Emerald Pictures has added Slovenian-born, London-based filmmaker Jan Vrhovnik to its curated directorial roster of global talent. Vrhovnik is this year’s recipient of the Young Directors Award at Cannes Lions. He brings his documentary-informed approach to fictional storytelling to Emerald, which will represent Vrhovnik in the U.S. This marks Vrhovnik’s first commercial signing in the U.S. market.
Vrhovnik began his career as a cinematographer, a formational experience that naturally evolved into his heightened visual style, making him a natural fit for commercial and fashion clients alike. His fashion brand collaborations include work for Balenciaga, Gucci x TheNorthFace, Hermès, Axel Arigato, JW Anderson, and Zara Home. Vrhovnik’s commercial clients have included well-known brands such as Aēsop and eBay. He has also worked with celebrity talents like Sir Ian McKellen, Tom Felton, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
As a narrative filmmaker, Vrhovnik directed the short film Paradiso, which was shot on the sun-kissed Calabrian coast of Italy, and Edi, which earned him a 2023 Gold YDA and two Berlin Commercials Gold Awards. Based on Vrhovnik’s childhood in Slovenia, Edi is a cinematically stunning tribute to his grandfather of the same name, an inspirational hero with an insatiable appetite for life. Nowness presented both films. He reprised his role as director of photography for the romantic drama She Is Love, a feature film selected for the BFI London Film Festival in 2022, starring Haley Bennett and Sam Riley.
Vrhovnik said, “Thrilled to join the Emerald family and their extremely talented roster, as I continue to expand my career as commercial director. Both [Emerald co-founders/managing directors] Mara [Milićević] and John [Duffin] are wonderful. They understand my filmmaking approach, appreciate me, and truly believe in my work. I’m delighted to offer my filmmaking vision to the U.S. market.”
Duffin added, “Jan is a filmmaker, full-stop. He understands the medium from every angle and uses it expertly to create top-notch films. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and we look forward to bringing his unmistakable talent to the U.S.