Marijana Janković, a Danish filmmaker with roots in Montenegro, is making waves with her inaugural feature film, 'Home.' This cinematic endeavor, which draws deeply from her own immigrant experience, has successfully secured distribution across various international markets. The narrative delves into the intricate themes of identity, cultural integration, and the quest for belonging, resonating with a universal audience despite its personal origins. Janković's journey from a celebrated actress to a director, driven by a desire to challenge prevailing stereotypes and narrate authentic immigrant stories, culminates in this poignant and critically anticipated release.
Filmmaker Marijana Janković's Feature Debut 'Home' Achieves International Sales Milestone
On January 21, 2026, Danish actor-turned-director Marijana Janković's feature film debut, 'Home,' garnered significant international attention by securing sales agreements with distributors in Bulgaria (Beta Film), the Baltics (Estinfilm OÜ), and Singapore (September Film). The film, which is slated for its global premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), is being managed by TrustNordisk for its worldwide distribution.
Janković, a native of Montenegro who established her acting career in Denmark, has previously explored similar thematic territory in her short film 'Maja.' That earlier work, which earned the Best Narrative Short award at the Tribeca Film Festival, directly depicted her own family's immigrant journey. 'Home,' while inspired by her life, takes a more expansive approach. In a conversation with Variety, Janković expressed her intention for 'Home' to stand on its own merit, stating, "It's not just my story." She shared that the film offered a therapeutic process, allowing her to articulate the experiences of both her generation and those preceding it.
'Home' centers on a six-year-old girl named Maja who immigrates to Denmark with her parents, leaving two brothers behind. Maja quickly assumes the role of a translator for her parents, a poignant reflection of Janković's own childhood experience of learning Danish rapidly and becoming a linguistic bridge for her family. The film also features a notable cast, including Jesper Christensen, Zlatko Burić, Claes Bang, and Trine Dyrholm, the latter being a close friend whom Janković persuaded to take on a supporting role due to the story's importance.
Janković emphasized her motivation behind transitioning to directing: to instigate change within the film industry's portrayal of immigrants. She voiced her frustration with the common stereotype of Balkan characters as criminals in Danish cinema. Instead, she aimed to present a more nuanced narrative, highlighting the sacrifices and dedication of individuals like her father, who left his homeland and language to secure a better future for his children. Co-written with Babak Vakili, Bo Hr. Hansen, and Emil Nygaard Albertsen, the screenplay initially focused on the 1990s but evolved to cover multiple generations, with Janković herself taking on a supporting role that provided a sense of closure.
As Janković prepares to host the upcoming Danish Film Awards, her reflections on her extensive career reveal a persistent drive to challenge norms. She recalled being among the first 'foreign' actresses in Denmark and the limiting roles she was often offered. Her decision to direct was a deliberate step towards broader representation. Looking forward, Janković intends to explore new narratives, particularly the complexities of intercultural relationships, as she continues to ponder themes of identity and belonging. The film resonates profoundly with Nicolai Korsgaard of TrustNordisk, who described 'Home' as a "profoundly moving exploration of identity, belonging, and the sacrifices that define us," underscoring its universal appeal.
Marijana Janković's 'Home' is more than a personal narrative; it is a universal tale of migration, identity, and the enduring human spirit. By sharing her experiences, Janković invites audiences to connect with a story that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. Her journey from actress to director, driven by a commitment to authentic storytelling, serves as an inspiring example of how art can challenge perceptions and unite people.