Harnessing the Power of Creative Industries for Change

Empowering Women Through Film and Dialogue

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s influential creative platforms—the Sarajevo Film Festival and Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB Doc)— are not just about showcasing films but also creating spaces for meaningful dialogue on important social topics.       

At the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, powerful discussions explored feminism and the rising issue of femicide in the region. Through the insights of playwrights, filmmakers, and cultural activists, the panel called for a shift in the cultural narrative, pushing for stronger legal frameworks and grassroots activism to combat femicide. 

In addition, the project also supported the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival Female Voices CineLink Award. This award highlights the work of women in the film industry, providing a platform for emerging female filmmakers to showcase their talent and stories. The collaboration underscores the importance of amplifying women's voices within the film industry, fostering greater representation and diversity in storytelling.               

In partnership with the project, AJB Doc hosted the panel “Violence Against Women: A Societal Problem, Not a Private Incident” that brought together filmmakers, activists, and community leaders to call for collective action and institutional accountability.

In addition, this partnership also featured workshop on smartphone documentary production to empower young filmmakers to tell women’s stories, with the best documentary to be featured at the next festival. 

Podcasting for Peace and Security

Podcasting has emerged as a dynamic medium for advocacy. The “Oslobođena” (“Liberated”) podcast dedicated an episode to the critical role of women in achieving sustainable peace. It explored how women’s testimonies shape international judicial processes while addressing ongoing gender disparities in sectors like healthcare and law enforcement. The podcast raised awareness and deepened understanding of the intersection between women’s security and lasting peace.

Training Journalists for Gender-Sensitive Reporting

The project has also focused on empowering media professionals. In Banja Luka and Sarajevo, “Reporting on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda” workshops trained over 30 journalists and journalism students in gender-sensitive reporting. These workshops equipped participants to elevate women’s issues, advocate for gender equality, and amplify marginalized voices. This new generation of journalists is now poised to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more equitable society.