Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams (2006)
A Bosnian mother's hidden war secret threatens to unravel her bond with her daughter in this Golden Bear–winning drama.
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams - Movie Information
- Original Title: Grbavica
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Jasmila Žbanić
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Bosnian
- Spoken Languages: Bosnian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 1, 2006 (BA), December 15, 2006 (United Kingdom), July 6, 2006 (Germany), September 20, 2006 (France), October 6, 2006 (Italy), November 24, 2006 (Spain), January 3, 2008 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Esma's Secret: Grbavica (US), Sarajevos tårar (SE), Esmas Geheimnis - Grbavica (DE), Esma's Secret (Grbavica) (UK), Grbavica - Sarajevo mon amour (FR), Sarajevo My Love (NL), Il segreto di Esma - Grbavica (IT), 그르바비차 (KR)
- Production Companies: Coop99 Filmproduktion, Deblokada, Jadran Film, Noirfilm Filmproduktion
- Production Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Germany, Croatia
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams - Plot
A woman and her daughter struggle to make their way through the aftermath of the Balkan war.
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of Esma and Sara unfold:
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Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jasmila Žbanić
Main Cast
- Mirjana Karanović
- Luna Mijović
- Leon Lučev
- Kenan Ćatić
- Jasna Beri
- Dejan Aćimović
- Bogdan Diklić
- Ermin Bravo
- Semka Sokolović-Bertok
- Emir Hadžihafizbegović
Writers
- Jasmila Žbanić
- Barbara Albert
Producers
- Barbara Albert
- Bruno Wagner
- Damir Ibrahimović
- Boris Michalski
- Damir Richtaric
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams - FAQs
What is Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams about?
The film follows Esma, a Bosnian woman raising her teenage daughter Sara in post-war Sarajevo. As Sara pushes to learn the truth about her father, long-buried secrets from the war surface. It's a quietly devastating portrait of trauma, survival, and the bond between mother and child.
What secret does Esma hide from her daughter Sara?
Esma conceals that Sara was conceived through rape during the Bosnian War. She tells Sara her father died a war hero to protect her from the painful truth. The film builds toward the moment this secret can no longer be kept, making for one of cinema's most heartbreaking revelations.
Where can you stream Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams?
You can watch Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams for free on Hoopla. It's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and rental options available in your region.
Did Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams win any major awards?
Yes — the film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2006, the most prestigious prize at one of cinema's top festivals. The win brought significant international attention to Jasmila Žbanić and to the ongoing conversation around war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film is anchored by Mirjana Karanović as Esma and Luna Mijović as her daughter Sara. Their performances are raw and deeply affecting. The supporting cast includes Leon Lučev, Kenan Ćatić, Bogdan Diklić, and Emir Hadžihafizbegović, all contributing to the film's grounded, naturalistic tone.
Is Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams based on a true story?
While the characters are fictional, the film is deeply rooted in documented reality. Systematic rape was used as a weapon of war during the 1992–1995 Bosnian War, and thousands of women were affected. Director Jasmila Žbanić drew on survivor testimonies to shape the story with honesty and compassion.
Who directed Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams?
Jasmila Žbanić directed the film — her debut feature. A Sarajevo native who lived through the war herself, she brought an intimate, unflinching perspective to the material. She also co-wrote the screenplay with Barbara Albert. Žbanić has since become one of the most respected voices in European cinema.
Is Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams worth watching?
Absolutely. Critics praised the film for its emotional restraint and powerful performances, particularly Mirjana Karanović's lead turn. It's a challenging but deeply rewarding watch — one of the most important films about the human cost of the Bosnian War and a landmark of contemporary European drama.
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