Creativity is boundless in the world of cinematic luminary Dubravka Turić. Hailing from Croatia, the talented and acclaimed filmmaker wears many hats—distinguished director, screenwriter, and editor—with each role and illustrious project adding a layer to her extraordinary journey within the film industry.
Turić unveiled her cinematic prowess with Belladonna, her debut short film. The dazzling award-winning piece captured the elusive Golden Lion for Best Short Film at the Venice Film Festival in 2015 and was an official Sundance Film Festival competitor. Turić continued to weave her narrative magic with Cherries (Trešnje), her second short, which graced the revered Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes in 2017. Her films, like symphonies of emotion, resonate with a subtle yet profound approach, each project reflecting her personal experiences and deeply held beliefs.
Traces (Tragovi), Turić’s first feature film, masterfully continues her artistic evolution. Rooted in the cultural soil of Croatia, the film becomes a living entity, capturing the essence of new beginnings amid personal history. Its premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival in 2022 began a cinematic journey that swiftly traversed the globe, with the feature earning significant accolades and recognition.
Traces also made it to the Santa Barbara Film Festival and was crowned Croatia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. This achievement is significant, as IndieWire has recognized Traces by including it among the 15 frontrunners on its shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category in its 2024 Oscars predictions. This is the second time one of Turić’s films has entered the Academy Awards race, with her first film, Belladonna, being a candidate for Best Short Film in 2016.
Turić’s journey is not merely a parade of cinematic achievements; it’s a testament to resilience in the face of challenges. During the tumultuous period of shooting Traces amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes in Zagreb, Turić overcame adversity with determination to let artistry shine even amid unpredictable elements.
Traces is a moving odyssey that examines the human condition. The compelling narrative binds grief, nostalgia, and the yearning for roots. Through the lens of her protagonist, Ana, Turić navigates the intricacies of loss, each frame echoing the profound impact on one’s identity. Ana’s journey, intricately connected with ancient Slavic symbols and burial rituals, becomes a metaphor for the human quest to leave a lasting imprint.
As new female voices bring new stories, Turić is a distinctive voice that challenges norms from a small country, breaking barriers like a cinematic pioneer. Her transition from editing to directing speaks volumes about her adaptability and determination. The auteur’s films are refreshingly unconfined, resonating universally and connecting with the shared human experience of loss and longing.
Turić’s films have been recognized by big industry names like Jonathan Demme, Robert Redford, and Hungarian director and Oscar-nominee Ildiko Enyedi. With sights set on an expansive future in the entertainment industry, Turić is working on several upcoming projects, including the dark comedy Rhino and a crime TV series called Rumpus, which has already been awarded Best TV Project at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
While Traces took five years to materialize, Turić aspires to streamline the creative process for future endeavors. Her passion for filmmaking remains an unwavering flame fueled by the joy it brings and the fulfillment it provides.
Dubravka Turić transcends labels within cinema as a storyteller, an artist, and a trailblazer. Her films stand out as vessels of emotion and nuance, moving beyond borders and making her a formidable force in film. As she continues to script her journey, Turić stands as a living testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the unforgettable traces it leaves on the human soul.
