23rd Sarajevo Film Festival opened with a ceremony at the National Theatre

20:55 The 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival, the most significant and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, was opened with a ceremony at the National Theatre in Sarajevo.

The SFF entrusted the opening ceremony to one of the most promising Bosnian actresses, Amila Terzimehić, who also announced the opening film "The Other Side of Hope" by Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki.

- These are the most beautiful eight days that Sarajevo can have. I plan my travels so I can attend the SFF. As for the Festival, everyone can find a film for themselves, the city is full of tourists, it lives 24 hours, and I am sorry when it ends and things return to normal. This city deserves more, to have such events more often - said the actress during this morning's appearance on the show Novi dan on N1.

20:00 At the welcome cocktail on the Festival Square during the ceremonial opening of the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival, there is an extremely positive atmosphere ahead of the start of the most important film festival in this part of Europe.

Numerous guests, public figures, and cultural workers sought refreshment before the ceremonial ceremony at the National Theatre, as well as at the Open Air cinema Metalac.

Our team spoke with some of them. Emir Hadžihafizbegović told N1 that he is overjoyed to once again promote Bosnian culture, film, hospitality, gastronomy, and spirit.

- I am happy to have three films at the festival, all three are co-productions. This shows that within the region we have no problem cooperating; we collaborate within cinematography, publishing, arts... - said Hadžihafizbegović.

He also sent a message to Bosnian politicians: "Let them look up to us cultural workers. We do not lean on any ideologies except art."

Jovan Marjanović, head of the SFF Industry department, the so-called heartbeat of the SFF, told N1 that many things are different this year.

- The new Open Air, at the old location, with a new look, picture, and sound, adds new value. New cinemas, the Youth Theatre and the Kriterion cinema. The City of Sarajevo and the Centar Municipality have taken care of the square, which looks better than ever - said Marjanović.

He says that the change in the number of festival days is good because of the greater intensity in experiencing the festival itself, with a larger number of guests and mass attendance at all events.

Bosnian director Ademir Kenović assessed that the red carpet and films are secondary, and that the industry is the most important part.

- An attempt to present what has been created here in the best possible way. It is extremely important, a fundamental way to communicate with the world, not only in film but also in economic, tourist, and diplomatic terms - said Kenović.