Slovenia's record attendance at the Sarajevo Film Festival

At the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, Slovenia achieved record participation with 16 films and one series, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. Among them, Slovenian director Urša Menart's feature film Vse, kar je narobe s tabo will have its world premiere in Sarajevo on Sunday. The film explores themes of friendship, emotional displacement, and longing for closeness through the story of Maruša, who feels lost after her mother’s death. She reconnects online with Alja, a medical nurse living in a small coastal town in Germany, sharing both humor and challenges. However, their meeting in person soon tests their friendship. The festival, scheduled from August 14 to 21, will showcase a diverse range of films, including 21 entries in the main competition, six international, one European, and 23 regional. The selection committee reviewed a total of 1,215 films, comprising 210 feature films, 305 documentaries, and 700 short films, with 51 competing for the coveted Sarajevo Heart award. The jury for the main competition will be chaired by British actress Emily Watson, who will also receive the Sarajevo Heart honor. Other jurors include Mexican actor and director Diego Luna, Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, Bosnian-Herzegovinian actor Emir Hadžihafizbegović, and American actor Woody Harrelson. Urša Menart, returning to the festival following her debut Ne bom več luzerka (2018), described her new work as a deeply personal exploration of human relationships in a modern, increasingly isolated world. The film features Anuša Kodelja and Klara Kuk in leading roles, blending intimacy, humor, and vulnerability. Menart expressed her joy at being able to present the film to the public, especially at the Sarajevo Film Festival, which supported the project during its creation. The festival’s programming includes a mix of styles and perspectives, reflecting the richness of contemporary regional cinema. According to the selection committee member Elma Tataragić, the chosen films offer a broad panorama ranging from intimate family dramas and coming-of-age stories to socially conscious realism and formally daring authorial works. Notably, six out of the nine selected feature films are directed by women, highlighting the growing presence and influence of female filmmakers in shaping the future of regional cinema. In addition to Menart’s film, other Slovenian contributions include the documentary Čas v zaporu, in po njem, which follows the lives of two women navigating the challenges of rural life and tradition. The film captures the pride and resilience of mothers and daughters as they preserve their heritage on the largest pastoral area on the Balkans. The documentary is part of a broader effort to highlight the cultural and social narratives of everyday life in the region. The Sarajevo Film Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers, offering a space for dialogue, exchange, and recognition. With its focus on diversity, quality, and artistic innovation, the festival remains a key event in the global cinematic calendar, drawing audiences and participants from around the world. As the festival approaches, anticipation grows for the films and conversations that will unfold over the coming days.