Film 'House of the Little Star' Filled Viewers' Hearts and Prompted Many to Work on Themselves

A packed cinema hall at the premiere of the film “Little Star Rising“, or “Kuća Male Zvijezde“, testifies that people have truly recognized the inspirational and motivating story of Nudžejma Softić, directed by Slađana Lučić, who attempted to portray the growth and personal development of this brave Bosnian woman as faithfully and emotionally as possible in 72 minutes of documentary film. This documentary debut by a journalist, editor, and director from Croatia, produced by the Zagreb-based production company Wolfgang&Dolly, was screened on August 21st at this year's Sarajevo Film Festival as part of the BH Film program, supported by the Association of Filmmakers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the film “Kuća Male Zvijezde“, we follow Nudžejma's journey. She was never satisfied with the life she was living, which was a powerful motivation for her to overcome huge and seemingly insurmountable blockades and fears during the process of achieving her true desires and goals. In the film, we follow her personal growth, her struggles with dissenters, and even with herself, the creation of an association of people ready to work on themselves and create a better life – Running and, again, falling in love which becomes love. In the film, Nudžejma, whose name means Little Star, builds a “house“ – a house of people ready to become happier.

“Kuća Male Zvijezde“ was in production for a little over two and a half years and brought together a film crew that grew with Nudžejma, experiencing her victories and defeats. Alongside director Slađana Lučić, the film's crew includes director of photography Vjeran Hrpka, cinematographer Mirsad Hodžić, sound recordist Almir Kozić, editor Ana Štulina, and producer Tamara Babun from the aforementioned production company Wolfgang&Dolly. The music for this wonderful, motivating film is by Merima Ključo, an internationally recognized musical artist of Bosnian-Herzegovinian origin.

Regarding the premiere itself and the audience's reactions, director Lučić said it was exciting to watch the audience's reaction for the first time and see that the message we wanted to send was recognized.

"I believe that many familiar and unfamiliar faces, upon leaving the cinema, will do something for themselves and others today, initiate a small change they thought they didn't have the strength for, didn't have the motivation for, because the time for new beginnings is behind them. This film shows the opposite, that it's never too late," said Lučić.

Film producer Tamara Babun explained that she cannot yet announce specific upcoming screenings in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, but added that the film “Kuća Male Zvijezde“ has already been accepted into several other festivals.

The main protagonist, Nudžejma, was touched by the support and interest of the viewers, commenting briefly that she is glad that people are leaving the cinema motivated to make changes that will lead them to a better life.

"This is not just a story about me, but a story about all of us and the inner strength we have yet to discover," said Nudžejma.

And the path to realizing this deeply moving film was not easy. To successfully complete the film, the team behind “Kuća Male Zvijezde“ launched and successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign at the end of 2018, which raised part of the funds needed to finish the film. The film was made in co-production with Al Jazeera Balkans and supported by funds from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.