Author: Emina Helić Čamdžić, BA Dip. Eng. Arch. MA Arch and Volunteer for the World Architecture Community
Photo shows the main entrance at the Sarajevo Film Festival ( SFF ). Photo © Emina Helić Čamdžić, BA Dip. Eng. Arch. MA Arch and Volunteer for the World Architecture Community
The Sarajevo Film Festival ( SFF ) takes place from the 16th to 23rd August 2024, featuring 250 films from 70 countries across 20 festival programmes, with 19 films making their world premiere. From thought -provoking documentaries to compelling narratives, the festival offers a wide range of tastes and interests. As a celebration of creativity and storytelling, the SFF serves as a platform for emerging talents as well as established filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with the audience.
This year’s festival is showing films on various topics such as the persistent issue of plastic pollution and soil degradation, the challenges faced by hippos, cats and endangered species, the importance of preserving riverside forests, the risks associated with contaminated plant seeds and abnormal vegetation growth, as well as urban pollution and the need to protect green areas and playgrounds.
Photo shows film posters on the street during the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF). Photo © SFF
‘ The Special Environmental Awareness Award ’ for Green Films
At this year’s festival is awarded ‘ The Special Environmental Awareness Award ’. To raise more awareness about climate change, the SFF from this year has introduced a new award for ecological awareness and green films with the support of the UNDP BiH. In fact, the short choice was on 7 films in 9 different categories which have participated in the competition.
‘ The Films for Future ’ for Youth on Climate
The open call ' Films for Future Award ' for youth in BiH was to make a short video up to 90 seconds on the theme of how they see their contribution to solving the challenge of climate change. Awarded in the category ' The Films for Future ' are 5 videos that were chosen by the creative jury. The main award went to the film ' A Day in the Life of a Plastic Picker ' about a turtle trying to save the seas and oceans from plastic by working as an underwater cleaner.
The theme was further explained as what can they do for a healthier and greener planet and how they can make a positive change in their surroundings. This SFF award was given with the goal to raise awareness about the sustainable development and climate challenges among the youth and with the support of the UNDP BiH and the Green club.
The Masterclass Programme
Alongside the SFF film’s programme, the SFF typically includes a Masterclass programme and from the 17th to the 21st August will feature open talks from film professionals, to meet the audience with the insights into key aspects of their careers: Elia Suleiman ( FIPRESCI Cannes Film Festival award, The European Achievement in World Cinema award and receiver of the 30th SFF Honorary Heart of Sarajevo ) , Meg Ryan ( Golden Globe multiple nominated and receiver of the 30th SFF Honorary Heart of Sarajevo), John Turturro ( Cannes Film Festival, SAG and Emmy awards and receiver of the 30th SFF Honorary Heart of Sarajevo ), Alexander Payne ( multiple The Academy awards and receiver of the 30th SFF Honorary Heart of Sarajevo) and Cord Jefferson ( The Academy award, Emmy award and honorary guest of the 30th SFF).
Photo shows solar panels at the ' Open air ' cinema. Photo © SFF
This year's festival SFF is supported by the EU, enabling 60 solar panels to make the ' Open air ' film programme energy independent. This is not only going to reduce the festival's carbon footprint up to 50% and prevent around 55 tonnes of harmful greenhouse gas emissions per year, in fact presents a positive example for further events and organisations to follow in embracing renewable energy resources. The ecological aspect of the SFF in the previous timescale, read more on the link.
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