The Sarajevo Film Festival is making significant strides in adapting its industry strand to the evolving landscape of film, gaming, and television. With new initiatives like CineLink Books and the Talents Innovation Program, the festival aims to foster collaboration and innovation across these sectors.
Adapting to Change: The Sarajevo Film Festival’s Industry Strand
Last year, the CineLink Industry Days, the industry segment of the Sarajevo Film Festival, transitioned from the iconic 140-year-old Hotel Europe to the more modern Swissôtel in the Marijin Dvor neighborhood. This move symbolized a commitment to innovation, aligning with CineLink’s ongoing efforts to introduce new strands to its expanding program.
Introducing CineLink Books and Talents Innovation Program
In response to the rising demand for intellectual property, CineLink launched CineLink Books last year, catering to regional and international professionals interested in adaptations. This year, the festival will delve into the gaming industry with the new Talents Innovation Program.
Bridging Industries
“We know we are on a good path by bringing these different industries together,” says Maša Marković, Head of Industry at the Sarajevo Film Festival. “The film industry, especially in our region, needs to adapt to various forms of content and explore synergies across sectors.”
Success of CineLink Books
During its inaugural year, the CineLink Books strand successfully pitched selected novels from the former Yugoslavia to international and regional producers. “We had great outcomes,” Marković shares. “One book was acquired for adaptation, and negotiations are ongoing for a second.” This initiative was the culmination of two years of collaboration among publishers, producers, novelists, and screenwriters.
Launching the Talents Innovation Forum
This year, the festival will unveil the Talents Innovation Forum, a three-day program designed to bridge the gap between cinema, animation, and video game development. “We aim to connect the gaming industry with the film industry,” Marković explains. “None of these industries can afford to ignore each other.”
Training for Emerging Filmmakers
Marković emphasizes the need for better skill education to facilitate transitions between these interconnected fields. “We want to open the minds of emerging filmmakers and help them enhance their skills.”
Industry Engagement
Serbian video game studio Mad Head Games will participate this year to discuss its new Hellraiser adaptation, providing insights into the franchise’s development.
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Continuing Established Strands
The festival will also maintain its traditional strands, including CineLink Talks, CineLink Co-Production Market, and CineLink Works in Progress. Additionally, the CineLink Drama strand will showcase high-end drama series from Southeast Europe, while its documentary initiatives will include Docu Rough Cut Boutique and Docu Talents from the East.
New Awards Announcement
Earlier this year, it was announced that the festival’s Heart of Sarajevo Awards for TV series will merge with the new Adriatic Film and TV Awards, launching in Montenegro this October. This collaboration aims to spotlight both fiction films and TV series.
Looking Ahead
Marković expresses excitement about this shift, stating, “The new Adriatic Film and TV Awards will celebrate the talent in films and series, giving them the recognition they deserve.”
CineLinks Industry Days runs from August 16-21, 2025.
