65 Years of the Film Academy: Ena Sendijarević

Outsiders – not necessarily in terms of origin – seem to be the overarching theme of your films. Where does that come from?

"I think everyone is secretly an outsider, but we all pretend to belong. My characters struggle with that masquerade. They make mistakes, step out of line, then act as if nothing is wrong. That makes them come to life. I like a certain contradiction, because that's where freedom begins."

Aesthetics seem to be at least as important to you as the story, do you experience it that way too?

"Film is a visual medium at its core; aesthetics are part of the form. It's not a sauce you pour over a story, but an integral part of how you communicate emotions and ideas. Every element – ​​from light and color to composition and editing – works together to convey a feeling, and as a filmmaker you have to be aware of that, no matter what aesthetic choices you make."

Short film or feature film?

"Both. Feature films are like novels: you have the space to build a world and characters. Short films are poetry: more concentrated and open to experiment. Both have their own strengths, but in short films you can play more with form and meaning."

What would you like to tell future students of the Film Academy?

"Work with what you have and trust your intuition. You don't have to wait for perfect means or permission from others. The limitations you face now may become your style later. And: make a film that only you can make, which doesn't necessarily mean it has to be autobiographical. The Film Academy is a means, not an end."

Noa Johannes interviewed Ena Sendijarević for VPRO Cinema Extra: