The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival, which concluded on August 22, 2025, celebrated a week of cinematic excellence, honoring prominent figures in the film industry and showcasing a diverse selection of films. The festival awarded the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo to acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino and esteemed actors Willem Dafoe, Ray Winstone, and Stellan Skarsgård, recognizing their significant contributions to filmmaking.
This year's event featured a comprehensive program of over 250 films, including numerous anticipated world and regional premieres. Among the films competing for awards were Vladimir Tagić's "Yugo Florida" and Srdan Vuletić's "Otter." Both narratives explored themes of family relationships, personal development, and the lasting effects of pivotal life experiences.
A central focus of the festival was the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Chiara Sambuchi's documentary, "The Srebrenica Tape. From Dad to Alisa," offered a deeply personal account of the tragedy, utilizing private footage to emphasize remembrance and the journey toward reconciliation. The film is scheduled for release in Italy in September 2025.
Further highlighting the festival's commitment to impactful storytelling, Sepideh Farsi's documentary "Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk" paid tribute to Gaza reporter Fatma Hassona. Hassona, who tragically died on April 16, 2025, in an Israeli airstrike, was recognized for her courageous reporting from Gaza. Farsi's film, which premiered at Sarajevo, is slated for a French release in September 2025, underscoring the festival's role as a vital platform for Balkan cinema and critical global narratives.