Sarajevo Film Festival is a factory that brings in 50 million KM in eight days

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A meeting was held today between representatives of the Sarajevo Canton Government and the management of the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) and representatives of cantonal public companies providing support for this cultural event.

This year's SFF will be held from August 16-23, with an added concert by Goran Bregović on August 24 at Bijela tabija, the KS Press Service announced.

Festival director Mirsad Purivatra, noting that the festival will take place at two new locations in the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo this year, emphasized that security, city cleanliness, and a stable supply of water and electricity are most important for its smooth running.

"Although we have been satisfied with what the Canton does for us so far, we must be aware that some other groups are preparing for this event. The management of the Cannes Film Festival told us that 20,000 pickpockets and beggars come specifically during the festival days every year. The situation is similar here," said Purivatra.

The SFF management requested approval for catering facilities to have extended operating hours until two hours after midnight, and the Ministry of Transport of Sarajevo Canton promised that tram and trolleybus lines will also operate with extended hours.

This is a contribution to the safety and comfort of our citizens and guests.

A study by an independent international firm conducted two years ago states that over 50 million convertible marks are generated during the eight days of the festival. During the festival, around 30,000 tourists stay in the Canton, and 10,000 of them came exclusively for this event. While the average tourist stay in our canton is 2-3 days, festival tourists stay for 4-5 days and spend approximately 150 KM per day.

When all investments in SFF from state and EU funds are added up, for every mark invested, we get 2.2 KM back.

"Cultural and creative industries have the highest rate of return on invested capital. The time of dreams about a factory in the city center is over. This is a factory in the city center that brings in 50 million KM in eight days. The reputational value and enhancement of the Canton's image due to this event are difficult to measure in monetary terms," said Forto.

Research by the same firm showed that foreigners' first associations with Sarajevo are: assassination, Sarajevo Film Festival, war, and the Olympics.