"Home": Independent Film Captures Hearts Worldwide
Locale: FRANCE, Serbia

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 - Marijana Jankovic's directorial debut, "Home," is making waves on the international film scene, proving the power of independent cinema to connect with audiences worldwide. The film's journey, from its premiere at a prominent [Film Festival Name] last year to securing distribution deals across multiple countries and streaming platforms, is a remarkable success story, particularly for an independent production.
The film's resonance stems from its exploration of deeply human themes: displacement, the longing for belonging, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. These are universal experiences, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, and "Home" taps directly into them. Variety recently spoke with Jankovic, delving into the film's unexpected success, her experiences navigating the challenges of directing her first feature, and the deeply personal meaning she finds in the concept of 'home' within a constantly shifting world.
"The response has been astonishing," Jankovic shared. "We believed in the film's potential, but the global reaction has surpassed our wildest dreams. It's incredibly validating to see that these themes, these struggles and hopes, resonate so powerfully with people from all walks of life."
A Story of Connection and Resilience
"Home" centers around [brief plot summary, expanding slightly on original content - perhaps mentioning a specific inciting incident or a key relationship]. The film's strength lies in its authentic and intimate portrayal of [character's journey, elaborating on their struggles and triumphs; maybe mention a specific symbolic element of their journey]. This portrayal resonates deeply, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and their circumstances on a profoundly emotional level. Jankovic's dedication to authenticity shines through, emphasizing the importance of creating characters that feel real, flaws and all. She deliberately steered away from formulaic storytelling, opting instead for nuanced performances and a script that prioritizes emotional truth over contrived plot twists.
Independent Success Story
The film's commercial success and widespread distribution are a testament to the growing recognition of independent films within the global market. [Sales Company Name] played a crucial role in this success, recognizing the film's potential and securing distribution deals that have significantly broadened its reach. Agreements have been finalized for distribution in [Country 1], [Country 2], and notable streaming platforms like [Streaming Platform 1] and [Streaming Platform 2], making "Home" accessible to audiences far beyond traditional cinema circuits. This demonstrates a significant shift in how audiences consume film, embracing independent voices and stories that challenge mainstream narratives.
The Director's Perspective
For Jankovic, directing a feature film marked a significant milestone. The path to realization wasn't without its hurdles. Securing initial funding proved to be the most challenging aspect. Independent films rely heavily on grants, private investors, and crowdfunding, creating a highly competitive landscape. "It's a constant hustle," Jankovic acknowledged. "You're not just telling a story; you're also selling a vision and convincing people to believe in it."
However, once the funding was secured, the creative process proved intensely rewarding. Jankovic expressed immense satisfaction in collaborating with a talented crew and translating her vision onto the screen. She credits the team's dedication and collaborative spirit with contributing significantly to the film's overall quality and impact.
Looking to the Future
Jankovic is already hard at work developing her next project, [Project Title], a film she describes as [brief description, perhaps mentioning genre or a core theme, and elaborating slightly - e.g., "a historical drama exploring themes of memory and reconciliation"]. She remains committed to crafting films that illuminate the human experience and foster empathy and understanding, believing in the power of cinema to inspire social change and connect people on a deeper level.
"Ultimately, I want to tell stories that matter," Jankovic concludes. "Stories that linger in the minds of the audience long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection and sparking conversations. Stories that remind us of our shared humanity."
Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2026/film/global/marijana-jankovic-home-feature-debut-sales-exclusive-1236635200/ ]