Sarajevo Film Festival: CineLink Lab Opens a Pathway for Producers

As someone who has spent years immersing myself in the vibrant world of film, attending numerous festivals and industry events, I can confidently say that this year’s Sarajevo Film Festival left me truly inspired. The CineLink Producers’ Lab was a standout for me, providing an invaluable platform for Southern European producers to grow both personally and professionally.


Despite the limelight shining on this year’s Sarajevo Film Festival’s main events – such as Danis Tanović’s Oscar-nominated film “My Late Summer” having its world premiere, and the presence of Hollywood stars like Alexander Payne, Meg Ryan, and Paul Schrader throughout the week – behind the scenes, business operations have been steadily progressing.

The third installment of CineLink Producers’ Lab, hosted by SFF, brings together 15 Southern European professionals with 2 to 5 years in the industry. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience and networking opportunities within the movie industry. Its objective is to aid these producers in navigating the challenges that modern cinema encounters worldwide, while also providing them with insights into the digital supply chain transformations and the continuous evolution of film distribution methods.

The Producers’ Lab is designed to foster both personal and professional advancement for film industry professionals in Southeastern Europe, as explained by its organizers. This initiative plays a substantial role in the ongoing growth of local and regional film and audiovisual sectors, offering top-tier training experiences and easing access to markets and networks on a global scale.

As a dedicated festival-goer, I must share my excitement about the recent event that wrapped up on August 20th. This extraordinary experience was filled with masterclasses, panels, screenings, and insightful discussions led by industry veterans, some of whom graced this year’s festival with their presence.

As a cinema enthusiast, I find myself eagerly anticipating CineLink amidst the gradual resurgence of Europe’s film industry post-COVID-19. The Council of Europe’s annual report in May revealed that European box office earnings in 2022 surged by 22.3% compared to the previous year, reaching approximately $7 billion. However, this figure still lags behind pre-pandemic levels by 12%.

Still, films are being made, and this year’s Sarajevo co-production market provided plenty of examples for the young CineLink producers to follow. Like the in-development feature Selfless, put together by the Qatar-born, France-raised Algerian filmmaker Meriem Mesraoua and French producer François d’Artemare via a partnership between Netflix and the European Women’s Audiovisual Network’s inaugural Series Accelerator Program.

As a cinephile with a passion for discovering new talents, I find it truly exciting to see regional film industries nurturing and showcasing their rising stars. Having followed Ana Urushadze’s career since her award-winning debut “Scary Mother,” I eagerly anticipated the release of her latest work, “Supporting Role.”

In the dynamic world of filmmaking, Ishak Jalimam, our new CineLink leader, emphasizes that adaptability and variety are essential for giving a platform to emerging voices within our Work in Progress Section. Each movie presents unique stories and aesthetics, offering insightful glimpses into the human experience. The collection comprises projects nurtured through CineLink workshops as well as new discoveries, spanning from deeply personal narratives to those centered on conflict zones. As a whole, these films delve into the individual’s role in modern society, tackling diverse topics and pushing creative boundaries to uncover fresh viewpoints.

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2024-08-21 11:25