The screening of the film "Father" opened the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival

The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival opened with the screening of the film Očevina directed by Pawlikowski, marking the start of a week-long celebration of cinema featuring over 250 films from 70 countries. The festival commenced on Friday, drawing attention as one of the largest regional film showcases in Europe. The opening ceremony took place in Sarajevo, a city known for its deep connection to cinematic history and cultural expression. Directed by Polish filmmaker Pawlikowski, Očevina is a historical drama centered around Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann. The film explores both the personal struggles of this literary giant and the broader societal challenges faced during major historical shifts. It was previously awarded the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its artistic and narrative significance. Pawlikowski's work continues his exploration of black-and-white cinematography and poetic storytelling, reminiscent of his earlier film Cold War. The story follows Mann’s return to Germany in 1949, where he received two awards named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one from German authorities within the American occupation zone and another from those under Soviet control. This serves as a reflection on past decisions and a confrontation with contemporary issues. Pawlikowski expressed his admiration for Sarajevo, stating that the film speaks to history, family, and love, elements he believes are particularly relevant to the city. He was honored with the honorary heart of Sarajevo award for his overall contribution to film art. Director Jovan Marjanović praised the film for its relevance to the present, noting how it addresses more than just the past. He emphasized the importance of such narratives in a time when Europe is reconsidering identity and boundaries. Marjanović also highlighted Pawlikowski’s deep connection to the festival, having visited Sarajevo four times before. Other notable guests receiving the honorary heart of Sarajevo include actress Emily Watson, who chairs the jury for the competition section, actors Woody Harrelson and Diego Luna, and director Asghar Farhadi. Regional film star Emir Hadžihafizbegović will also receive recognition. Croatian director Igor Bezinović, whose film Fiume o morte was released last year, is part of the jury judging the best acted film category. Nine films from the wider region compete for the title of best acted film, with Croatia represented by Male stvari, directed by Zvonimir Jurić. In the documentary category, three Croatian co-productions are competing for the best documentary prize: The Balkan Cowboy by Dragane Jurišić, Živjet ćemo zajedno by Dragana Markovine, and Tragovi pripadanja by Tatjana Božić. Three Croatian films are also in contention for the short documentary award: Ram Bhai by Branka Schmidta, Medo u šparogama by Ivan Grgur, and Tiha misa by Karle Jelić. In addition to these competitive entries, the festival offers a wide selection of non-competitive films for public viewing. The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival presents a diverse program, offering audiences access to a broad range of cinematic achievements. With over 50 films in competition and numerous other screenings, the festival continues to serve as a vital platform for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.