Sarajevo Film Festival Spotlights Female Filmmakers

The Sarajevo Film Festival has announced the selection of seven projects for its esteemed Female Filmmakers Support Program this year. This initiative, established in 2024 by the UNIQA See Future Foundation in partnership with the Sarajevo Film Festival and Slano Film Days, is dedicated to bolstering the presence and visibility of women within the regional film industry. It offers crucial financial backing, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to talented female directors from Southeast European countries, fostering a new wave of creative voices in cinema.

The program's objective is to empower women in film by providing them with the necessary resources to bring their visions to life. Through tailored support in production and post-production, along with access to industry training and skill-building workshops, the program ensures that these filmmakers receive comprehensive assistance. The recent announcement at Slano Film Days in Croatia highlighted the commitment of all involved parties to nurturing diverse talent and promoting gender equality in the cinematic landscape.

Among the noteworthy projects selected for 2026 is Marta Popivoda's “Body in Plural,” an intimate portrayal of two dancers from Serbia and the U.S. Also chosen are Mila Turajlić's documentary “Citizens of Beauty” from Serbia, and Romanian director Ilinca Calugareanu’s legal documentary “Anatomy of Indifference.” These films represent a diverse range of genres and themes, showcasing the breadth of talent emerging from the region.

Further enriching the selection are Una Gunjak’s “How Melissa Blew a Fuse,” a narrative about a woman's journey back to Bosnia after an unexpected turn of events, and Katarina Bulajić’s feature film “Leech” from Montenegro. Jelena Maksimović’s “Until the Day Ends,” which follows two Serbian teenagers protesting political repression, and Daria Blažević's Croatian horror anthology, “The Swamp,” complete the impressive list. These projects collectively underscore the program's dedication to supporting compelling storytelling and artistic innovation.

Petra Šolman, manager of the UNIQA See Future Foundation, expressed immense pride in the program's evolution and impact. She highlighted the growing tradition of this initiative, emphasizing its role in bringing forth fresh, exciting, and unforgettable cinematic works. Šolman conveyed gratitude for the recognition of their efforts and the honor of being a foundation that champions female filmmakers, underscoring the collaborative spirit with Slano Film Days and the Sarajevo Film Festival as vital to the program's continued success.