The Sarajevo Film Festival is important for the region and one of the best things about it is the audience, which sincerely appreciates the art of film, renowned Mexican director, screenwriter and producer, Michel Franco, told the Anadolu Agency.
Franco received on Tuesday the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, which he was awarded at the Sarajevo Film Festival last year but could not take over due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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“The Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award means a lot to me because many of my favourite directors received it before, such as Wim Wenders this year. It is an honour to be on the list of winners who are much more talented and experienced filmmakers,” Michel said, adding that he feels “very welcome” in Sarajevo and praising the festival.
This is not the first time for the 41-year-old director at the SFF, as he visited the festival in 2009 and was also the president of the jury of the Feature Film Competition Program in 2017.
He told AA that he is fascinated by the sincere love for film and the chance given to young directors at SFF.
“SFF is a very important festival for this region, but what I appreciate most about this festival is that most sincere commitment to film. This is not about film as a business, nor about showbiz. There is only a sincere love for the film, providing a space for new directors and celebrating film. SFF has a great audience. I don't remember meeting such an audience at any festival,” Franco stressed.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused problems in every part of life and the film industry was also strongly affected by it, he said.
“Theaters and cinemas are going through a difficult period,” he said, adding that the world must be prepared for new challenges at all times.
Franco said that Sarajevo and Mexico City, where he comes from, have something in common – the “warmth” of their people.
“People in Sarajevo are very pleasant, they are not uptight and do not blindly follow the rules, so there is a lot of spirit and freedom. It's similar to Mexico and that's why I love this place so much, where I feel at home,” he said.
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