Stari Grad supports SFF: Army of 900 people working on every corner of Sarajevo

The Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality Ibrahim Hadžibajrić and the Director of the Sarajevo Film Festival Mirsad Purivatra signed today a contract for the allocation of 15,000 KM as support for this year's 23rd edition, which takes place from August 11 to 18, 2017, reports the Patria agency.

Mayor Hadžibajrić said that the SFF is a brand that has outgrown the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the region.

- Many of our neighbours would give anything to have a festival like this. The institutions that should recognize what the SFF is and its importance for Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have not recognized it, and the funds allocated from the levels of government, both from the Council of Ministers and the Federal Government, are meager. It has mostly fallen on the Canton, municipalities, and the City, as much as we can help – said Hadžibajrić.

He called on federal and state institutions to join in supporting the festival.

The Stari Grad Municipality will also pay for the accommodation of guests staying in Sarajevo during the SFF.

Mirsad Purivatra said that ahead of the start of the 23rd SFF, work is being done on every corner, and 600 people are directly involved in the organization, along with 300 volunteers.

- A small army is on the streets of Sarajevo, and from this city, a different image, a positive image will be sent for eight days, and we are happy that the SFF has such an impact – said Purivatra.

Purivatra emphasized that the SFF has constant and stable support from the Stari Grad Municipality.

- This festival would not be what it is without this part of the city. If you start from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Hall all the way to all the beautiful views of Sarajevo, the Stari Grad Municipality is unique almost in all of Europe. I have not seen such beauty and uniqueness in a 2-3 km area that provides wonderful moments. Our goal is to watch films, and I invite everyone to experience the experience of watching a film with 1,000 people and enjoy the tourist offer – said Purivatra.

The Director of the SFF said that he also spoke with the Deputy Special Representative of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who asked him what more could be done and how to promote some new values. Purivatra replied:

- The SFF has done its maximum; we cannot do more without strategic thinking from local, federal, and state authorities on how to improve such a project and further utilize it, and how to produce 5, 10, or 15 more projects like the SFF – said Purivatra, adding that the goal is to keep young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jusuf Pušina, Chairman of the Stari Grad Municipal Council, said that the SFF has achieved what once seemed unimaginable.

- The festival is globally known and recognized in the world. We have the best product. The Stari Grad Municipality will participate within its means and as much as we can in the budget because we are limited. What we give, we give with our hearts and extend a hand – said Pušina.