31st Sarajevo Film Festival kicks off

The red carpet dazzled with glamour and elegance as numerous prominent figures from the worlds of film, music, and art walked before gathered photographers and visitors, turning heads with their sophisticated fashion choices.

Organizers announced a rich program that includes film premieres, retrospectives, panel discussions, and meet-and-greet sessions with renowned authors. Since its founding in 1995, the festival has grown into a globally recognized brand, promoting Sarajevo as an open cultural capital and a meeting place for cinematic art.

“We are very happy that Sarajevo is once again bringing together filmmakers from all over the world. This festival is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, art, and the cultural diversity of our country,” the organizers said.

In the running for the Heart of Sarajevo awards in the competitive programs of the 31st SFF are 50 films, with one additional title screening out of competition.

Across the four competitive categories — feature, documentary, short, and student films — the lineup includes 15 world premieres, six international premieres, 28 regional premieres, and two Bosnian premieres.

This year, under the leadership of Sarajevo Film Festival’s creative director Izeta Građević, the selection team viewed 1,036 submissions: 195 feature films, 291 documentaries, and 550 shorts and student works.

Among the internationally acclaimed names attending the festival are Paolo Sorrentino, Michel Franco, Ray Winstone, Ilya Khrzhanovskiy, and Willem Dafoe, all of whom will hold masterclasses. Admission to these sessions is free, with tickets available online or at the main box office in the Bosnian Cultural Center.