Zing Muse – Croatian director Hana Jusić’s God Will Not Help debuts at Sarajevo Film Festival, blending faith, rebellion, and the surreal story of sheep revolt.
Hana Jusić Returns With a Striking Vision
Croatian filmmaker Hana Jusić, best known for her acclaimed debut Quit Staring at My Plate, has unveiled her latest feature, “God Will Not Help”, at the 2025 Sarajevo Film Festival. The film has already generated strong buzz for its daring mix of social realism, surreal elements, and biting social commentary.
A Story Rooted in Faith and Rebellion
Set in a remote Balkan village, God Will Not Help centers on a small community facing a bizarre and symbolic crisis: a herd of sheep that suddenly refuses to obey. While seemingly absurd, the rebellion of the animals mirrors the villagers’ own struggles with faith, authority, and tradition.
Jusić explains that the sheep serve as a metaphor for suppressed voices—ordinary people caught between religious expectations and their longing for freedom. The title itself, God Will Not Help, underlines the tension between spiritual belief and harsh social realities.
Themes of Tradition vs. Modern Identity
At its heart, the film explores how religion, patriarchy, and rural customs shape identity in Croatia and across Eastern Europe. The defiance of the sheep, combined with the villagers’ crisis of belief, reflects the universal question: What happens when institutions no longer provide answers?
A Visual and Emotional Journey
Jusić’s filmmaking style blends raw, observational realism with surreal imagery. The contrast between pastoral landscapes and moments of unsettling rebellion gives the film a unique visual texture. Critics at Sarajevo praised her ability to balance humor, absurdity, and deep existential questions.
Strengthening Croatian Cinema’s Global Voice
With God Will Not Help, Jusić continues to position herself among the most important voices in contemporary European independent cinema. By addressing faith, rebellion, and rural hardship through a daring artistic lens, she sheds light not only on Croatian society but also on universal human struggles.
Why This Film Matters
As global audiences look for stories beyond Hollywood, God Will Not Help represents the rise of regional cinema with international impact. Its debut at Sarajevo signals both a cultural milestone for Croatian cinema and a thought-provoking entry into the 2025 festival circuit.
Conclusion
Hana Jusić’s God Will Not Help is more than just a film about rebellious sheep—it is a bold allegory of faith, freedom, and the human need for change. With its festival debut in Sarajevo, the film has already sparked conversation and positioned itself as one of the year’s must-watch independent works.
Linda (News)
