Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Quo Vadis, Aida??

Directed by Jasmila Žbanić, with Jasna Đuričić, Izudin Bajrović, Boris Ler leading the cast, Quo Vadis, Aida? was produced by Deblokada with a confirmed budget of $4,750,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for war films as part of the Quo Vadis, Aida? Collection.

At $4,750,000, Quo Vadis, Aida? was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $11,875,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Kill (2024): Budget $4,800,000 | Gross $5,600,000 → ROI: 17% • Happy Death Day (2017): Budget $4,800,000 | Gross $125,479,266 → ROI: 2514% • Mommy (2014): Budget $4,900,000 | Gross $3,494,070 → ROI: -29% • Cabaret (1972): Budget $4,600,000 | Gross $42,800,000 → ROI: 830% • Come and See (1985): Budget $5,000,000 | Gross $20,929,648 → ROI: 319%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Jasna Đuričić, Izudin Bajrović, Boris Ler, Dino Bajrović, Johan Heldenbergh Key roles: Jasna Đuričić as Aïda Selmanagić; Izudin Bajrović as Nihad; Boris Ler as Hamdija; Dino Bajrović as Sejo

DIRECTOR: Jasmila Žbanić CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christine A. Maier MUSIC: Antoni Komasa-Łazarkiewicz EDITING: Jarosław Kamiński PRODUCTION: Deblokada, Digital Cube, N279 Entertainment, Extreme Emotions, Razor Film Produktion, Tordenfilm, Coop99 Filmproduktion, Indie Prod, TRT FILMED IN: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey

Box Office Performance

Quo Vadis, Aida? earned $813,253 in worldwide box office revenue.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Quo Vadis, Aida? needed approximately $11,875,000 to break even. The film fell $11,061,747 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $813,253 Budget: $4,750,000 Net: $-3,936,747 ROI: -82.9%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Quo Vadis, Aida? earned $813,253 against a $4,750,000 budget (-83% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

Franchise: Quo Vadis, Aida? is part of the Quo Vadis, Aida? Collection.

The underperformance may have increased risk aversion around micro-budget war productions.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Summary: Nominated for 1 Oscar. 40 wins & 43 nominations total

Awards Won: ★ Golden Orange Award for Best Film in International Competition (57th International Antalya Film Festival) ★ European Film Award for Best Actress — Jasna Đuričić (34th European Film Awards) ★ IFFR audience award ★ European Film Award for Best Director — Jasmila Žbanić (34th European Film Awards) ★ LUX European Audience Film Award (35th European Film Awards) ★ European Film Award for Best Film (34th European Film Awards) ★ Q110849233 (Q110849162)

Nominations: ○ European Film Award for Best Director (34th European Film Awards) ○ Golden Lion (77th Venice International Film Festival) ○ LUX European Audience Film Award (35th European Film Awards) ○ European University Film Award (34th European Film Awards) ○ BAFTA Award for Best Direction (74th British Academy Film Awards) ○ BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language (74th British Academy Film Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (93rd Academy Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Screenwriter (34th European Film Awards) ○ Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film (36th Independent Spirit Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Film (34th European Film Awards) ○ International Submission to the Academy Awards ○ European Film Award for Best Actress (34th European Film Awards) ○ Gaudí Award for Best European Film (14th Gaudí Awards)