Bosnian actor Emir Hadzihafizbegovic honoured with Heart of Sarajevo

The award was presented at the National Theatre in Sarajevo ahead of the ceremony for the Heart of Sarajevo awards for the best films screened at this year's Sarajevo Film Festival.

Introducing Hadzihafizbegovic, Sarajevo Film Festival director Jovan Marjanovic said the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo had over the years been presented to numerous prominent international filmmakers, but stressed that the festival's international reputation was not built solely on the artists it brings to Sarajevo from abroad.

"It is equally important to recognise and celebrate artists from the community from which the festival itself emerged, and Emir Hadzihafizbegovic has for decades belonged to the very top of Bosnian and international cinema. His career is deeply connected to this country, but it crossed its borders long ago," Marjanovic said.

He noted that Hadzihafizbegovic belongs to a generation of artists who helped rebuild Bosnia and Herzegovina's film industry after the war and reconnect it with European and international cinema.

"Emir, you have long been part of the history of Bosnian film, but also of the history of this festival. Tonight, we want to say one big thank you," Marjanovic said as the audience welcomed Hadzihafizbegovic to the stage.

'Thank you, Sarajevo'

A visibly moved Hadzihafizbegovic thanked the festival and those who had decided to honour him with the award.

"Thank you, Sarajevo Film Festival. Thank you to the people who decided on this," he said after accepting the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo.

He also thanked members of his family, as well as all those who had taken part in his work and stood by him throughout his career.

Hadzihafizbegovic left the stage to a thunderous round of applause from the audience at the National Theatre.