etalenta met Lidija Kordić during the 25th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2019. Her latest film, The Son by Bosnian director Ines Tanović, opened the festival.
Lidija was born in Montenegro in 1995, in a small village near Kotor. At the age of 6, she started learning English. A few years later, Lidija learned Italian as well. After finishing high school, she got into the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo to study acting. She is currently a few exams away from getting her diploma.
Photo: Almin Zrno
Congratulations on the film! What made you want to be part of The Son?
When I got the call for that casting I was so excited to hear what it was all about. The casting went so well and I was already in love with my character, Analuna. I wanted to be part of this movie because of the great energy (many students and friends) and the really powerful storyline.
Prior to The Son, had you worked with a female director before?
I worked on my first professional play, Romeo and Juliet (in which I played Juliet), with the most talented female theatre director I know, Selma Spahić. So, Ines is my first when it’s about movies. If the director is good and if he/she knows how to work with actors/actresses, it doesn’t matter whether the director is male or female.
What was the casting process like?
It was sooo much fun! I was really nervous at first, but then I was totally comfortable with Analuna in me – we tried a lot of scenes with a lot of improvisations, also changing the actors sometimes. It was fun being in that twist to find what works and what doesn’t.
How important was the role of the casting director (Timka Grin, ICDN) during the casting?
Timka is the light in these castings. Really. It can be so stressful and negative at times, but when you have Timka, it can only be funny and relaxing – she knows how to get the best from you. When I’m doing the casting on my own, I cannot really trust my opinion, because I will never be satisfied. The best thing is to have a third pair of eyes to help you.
How do you see the industry in the Balkan region evolving?
It’s really nice to work here right now. There’s a lot of opportunities going on for students and young artists, so we are really trying our best to work as much as we can. But of course, it’s not the best thing to stay in one place, so we are all trying to work really hard and grab every opportunity to practise, learn, investigate etc. If you’re really willing to learn and grow as an actor/actress, you’ll find your moment, that’s for sure.
Aside from being an actress, you’re also a singer. How do you balance the two?
My parents say I’ve been singing ever since I started talking. So, music is my first love, although right now I actually have two “first loves”! I am really trying to combine them whenever I can. But, of course, it’s hard due to lack of free time. I act all year in Sarajevo, until summer. Summer is reserved for singing (and Montenegro!).
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m working on some new projects in both theatre and film, and finally some music too! I’m going to re-organise my free time this year, to really get in shape for everything that’s still to come! And I’m beyond excited about it.
If you could say one thing to the casting directors, directors and producers on etalenta…
I’m just a phone call away and ready for whatever beautiful opportunity comes next!