The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival concluded on Friday with the awarding of prizes and the screening of a restored version of Danis Tanović’s Oscar-winning film Ničija zemlja from 2001. The festival, held over several days, attracted thousands of viewers and showcased 250 film works from 70 countries. Among the highlights was the recognition of young director Karmela Jelić’s documentary Tiha misa, which won the prize for best short documentary. The film explores the phenomenon of "molitels", individuals who gather in public markets in Croatia to challenge gender equality, presenting them as figures seeking to question societal norms rather than being portrayed as victims. In competitive categories, 51 films were shown across eight different sections. Tiha misa, competing against eight other entries, was declared the best short documentary by the jury. Jelić, after receiving the "Heart of Sarajevo" award, expressed gratitude to her team, describing their work as having gone through hell during production. She specifically thanked Zagreb Film, the production company behind the project, stating that without their support, Tiha misa would not have been possible. Addressing the audience, she urged viewers not to portray molitels as victims, emphasizing instead their role in questioning traditional roles and expectations. The best feature film award went to the Austrian-German co-production Svaki put directed by Sandra Wollner, an intimate family drama exploring themes of guilt and forgiveness. Two Croatian co-productions also received accolades. Nitko nije ništa rekao, directed by Tamara Todorović, was named the best short fiction film. It is a collaborative effort involving Serbia, France, Slovenia, and Croatia. Additionally, the special award "Perspectives of Youth" was given to Skateboarding Isn’t for Girls, directed by Dina Dume, a film produced in collaboration between Macedonia, Belgium, Slovenia, and Croatia. At the closing ceremony, SFF director Jovan Marjanović presented the "Honorary Heart of Sarajevo" award to actor Emir Hadžihafizbegović. Marjanović praised the actor for bringing something unique to every film he has worked on and noted his belonging to the generation that helped rebuild Bosnian-Herzegovinian cinema after the war. He emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding actors and artists within the country that hosts the festival, highlighting Hadžihafizbegović's status as a top figure in both regional and global cinema. Hadžihafizbegović expressed gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the many collaborators he has worked with throughout his career. While calling the award personally significant, he acknowledged the numerous talented actors, directors, and cinematographers who have yet to receive such recognition. He specifically thanked five directors, including Ognjen Sviličić and Rajko Grlić, for their contributions to his body of work. The festival also featured the restoration of Ničija zemlja, a film that had previously garnered international acclaim. Its screening marked a notable moment in the festival's history, drawing attention to the continued relevance of Tanović’s work. The event underscored the festival's role in preserving cinematic heritage while simultaneously promoting contemporary voices in filmmaking. The awards ceremony highlighted the diversity of the film industry, showcasing both established and emerging talent from around the world. As the festival drew to a close, its impact on the global film community remained evident, with multiple projects set to gain further exposure following their premieres.
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