Emir Kusturica

Emir Kusturica, born on 24 November 1954, is a Serbian filmmaker known for his distinct directing, screenwriting, and musical talents. Active since 1978, Kusturica has left an indelible impression on the international film industry. His films have received international acclaim, with a notable presence at the Cannes Film Festival where he secured the coveted Palme d'Or twice for 'When Father Was Away on Business' and 'Underground'. Aside from directing, Kusturica has explored acting, producing, and music, proving his knack for storytelling on different platforms. He was made a Commander of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and an ambassador for UNICEF in 2002. In the mid-2000s, Kusturica delved into town-building, his primary residence Drvengrad being a byproduct of this endeavor. His autobiography 'Death Is an Unverified Rumour', published in 2010, paved the way for four other writings, etching his mark in literature. Kusturica was born and raised in Sarajevo in a secularly Muslim family and later defined himself as Yugoslavian. Despite controversial positions in regard to his descent and religious affiliations, Kusturica's contributions to the film industry are renowned.