The Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, standing as a testament to its cultural influence in the region. The festival, which runs from August 16-23, 2024, is proudly supported by the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting its commitment to fostering social transformation, prosperity, sustainable growth, and peace—core values aligned with the UN’s mission in the country.
The festival’s significance is further amplified by Sarajevo’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film in 2019, placing it within the prestigious global Network of Creative Cities. This recognition has enhanced the festival’s international collaborations and amplified its contributions to cultural, economic, and social progress.
Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed her congratulations on the festival’s 30th anniversary, emphasizing its role as a symbol of resilience and cinematic excellence. “For three decades, the Sarajevo Film Festival has been a symbol of resilience and cinematographic excellence, addressing key social issues through culture, art, and dialogue,” she stated. Macdonald highlighted the festival’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and its impact on the local economy, tourism, culture, and society.
An independent study conducted by Olsberg SPI—a leading international consulting firm in the creative industry—revealed the significant economic benefits generated by the Sarajevo Film Festival. The study, supported by UNESCO, also highlighted the festival’s role in improving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international image and strengthening local cultural pride.
The 30th Sarajevo Film Festival is also supported by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), demonstrating a commitment to inclusive peacebuilding and reconciliation across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jovan Marjanović, Director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, underlined the festival’s impact and the expanding cooperation with the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Since its inception, we have used art to preserve the spirit, create new values, and push cultural boundaries,” he explained. “Our 30-year experience shows that reflecting on challenging times through dialogue and art plays a key role in building peace and the future. The success of the Sarajevo Film Festival is also due to the continuous support of our partners, including the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will support a series of initiatives during the festival aimed at advancing human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding. These initiatives include:
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Environmental Sustainability:
The UNDP backs the festival’s alliance with the Green Club, hosting gatherings of legislators from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans focusing on climate change and striving for an environmentally sustainable future. Discussions will cover topics such as women’s roles in energy transitions and urban mobility, complemented by the UN’s Global Road Safety campaign. The festival also features the “Films for the Future” award for youth, encouraging their participation in environmental discourse.*
Human Rights:
UNHCR will advance its global #IBelong campaign against statelessness by showcasing related short films and hosting a panel on Human Rights Day to address the challenges faced by stateless individuals. This effort aims to position Bosnia and Herzegovina at the forefront of resolving statelessness in Europe.*
Gender Equality:
UN Women is organizing workshops on intimacy coordination for actors, focusing on respectful and empowering approaches to filming intimate scenes. Additionally, during Human Rights Day, a panel sponsored by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund will delve into topics of feminism, femicide, and freedom. The event also highlights the “Women Lead the Way towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project, which supports the CineLink Female Voices Award, emphasizing the empowerment of female filmmakers in early production stages.This year’s festival also features a number of awards, including a new environmental award backed by the UNDP, recognizing films that spotlight environmental preservation. A distinguished Best Director award, under UNESCO’s patronage, will be presented, celebrating the exceptional contributions of filmmakers globally.
The Sarajevo Film Festival is a testament to the power of culture and art to foster positive change and build a more peaceful and sustainable future. With its focus on human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, the festival serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in creating a better world.
