Excursion  (2023 Film) – Selective Ranks

Excursion (Bosnian: Ekskurzija) is a compelling 2023 drama crafted by Una Gunjak, featuring a stellar cast including Asja Zara Lagumdžija, Nađa Spaho, Maja Izetbegović, Mediha Musliović, Izudin Bajrović, and Muhamed Hadžović. Una Gunjak serves as both the writer and director of this cinematic piece. As Bosnia’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, the film stands out as a collaborative effort involving Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, France, Norway, and Qatar.

Having its inaugural screening at the 76th Locarno Film Festival on August 4, 2023, Excursion entered the competitive arena for the Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present and received a Special Mention. The storyline revolves around Iman, a ninth-grade student, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the center of attention from an older boy during her class’s upcoming field trip. Following a game of truths and dares, a schoolwide rumor circulates, suggesting Iman’s pregnancy and jeopardizing the much-anticipated excursion. As Iman grapples with societal expectations and restrictions, the repercussions of her actions spiral out of control.

The film’s principal photography commenced on April 22, 2022, and concluded on May 29 of the same year in the Canton of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Neil Young, a critic from Screen Daily, expressed his perspective, stating, “Excursion is particularly potent in portraying the social and emotional dynamics among those navigating the delicate space between girlhood and maturity.” In an era where teenage sexuality is no longer a hidden secret but is instead exposed and often distorted through the lens of social media, the narrative unfolds in Sarajevo. A high school girl, entangled in a truth or dare game, fabricates a false story about engaging in sexual activity with her boyfriend. Trapped in this web of deception, she is compelled to concoct a fake pregnancy, leading to unforeseen and impactful consequences.

Excursion masterfully captures the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the societal pressures faced by young individuals in the age of widespread connectivity and instant sharing. Una Gunjak’s storytelling prowess, coupled with the stellar performances of the cast, elevates Excursion into a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges inherent in the journey from youth to maturity.