The Other Face of SFF: Instead of Blushing, BiH Politicians Walked the Red Carpet While Killing BiH Cinematography

By: A.Čorbo-Zećo

It is precisely during the Sarajevo Film Festival that we should talk about the problems leading cinematography to ruin. Although politicians paraded the red carpet, where they don't belong at all, it doesn't take much to conclude that they, in their expensive suits and gowns, are most responsible for BiH cinematography being on its last legs.

Only the brave dare to speak openly about the actions of authorities who do nothing.
BiH director and the only Oscar winner Danis Tanović spoke openly today at a gathering with the audience and media within the Sarajevo Film Festival about how nothing is working. Besides praising the Sarajevo Canton, he clearly stated that if something doesn't change, 'that might be it as far as he is concerned'.
He emphasized that BiH cinematography exists solely thanks to enthusiasts.

- It was good for a few years. I have a feeling we are coming to the end of a good period. Many kids from the Academy had the opportunity to work, many colleagues who hadn't worked before. On Wednesday, we have the premiere of the second season of "Kotlina", which was made in BH Content Lab. The worst possible thing that could have happened to BiH film is the abolition of Content Lab. Simply, filmmakers here no longer have anyone to turn to for even that initial money. If something doesn't change, that might be it as far as I'm concerned and as far as Bosnian film is concerned - stated Tanović.

- We will remember the good times and good films - Tanović said, among other things.

We remind you that the Association of Directors in BiH, in a letter addressed to Nermin Nikšić, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, among other things, criticized the shutdown of the BH Content Lab platform, through which TV series and films were made.

- BH Telecom, owned by the Federation of BiH, shut down BH Content Lab despite your assurances that you would not only support this project but also increase its funding. Therefore, there will no longer be domestic content and domestic production even in the television segment - they stated.

The new director of BH Telecom, Amel Kovačević, appointed by the Trojka (SDP, NS, and NiP), announced at the company's annual press conference at the beginning of this year the abandonment of previous support for domestic film production.

The new management of BH Telecom has classified investments through the BH Content Lab project as "problematic projects".

- We put BH Content Lab under scrutiny because we did not recognize elements of justification for such investment, and we appreciate and support the development of BiH cinematography. BH Telecom is the investor and producer of all these contents.

Some of these films and series have significant results on the international scene and are very watched. We believe that the way we participated is not adequate, and we must change that methodology at the very least.

We are not the ones who deal with investing in multimedia content. Formally, we do not have people who know about film, how to make it, and how to sell it. BH Telecom will honor the previously undertaken obligations related to BH Content Lab, but we will reallocate the remaining uncontracted funds in such a way that BH Telecom does not bear all the risks when it comes to this project - Kovačević said.