Jovan Marjanović, the director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, discusses the festival’s unique history and its role in bringing together the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Born during the Bosnian War, the festival has become a symbol of resilience and a platform for regional cooperation in the film industry. Marjanović sheds light on the festival’s mission, its impact on the region, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in promoting cultural exchange and supporting filmmakers.
Marjanović highlights the extraordinary circumstances under which the Sarajevo Film Festival was founded. It emerged during the Bosnian War, in a city under siege, without running water or electricity. Despite not experiencing the siege himself, Marjanović recognizes the festival’s unique history and legacy. From its inception, the festival aimed to transcend national boundaries and rebuild connections between the countries of the former Yugoslavia, which had been torn apart by nationalist conflicts and war.
The Sarajevo Film Festival has grown to become the largest and most important film festival in the region, serving as a crucial support system for the film industry in Central Europe. Marjanović emphasizes that the festival’s role extends beyond being just a film festival. It strives to foster regional cooperation and collaboration, not only within the former Yugoslavia but also with neighboring countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. By providing a common platform and meeting place, the festival aims to strengthen the ties between these culturally and linguistically interconnected regions.
Marjanović discusses the festival’s efforts to promote collaboration among filmmakers and industry professionals from the region. He highlights the increasing interconnectedness of the media landscape, with companies based in different countries covering multiple countries in the region. Co-productions have become more common, and the festival has played a significant role in promoting and supporting these practices. Marjanović emphasizes the importance of market access and creating opportunities for professionals from the region to work together and expand into larger European and global markets.
The Sarajevo Film Festival also places a strong emphasis on nurturing and supporting emerging talent. Marjanović explains that the festival’s talent programs bring together young professionals from the region, providing them with a platform to meet and collaborate with their peers. By constantly rejuvenating the scene and facilitating networking opportunities, the festival has become an annual meeting point for the entire region. Marjanović believes that when people know each other and regularly interact, it becomes easier for them to work together.
While the Sarajevo Film Festival has achieved significant success, Marjanović acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He emphasizes the need for funding and support for bigger-budget projects with higher production values. The festival aims to enable co-productions between national film funds, public broadcasters, and telecom companies in the region. Additionally, Marjanović suggests reducing the volume of series being produced and focusing on a few high-quality shows that can capture the imagination of audiences both within and outside the region.
One unique aspect of the Sarajevo Film Festival is its “Dealing With the Past” section, which showcases films that examine difficult periods in a nation’s history. Marjanović believes that the festival, given its unique history and the city’s connection to destruction and the ghosts of the past, can help other cultures confront their troubled histories. By presenting thought-provoking examples from different cultures, the festival encourages open discussions and facilitates a deeper understanding of one’s own past.
The Sarajevo Film Festival, born out of the Bosnian War, has become a symbol of resilience and a platform for regional cooperation in the film industry. Jovan Marjanović, the festival’s director, emphasizes its role in reconnecting and rebuilding links between the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Through promoting collaboration, supporting emerging talent, and exploring difficult histories, the festival continues to play a vital role in uniting a divided region and fostering cultural exchange.
