University
as he develops his next graduation short film focused on themes of
forgiveness, acceptance, and prejudice within his home country of Bosnia.
About the Cinematographer
Cherif
Azzeddine is a Prague-based cinematographer and a graduate
of the renowned Prague Film School. Known for his artistic
vision and technical expertise, he has worked on a variety of
films, documentaries, and commercial projects. Cherif's passion
for storytelling and innovative approach to cinematography make
him a standout talent in the industry.
About the Associate Producer
Jasmine
Huggins is a Trinidadian/French national born in France and
raised in the Caribbean. She left a 25 year career in the NGO sector
to make films, and graduated from Prague Film School’s
writer/director programme in 2023. She believes in the power of film
to educate, entertain, empower and enthrall audiences everywhere.
Her 2nd year Diploma Film ‘First Wednesday’ has won several
nominations and awards for direction and the work of actors in the film.
About the Co-Producer
Senadin Sabanijais set to portray Merjem’s prejudiced and overprotective father, Senad, in his first acting debut. Senadin is a Bornian born and raised security practicioner with over 25 years of experience. Currently, he is an independent security contractor and a PhD holder in Security Sciences.
Logline
After a stubborn Bosnian Muslim girl tells the truth to her conservative parents about her boyfriend, a Bosnian Serb, she embarks on a journey to address her family’s war-time trauma by challenging their prejudice and helping them confront the past.
Format
A short film is the format of this project. We strongly believe that this type of story, a short film is an excellent way to make a powerful statement about the raw, eye-opening, and harsh reality of Faris’ home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, the aspect ratio will be 1:66 to match the perspective of the main character, but also to show that the story is just about one conservative family in Sarajevo. Faris chose this aspect ratio to tell the story because it is slightly narrow and it gives an audience a limited view of the screen, therefore it feels like they’re watching someone’s perspective, which they do.
Synopsis
Act One
Merjem, a 26-year-old Bosnian Muslim woman, returns to her
family home in Sarajevo after an extended period abroad. Her warm
yet traditional parents, Nizama and Senad, express delight at her
return, but Merjem harbors a secret that fills her with
apprehension: her fiancé, Nikola, is a Bosnian Serb. Merjem grapples
with the burden of her decision, torn between her affection for
Nikola and her parents’ biases. When she ultimately discloses her
truth during a family dialogue, her father reacts with anger,
refusing to welcome Nikola into their home.
Act Two
This confrontation deeply unsettles the family dynamic. Senad
remains obstinate in his refusal, still haunted by the scars of the
Bosnian war. Merjem’s mother, Nizama, seeks to serve as a mediator,
wrestling with her own recollections and trepidations. Merjem feels
isolated but resolute in her commitment to Nikola. As the family
readies itself for Nikola's arrival, the prevailing tension
intensifies. Senad’s disdain amplifies, while Nizama gradually
begins to exhibit signs of understanding, reminiscent of her own
past experience with forbidden love. Merjem advocates for her
relationship and endeavors for her parents to perceive Nikola beyond
the confines of ethnicity.
Act Three
Upon Nikola’s arrival, he presents a homemade baklava as an
expression of goodwill. In spite of the tense atmosphere, Nikola’s
gracious and respectful demeanor begins to dismantle the family’s
defenses. While Nizama softens, Senad remains unyielding and
confrontational, questioning Nikola’s intentions regarding his
daughter and evoking painful memories of the past. Yet, Nikola’s
impassioned declarations of his love for Merjem and his commitment
to her happiness sow the seeds of doubt in Senad’s rigid
perspectives. As the family convenes to share a meal, subtle yet
significant moments indicate a turn—aforesaid willingness to assist
from Nikola, Nizama's subtle encouragement, and Senad's initial,
tentative smile. Ultimately, while the family does not achieve
complete reconciliation, a fragile sense of hope emerges. The shared
baklava evolves into a quiet emblem of connection, suggesting the
potential for transcending historical grievances to foster a new future.
What We Need and What You Will Receive
Film production entails considerable costs; therefore, creating a high-quality short film that reaches a broader demographic requires not only love for the art but also ample resources. Your contributions will assist in financing essential phases of production, including catering, actor and crew salaries, equipment, and logistical expenses, such as travel tickets.
In appreciation of your contributions and support, we have established interactive perks that you can explore to gain rewards for yourself or your loved ones. These perks include, but are not limited to, “Special Thanks”, Digital Access to the Film, Signed Screenplay, Poster, and Private Screening Event.
Currently, we are in pre-production stage of the film and shooting dates are set to be 3 April 2025 to 6 April 2025, and with this crowdfunding campaign, we aim to cover production and post-production costs, such as; sound design, color grading, editing, equipment, and marketing materials. Recently, we have launched two crowdfuding campaign, where we successfully raised 2,136 euros, which is currently covering transportations, cast and crew salaries, and logistics, like catering, fuel, printing fees and part of the equipment.
Additional Ways You Can Contribute
For individuals who may be unable to contribute financially, there remain alternative avenues of support:
Encourage your friends, family, and acquaintances to disseminate information about our campaign, thus aiding us in attracting greater numbers of backers and building a community!
Please utilize the share tools provided by IndieGogo to promote the campaign’s link!
Perks
You have the oportunity to get your name in the official film credits under "Special Thanks".
A one-time private link to watch the film before festival circuit and VOD distribution.
If you cannot make it to private screening event, you have opportunity to get invited to virtual questions and answers with the director, crew, and cast. Also, you get one-time watching link to the film and film's shooting screenplay.
Unlike "Early Access", this perk will get you a high-quality downloadable link to the film, which you can show to your friends and family.
You get invited to a private screening in Sarajevo at KINO BOSNA and KINO MEETING POINT, where you will have access to ask the director, crew and cast questions about the film and its process. Not to forget, you get to see the film on big screen and you get to hang around, meeting new people. Unfortunately, we won't be able to cover flight tickets accomodation.
An opportunity to be credited as executive producer in the film, where you will have access to the set, Q&A, private screenings, invitations, and more.
GOLD Sponsorship for the external members and can awarded for anyone to pay requested amount to support this project. There will be additional benefits for GOLD sponsors that will be communicated after payment.
Get a signed film's poster by the director and cast. In one package, you get 1x big poster, 1x small poster, and a screenplay that was used during the production.
An album from behind-the-scenes photos from the set, from each day.
Highlights
See all activity3Activity
You have the oportunity to get your name in the official film credits under "Special Thanks".
A one-time private link to watch the film before festival circuit and VOD distribution.
If you cannot make it to private screening event, you have opportunity to get invited to virtual questions and answers with the director, crew, and cast. Also, you get one-time watching link to the film and film's shooting screenplay.
Unlike "Early Access", this perk will get you a high-quality downloadable link to the film, which you can show to your friends and family.
You get invited to a private screening in Sarajevo at KINO BOSNA and KINO MEETING POINT, where you will have access to ask the director, crew and cast questions about the film and its process. Not to forget, you get to see the film on big screen and you get to hang around, meeting new people. Unfortunately, we won't be able to cover flight tickets accomodation.
An opportunity to be credited as executive producer in the film, where you will have access to the set, Q&A, private screenings, invitations, and more.
GOLD Sponsorship for the external members and can awarded for anyone to pay requested amount to support this project. There will be additional benefits for GOLD sponsors that will be communicated after payment.
Get a signed film's poster by the director and cast. In one package, you get 1x big poster, 1x small poster, and a screenplay that was used during the production.
An album from behind-the-scenes photos from the set, from each day.
