Bosnian Carpet Walked by Cast of Danis Tanović's Film 'After the Summer', Palestinian Director Suleiman Receives 'Heart of Sarajevo'

(Patria) - The 30th Sarajevo Film Festival has opened. Numerous guests walked the red Bosnian carpet, as did the cast of the film "After the Summer" by Oscar winner Danis Tanović, which opens the first night of the Festival. The opening ceremony was held at the National Theatre, and SFF Director Jovan Marjanović thanked everyone who participated in the SFF project, which is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.

The 30th Sarajevo Film Festival paid tribute to Palestinian director Elia Suleiman in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the art of filmmaking. The multi-award-winning author was presented with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award, and a retrospective of his selected films will be screened as part of the "Tribute to" program.

In his statement to BHRT on the red carpet, Suleiman reminded of the suffering of Palestinians and the genocide in Gaza, stating that Bosnia and Herzegovina went through the same suffering.

After receiving the Heart of Sarajevo, Suleiman said that he needs the "Heart of Sarajevo" precisely now because of what is happening in the world.

"My heart is big, but this Heart of Sarajevo is even bigger. And I will transplant it as soon as I get home. I want to thank the Sarajevo Film Festival, and for me, this is all very emotional. And now I have to go," said Suleiman.

The cast of the film 'After the Summer' and director Danis Tanović took to the stage of the National Theatre.

"Happy birthday everyone, because it's our festival's birthday. I hope you enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it, which will be a lot," said Tanović.

57 films will compete for the "Heart of Sarajevo" award, and the honorary "Heart" this year will be presented to Hollywood star, actress Meg Ryan, who will hold a Masterclass lecture for filmmakers and other interested parties during the SFF. In addition to Ryan, Sarajevo will host artists such as Kord Jefferson, Alexander Payne, Elia Suleiman, and John Turturro during the Festival.

The Festival will screen slightly over 250 works from 70 countries across various genres of film art, and the SFF is a great opportunity for numerous young authors, as well as volunteers, who are once again ensuring that the many guests of the Festival feel "at home" and can be seen working diligently at all festival locations these days.

This year's SFF will host 3,000 guests, filmmakers who have booked these days for Sarajevo.

A large number of tourists are also staying in Sarajevo, and accommodation capacities are full. Numerous events and musical performances have been prepared at several locations in Sarajevo.