The feature film Auswege served as the graduation project for Nina Kusturica, marking her entry into the professional industry upon its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. Born in 1975 in Mostar, she relocated to Austria to pursue her education, eventually establishing a career as a director, editor, and screenwriter within the Viennese film scene.
Academic Foundation and Early Projects
Kusturica attended the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna to refine her skills in directing and editing. Her early output includes several short films and documentaries written and directed by her, such as the 1998 documentary Ich bin der neue Star and the 2001 short Der Freiheit. In 2003, she partnered with Eva Testor to establish the Vienna-based production house Mobilefilm, which facilitated the development of subsequent projects.
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Her documentary output spans various subjects, notably including 24 Realities per Second, a 2004 production focusing on director Michael Haneke. Her 2009 film Little Alien explored the experiences of unaccompanied minor refugees. Following its premiere at the Diagonale festival, the work was utilized in an educational capacity, featuring screenings followed by discussions with the filmmaker or the subjects of the documentary to engage Austrian students.
Recognition and Civic Advocacy
In 2006, Kusturica received the Diagonale award for Best Editing in a Feature Film for her work on Kotsch, shared with Bernhard Schmid. She later earned the 2010 outstanding artist award from the Federal Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture for her contributions to intercultural dialogue. Beyond her creative practice, she participates in the citizens' initiative Machen wir uns STARK, which advocates for policy shifts in education and integration.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Mostar
- Citizenship: Austria
- Education: University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
- Founded: Mobilefilm, 2003
- Key Recognition: Outstanding artist award, 2010
- Language: German
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the film Little Alien?
It is a documentary detailing the lives of unaccompanied minor refugees.
What is the purpose of the initiative Machen wir uns STARK?
The initiative calls for political changes specifically regarding education and integration.
Achievements
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and film producer
