SFF Director Jovan Marjanović stated at the opening ceremony that the festival reflects what is happening around the world today and announced that the festival will continue to grow and develop.
Visitors to the festival's milestone edition, running until August 23, will have the opportunity to watch nearly 250 films from 70 countries, with 57 of them premiering in Sarajevo.
The competitive program's four sections will feature works from Southeast Europe, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus region, providing the audience with insights into the diverse dimensions of individual and collective artistic experiences from these countries and the challenges they face.
A total of 54 films will compete for awards in various categories, with 19 having their world premiere, nine their international premiere, three their European premiere, and 23 their regional premiere.
In the feature film category, eight films will compete for the title of Best Film, including two in which Croatia is involved as a co-producer.
The jury, chaired by acclaimed American director and screenwriter Paul Schrader, will decide who receives the "Heart of Sarajevo" award.
In the documentary film category, four Croatian films will compete for the title of Best Documentary, and David Lušičić's "Galeb" will have its international premiere in Sarajevo.
Some well-known film stars have confirmed their attendance in Sarajevo in the coming days, with the most attention garnered by the announcement of Hollywood star Meg Ryan's visit. This will be an opportunity for the audience to see her 2023 film "What Happens Later."
Additionally, American actor John Turturro, as well as screenwriters and directors Cord Jefferson, Alexander Payne, and Elia Suleiman, will attend SFF and hold workshops for young filmmakers