Angelina Jolie Honored Heart of Sarajevo for Humanitarian Work at Bosnian Film Festival
Angelina Jolie has received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award in Bosnia for her career in film as well as her compassionate humanitarian efforts.
Jolie surprised crowds and appeared at the Sarajevo Film Festival unannounced escorted by her partner Brad Pitt on Saturday.
The 36-year-old actress received the heart-shaped award for “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” her first film as a director, as well as for her “active engagement in the complexities of the real world.”
Get Our Latest News for FREE
During prior visits to Bosnia, Jolie served as a goodwill ambassador for the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, and funded the construction of several homes for returnees in eastern Bosnia.
The Sarajevo Film Festival director, Mirsad Purivatra, praised Jolie for her work in theater as well as efforts in international matters.
Upon receiving the award in the closing ceremony, Jolie said, “I am so honored to be here at this festival. There is no greater example of the strengths of the artists and the festival that began during the war and grew stronger every year.”
Donning a long peach Elie Saab gown, Jolie fought back tears as the audience applauded her acceptance speech. Also during the ceremony, Jolie presented the Best Actor Award to Austrian Thomas Schubert for his film “Atmen.”
Jolie decided “In the Land of Blood and Honey” would take place in Bosnia during the war of 1992-95. The story tells of a love affair between a Bosnian Muslim woman and a Serb man, and how the Bosnian war affected the romance of the combating opponents.
The dramatic tale has created controversy in the Eastern European country. Jolie intended to shoot the film in the Bosnian city of Sarajevo and had employed a local crew, but female victims of sexual violence objected to details in the movie’s plot. Bosnian authorities revoked the filming permit, and Jolie had to relocate to Budapest.
“In The Land of Blood and Honey” is scheduled for release in December.
