There’s no doubt that Danis Tanović is one of the best Balkan filmmakers of all time. One of the reasons is his worldwide success with his debut film, No Man’s Land. However, he has also addressed a wide range of topics in various films, which shows his artistic versatility and dedication.
In this blog post, we’ll rank the movies made by Danis Tanovic, but also address his career.
Let’s begin immediately.
The Beginning of Tanovic’s Film Career
Living in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War was extremely difficult, but Danis Tanović decided to stay. Even though he had to stop his studies, he created a film crew that followed the Bosnian and Herzegovina Army on missions that were dangerous. The filming material they made has since been used in various news reports and films about this devastating wartime.
Danis worked with this movie group for more than two years. At the end of ‘94, he left the group and later continued his studies in Brussels, graduating as a top student in ‘97.
Danis Tanović Had Instant Worldwide Success
Like Milcho Manchevski, Tanovic also had worldwide success with his first full-length film. His first movie, No Man’s Land, was nominated for or won almost every significant film award that exists. Some of the awards include:
- An Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film
- Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival
- Best Screenplay at the European Film Academy
- The César for the Best First Feature Film
- Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film
- Best First Feature and Audience Award at the Sarajevo Film Festival
An interesting fact is that his next film, L’Enfer, was from the screenplay by the legendary Krzysztof Piesiewicz and Krzysztof Kieślowski. It’s also important to mention that even though he didn’t leave Sarajevo during the war, he remains an anti-nationalist. He often works with actors from all ex-Yugoslav countries. That makes Danis Tanovic a wonderful person, not just a director.
Now, let’s list all Danis Tanovic movies.
Danis Tanovic Movies to Put on Your Watchlist
Before we begin, I won’t rank Budjenje, which is a documentary released before No Man’s Land. Also, 11’09”01 – September 11, since it was made by various filmmakers.
It’s interesting to watch all Danis Tanović films and decide which one is your favorite. However, here’s a ranking that can guide you, from his less successful to his most significant work.
- The Postcard Killings
- My Late Summer
- Triage
- L’enfer
- Tigers
- Not So Friendly Neighborhood Affair
- Death in Sarajevo
- Circus Columbia
- An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker
- No Man’s Land
Even though his main focus is on feature films, there are also TV shows directed by Danis Tanović. He was the director of HBO’s Success, which was undoubtedly a success. The Bosnian director also made Kotlina, a domestic and Balkan hit series. Another TV show directed by Danis Tanovic includes Frust.
Final Words on Danis Tanović and His Career
Danis Tanović’s legacy is one of courage, creativity, and uncompromising storytelling. From documenting war-torn Sarajevo to winning an Academy Award with his very first feature, he has shown true commitment to the storytelling craft.
Whether through cinema or TV shows, Danis Tanović remains a vital voice in Bosnian, Balkan, and world cinema. It will be thrilling to see what Danis will direct next. Both in terms of films and TV shows, especially because he addresses various genres, from war dramas to comedy.
If you haven’t yet explored Danis Tanović’s movies, it’s time to dive in. And if you want to learn about other authentic directors and movies, check out my full list of blog posts!
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