31st Sarajevo Film Festival
Official poster | |
| Opening film | The Pavilion, by Dino Mustafić |
|---|---|
| Location | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Awards | Heart of Sarajevo |
| Hosted by | Directorate of Sarajevo Film Festival |
| Festival date | Opening: 15 August 2025 Closing: 22 August 2025 |
| Website | www |
The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will be held from 15 to 22 August 2025 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.[1] The Bosnian dark retirement home comedy The Pavilion, by Bosnian filmmaker Dino Mustafić will open the festival.[2] The opening ceremony will be co-hosted by Max Alija Ludwig, Charlotte Izmira Cavcic, and Bosnian actor Lidija Kordić.[3][4]
Paolo Sorrentino, an Italian film director, screenwriter, and writer will be the recipient of Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award this year for "outstanding contribution to the art of cinema". A retrospective of his films will also be featured as part of the festival’s "Tribute To" program.[5]
Highlights
- "Watch. Think. Act. - Youth for Human Rights"
As part of this edition, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Dialogue for the Future 3 project, the festival will present the program "Watch. Think. Act. – Youth for Human Rights". Young people aged 18 to 25, through films, discussions, collaborative activities, and visits to key locations, will gain insight into the core principles of human rights, learn to identify and uphold them in daily life, and connect with like-minded peers committed to driving social change.[6]
- Special Youth Perspectives Award:
From this edition newly introduced 'Special Youth Perspectives Award' with the participation of the Council of Europe will be presented. As per the Council:
"The award aims to highlight the perspectives and approaches of young people to meeting current challenges".
And it will be presented to a
"film portraying young people’s role in shaping societies and democracies, as well as their experiences and aspirations, and issues that matter the most to them."[7]
- Poster
The poster designed by Jons Vukorep has the word 'SARAJEVO' written in the shape of a heart, representing a symbol of both the city and the award itself. [8]
Official selection
Opening Film
The opening film The Pavilion is a Bosnian dark comedy film directed by Dino Mustafić. The film is about elderly residents of a nursing home, who frustrated by years of abuse, arm themselves and rise up against the staff, resulting in a tense confrontation with law enforcement.
| English title | Original title | Director(s) | Production country |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pavilion | Paviljon | Dino Mustafić | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Special awards
Honorary Heart of Sarajevo
- Paolo Sorrentino, Italian film director, screenwriter, and writer. [5]
References
- ^ "Reruns of the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival in several Bosnia and Herzegovina. cities and municipalities". Sarajevo Film Festival. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Leo Barraclough (25 June 2025). "Sarajevo Film Festival to Open With Dark Comedy 'The Pavilion' With Lidija Kordic as Ceremony Host". Variety. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Georg Szalai (25 June 2025). "Sarajevo Film Fest to Open With Dark Retirement Home Comedy 'The Pavilion,' Lidija Kordic to Host Opening Ceremony". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Michael Rosser (25 June 2025). "Dino Mustafic's 'The Pavilion' to open Sarajevo Film Festival 2025". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ a b Leo Barraclough (2 June 2025). "Paolo Sorrentino to Be Feted at 31st Sarajevo Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Program "Watch. Think. Act. - Youth for Human Rights" at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival". Sarajevo Film Festival. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Council of Europe and the Sarajevo Film Festival introduce the Special Youth Perspectives Award". Council of Europe. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "We present the visual of the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival". Sarajevo Film Festival. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ Petkovic, Vladan (25 June 2025). "Dino Mustafić's The Pavilion to open Sarajevo". Cineuropa. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "The world premiere of Dino Mustafić's film "Pavilion" opens the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival". Sarajevo Film Festival. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.