Commemoration for Damir Ibrahimović held at the National Theatre

(Patria) - A commemoration for BiH producer Damir Ibrahimović was held today at the National Theatre in Sarajevo.

Besides his wife and daughter Jasmila Žbanić and Zoe Ibrahimović, the commemoration was attended by numerous figures from the world of culture, film, and politics: Danis Tanović, Izudin Bajrović, Dino Mustafić, Haris Pašović, Tatjana Šojić, Denis Bećirović, Nihad Kreševljaković, Nihad Uk, Jasna Đuričić, Boris Isaković, and many others.

Elma Tataragić spoke on behalf of the Association of Film Workers of BiH.

"I am speaking on behalf of the Association of Film Workers, of which Damir Ibrahimović was an active member for many years. I have known Damir Ibrahimović Tumba since the war days of the siege. I remember him waiting for Jasmila in front of the Academy: smiling, measured, endlessly witty, dear, with the smile of a playful boy. He remained that way all these years, which were never easy, but with him on our side, they were beautiful and certainly easier. Tumba and Jasmila were first in everything, thorough in everything, the best in everything, visionaries, dreamers, and for those of us who followed in their footsteps, they are still a beacon and proof that everything is possible," said Tataragić.

On behalf of the family, director Haris Pašović also spoke, recalling Ibrahimović's personality and work, saying that he ran a production company that produced numerous valuable films directed by Jasmila Žbanić.

"I know very few people who were as quiet and modest as Damir was. He was composed, always focused, and endlessly witty," recalled director Haris Pašović through tears.

He spoke about the enthusiasm and great struggle of Damir Ibrahimović and Jasmila Žbanić to present their work on the international stage, where they also represented BiH.

Pašović also recalled Damir's fear of flying, caused by claustrophobia, a problem he had faced since the war, and Pašović told a story about how, during the performance of one of his plays in besieged Sarajevo, Damir had a panic attack.

Damir eventually successfully overcame that fear, and the entire process he went through was recorded in a documentary film shot by Jasmila Žbanić. Pašović was particularly emotional when speaking about Damir's daughter Zoe, saying: "She built an entire universe with her dad."

Let us recall, Damir Ibrahimović, founder of the production company Deblokada and long-time collaborator and husband of director Jasmila Žbanić, passed away at the age of 61.

Together with his wife Jasmila, Ibrahimović founded the production company Deblokada in 1997, which produced some of the most significant works of contemporary Bosnian-Herzegovinian cinema.

The first film he produced was Red Rubber Boots, followed by titles that left a deep mark: Grbavica, On the Path, Love Island, One Day in Sarajevo, I Know How You Breathe, Blum: Masters of Their Future, and the multi-award-winning film Quo Vadis, Aida?.