Final preparations are being completed ahead of tonight's opening of the 30th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF). The N1 team visited the festival square to capture the atmosphere in anticipation of one of the biggest film events in the region.

From the early morning hours, organizers and volunteers have been hard at work in front of the Sarajevo National Theatre. The red carpet is laid, festival flags are up, and the spotlights are ready. Everything is set for the 30th SFF.

Visitors from near and far are already gathering, with many expressing excitement. “We came from Australia. I’m here for seven days, and we’ll see how it goes,” said one visitor. Another added, “This is our first time here, we expect a good time. The city is full of tourists and locals, it’s great, just a bit hot, but we’ll manage.” Others, surprised by the festival, were eager to join in the festivities: “I’m here as a tourist, I didn’t know about the festival—it was a surprise. The city is beautiful. I might catch a film, but I’ll definitely attend the parties.”

While some are more excited about the festival atmosphere, many are eagerly anticipating the films. This year, with over 240 film screenings, the audience is spoiled for choice. “I might watch all the films, we’ll see,” one passerby said. Another visitor shared, “We’re here for the first time, we’ve picked out a few films. Expectations are high, of course.”

The festival will kick off with the world premiere of Danis Tanovic’s film *Nakon ljeta* (“After the Summer”).

“I hope that for the next eight days, Sarajevo will be all about film and art. With over 240 films, new festival locations, the summer cinema center, a new gathering place for film professionals in Marijin Dvor, and the festival garden where the opening party of the 30th SFF will be held, there’s a lot to look forward to. I believe the audience will enjoy this 30th edition,” said Andrijana Copf, SFF spokesperson.

The excitement began the night before with a special screening of the cult film *Kuduz*, evoking deep emotions among the audience. “Last night was special, particularly seeing so many young people who had never seen the film, some hadn’t even heard of it. My two daughters, aged 15 and 17, brought many of their friends, and I saw them all watching with amazement—they discovered something they didn’t know was right there beside them,” shared *Kuduz* director Ademir Kenovic.

Tourists often experience a similar revelation when they first visit Sarajevo, according to tour guide Jasmin Memagić. “They experience a cultural shock at first, but as they delve deeper into the city, they realize how much it has to offer in terms of culture and art,” he explained.

As the region’s largest film spectacle approaches, organizers and residents of Sarajevo hope to meet expectations and give visitors yet another reason to return to the city.