The film project “Air in the Bottle” by screenwriter and director Aida Begić and producer Snežana van Houwelingen is a winner of a prestigious TRT International Co-Production Award – recognition awarded within the 12 Punto Platform, the largest Turkish platform for developing film projects and international co-production, organized by the public broadcaster TRT.
Every year, the 12 Punto platform gathers producers, authors, film fund representatives, sales agents, and festival programmers worldwide, and the award is intended for international feature-length projects aimed at promoting international film cooperation and strengthening the presence of Turkish producers in European and global co-productions.
The winners were announced at the final ceremony on July 19th, following the seven-day program which featured master-classes, workshops, pitching sessions, and meetings with leading experts in the global movie industry.
Asghar Farhadi, a double Oscar winner, chaired this year’s edition of the international jury, which further confirms the international significance and reputation of this platform.
“Air in the Bottle” is a story about Sabina (60), a woman of tireless energy, prone to grand gestures, but also problems. Upon her return from Germany to Sarajevo, she is determined to make up for what was missed: she starts selling the “magic crystals”, having fun with her friends, and preparing a glamorous wedding for her daughter – all this while she is discreetly battling her own problem: gambling addiction. Her solutions are unconventional, outcomes often unexpected, but Sabina remains true to herself: heartwarming, funny, and bigger than life.
Regarding the award, Aida Begić said: “I am very happy because the Air in the Bottle has been recognized in many international markets and funds, and in that regard, I can share this wonderful news about the support from the Turkish National Television, TRT. At a challenging period for domestic productions, this award means a lot. “
The movie emerges as a coproduction of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey. Movie preparations and the start of shooting are planned for the end of the year. The project has already gained international recognition, having won an award at CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival and the UNIQA Female Filmmakers Award at the 2025 Slano Film Days.
The project was supported by the MEDIA program of Creative Europe, Sarajevo Canton, the Croatian Audiovisual Center, and the Montenegrin Audiovisual Centre.
“Air in the Bottle” is the fifth feature film by Aida Begić, one of the most prominent filmmakers in regional cinema. Her films have premiered and won awards at the world’s most prestigious film festivals – most notably the Cannes Film Festival, alongside numerous other international events. She is the recipient of many international accolades, and her films have represented Bosnia and Herzegovina multiple times as the national candidate for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. She teaches film directing at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo and is a member of AMPAS, the European Film Academy (EFA), and the SACD.
