The jubilee 25th Sarajevo Film Festival commenced Friday evening with the world premiere of The Son, a film by Bosnian filmmaker Ines Tanovic.

The screening took place at the Sarajevo National Theatre in the presence of prominent names from the world of film and other public figures.

‘Bosnian carpet’ which replaced the traditional red carpet this year welcomed many celebrities, including the Oscar-winning production designer Eugenio Caballero, Honorary Heart of Sarajevo winners Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Pawel Pawlikowski as well as the crew of the opening film The Son led by director Tanovic.

The record number of 270 films in 18 different categories and representing 56 countries will be shown during the Sarajevo Film Festival. Sixty-eight films will have their world and twelve the international premiere.

Fifty-three films will compete for the Heart of Sarajevo award.

The festival which takes place under the UNESCO patronage will close its curtains on August 23.