United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues strong partnership with the Sarajevo Film Festival

This long-standing partnership reflects the United Nations’s belief that culture, film and open dialogue are powerful drivers of peace, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.

“Through film and cultural activities, the Sarajevo Film Festival transcend barriers and create space for dialogue and understanding,” said Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We are proud that this year our cooperation with the Sarajevo Film Festival is expanding through new initiatives supported by the United Nation’s Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), strengthening youth engagement in human rights dialogue, support women filmmakers’ leadership, and deepen discussion on reconciliation and climate action.”

Jovan Marjanović, Director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, emphasized: “The Festival was founded on the belief that culture connects people and communities and contributes to creating new values. Continuing our long-standing collaboration with the United Nations helps us further amplify youth voices, support women creators, and use film to spark conversations on key issues shaping our future.” 

Under the patronage of UNESCO—which in 2019 recognized Sarajevo as a City of Film within its global Network of Creative Cities—a special reception will celebrate the city’s cinematic and cultural heritage, as well as to honor the Festival’s legacy of fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. It will be co-hosted by UNESCO, the Government of Sarajevo Canton, the City of Sarajevo, and the Sarajevo Film Festival.

“Sarajevo’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film is a testament to the power of creativity to shape inclusive and resilient societies,” said Sinisa Šešum, Head of the UNESCO Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We are proud to support the City and Sarajevo Film Festival as a platform where stories transcend borders, and where young voices and artistic visions inspire dialogue, creativity, and hope for the sustainable future.”

During the Festival week, from 15 to 22 August, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will support the following activities through various initiatives implemented by United Nations agencies in cooperation with civil society organizations and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina – focusing on youth and women’s voices and offering new perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing the country and the world:

Watch. Reflect. Act. – Youth for Human Rights: This programme will be held with the support of the PBF initiative “Dialogue for the Future 3” (DFF3), jointly implemented by UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme brings together young people aged 18–25 from ten DFF3 partner cities/municipalities, who will attend specially curated screenings, panels, workshops, and cultural visits during the Festival. 

In Youth Eyes – Regional Youth Programme: Supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), within the “Dealing with the Past” programme, it brings together youth from across the Western Balkans to share stories on intercultural dialogue, cooperation, diversity, and peacebuilding.

Panel on Diaspora Perspectives on Migration: It is organized by IOM on 19 August, featuring acclaimed BiH authors from the diaspora exploring migration, identity, and well-being through film.

As part of the “Dealing with the Past” programme, the documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” by Sepideh Farsi, will be screened on 19 August. The film, premiered at Cannes in May 2025, tells the story of photographer Fatima Hassouna—tragically killed in Gaza just before the world premiere. The film will be followed by a panel discussion organized by the PBF-supported initiative Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina (WPS)—a joint UN Women, UNFPA and IOM programme in partnership with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will focus on the role of women in film and peacebuilding with Aida Begić award-winning director from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dragana Jovović producer from Serbia, exploring war crimes and political narratives, and Marta Popivoda, Berlin-based acclaimed feminist films exploring history and memory. 

The WPS initiative will once again partner with the CineLink Female Voices Award to support emerging women filmmakers, amplify their voices, and champion gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive peace in the film industry.

For the third consecutive year, UNDP, in partnership with the Green Club and the Sarajevo Film Festival, will convene the Regional Climate Conference “Climate Change – Challenges for Future Prosperity” at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 20 August, bringing together parliamentarians from across the Western Balkans to advance environmental protection and the Green Agenda. This year, with DFF3 support, the conference will also feature a dedicated youth dialogue on green topics. 

Teen Action Programme: DFF3 will partner with this short film competition encouraging youth engagement and social responsibility through film.

The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will conclude on 22 August 2025 with an awards ceremony celebrating filmmakers from across the globe and reaffirming the Festival’s role as a beacon of cultural resilience and social transformation. A prestigious award for Best Director, supported by UNESCO, will be presented in recognition of outstanding cinematic achievement.