Noomi Rapace, a member of the Sarajevo competition jury, visited the Variety Lounge hosted by the Sarajevo Film Festival and BH Telecom to discuss her experiences in the Balkan region.

Although it is her first visit to Sarajevo, Rapace grew up watching films from the Balkan region and admires their courage and passion. She remarked that the Sarajevo Film Festival, “might be one of the most crucial film festivals because of the power of films and the impact art can have on people, how it allows us to uncover stories and characters, and examine situations and hearts we might never otherwise encounter.”

She fondly recalled her role in Macedonian-Australian director Goran Stolevski’s “You Are Never Alone,” describing how he made her feel safe despite scenes involving nudity. She noted that Goran “is a captivating and very gentle director with a strong vision.”

Rapace is drawn to filmmakers and stories, regardless of their setting. She says she will bring her own authenticity to each project, irrespective of its location. She admires directors who are willing to explore and fully immerse themselves in a genre.

She is deeply involved in preparing with another Macedonian director, Teona Mitevska. Their film, “Mother,” focusing on a week in the life of 38-year-old Mother Teresa, will begin filming next month.

Rapace is currently producing and enjoys discovering various aspects of filmmaking, and believes she's getting closer to wanting to direct.