Sarajevo's CineLink Unveils Co-Production and Drama Selections, Forges Partnership with Cannes' Critics' Week

Bridging Creativity: Sarajevo and Cannes Unite for Future Cinematic Voices

Sarajevo Film Festival's Industry Program Unveils Robust Selections

CineLink, the esteemed industry component of the Sarajevo Film Festival, has completed the curation of its Co-Production Market and CineLink Drama sections. This year's roster is particularly notable, featuring 16 feature film projects and eight drama series. A significant emphasis on gender equality is evident, with nine of the selected Co-Production Market projects being led or co-led by women directors.

Completing the Official Project Roster

Following the initial announcement of eleven projects in May, the official selection is now complete with the inclusion of additional compelling titles. These projects represent a diverse array of storytelling and directorial visions.

Return of Acclaimed Bulgarian Filmmakers

The selection proudly includes new works from two renowned Bulgarian directors, Nadejda Koseva and Ralitza Petrova, both of whom are returning to CineLink. Koseva, known for her short films at Berlinale and Sundance, presents "Fleur de Mar." Petrova, whose debut film "Godless" won the Golden Leopard at Locarno, brings her third feature, "Peace." Both filmmakers have a history of developing successful projects through CineLink.

Doha Film Institute Collaboration and International Projects

Further enriching the lineup are two guest projects from CineLink's ongoing collaboration with the Doha Film Institute: "The Peacock Queen," an animation for young audiences by Qatari duo Aisha Al-Jaidah and Kholood Al-Ali, and "Madness and Honey Days" by Iraqi writer-director Ahmed Yassin Al-Darraji, whose previous work premiered at Venice.

Serbian Filmmaker's New Venture and Expanded Drama Selection

CineLink+ will feature a new project from Serbian filmmaker Goran Marković, celebrated for his contributions to Yugoslav cinema. Additionally, the CineLink Drama selection expands to eight projects with "Chasing the Clouds," a Croatian-Finnish co-production by Karla Lulić and Jelena Mađarić, joining as a guest project from the TV Beats Forum Co-Financing Market.

New Financial Support for Emerging Talents

CineLink Industry Days has also introduced a new €10,000 cash award, generously provided by the Kosovo Cinematography Center. This award aims to provide crucial financial support to one project within the CineLink Co-Production Market, offering significant momentum for its development.

Strengthening Filmmaker Support and Diversity

Asja Krsmanović, head of CineLink, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse lineup, noting the inclusion of seven debut features and projects by experienced filmmakers. She highlighted the strong representation of women filmmakers and emphasized the importance of the new award in providing direct support during challenging financing times.

Detailed Co-Production Market Selections

The Co-Production Market features projects such as "The Peacock Queen," a Qatari animation about a quest for magic pearls; "Madness and Honey Days," an Iraqi, Canadian, UK, Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabian co-production exploring sanity under political pressure; "Fleur de Sel," a Bulgarian film about healing and self-discovery; "Peace," a Bulgarian and Danish co-production examining security and personal transformation; and "Fritz and Dobrila," a Serbian film depicting the absurdities of Balkan socio-politics through a unique family's lens.

CineLink Drama Selections: A Gripping Teen Mystery

The CineLink Drama section includes "Chasing the Clouds," a Croatian and Finnish co-production following six teenagers unraveling the mystery behind a tragic incident after a party game gone wrong.

A Landmark Partnership with Cannes' Critics' Week

A new, significant partnership with Cannes' Critics' Week introduces the Next Step Studio program to CineLink. This initiative, designed for emerging filmmakers, involves co-writing and co-directing short films, which then premiere at Critics' Week in Cannes. The inaugural edition took place in Indonesia, with its films premiering in May 2026.

Facilitating International Collaboration and Exposure

Through this collaboration, a CineLink director will receive the Next Step Studio Participation Award, enabling them to join the international filmmakers participating in the subsequent program edition. This exchange also involves CineLink hosting a Next Step Studio filmmaker's feature project and the Sarajevo Film Festival screening short films from the program.

Empowering First-Time Filmmakers and Expanding Networks

Maša Marković, head of industry at the Sarajevo Film Festival, emphasized the partnership's value in offering opportunities for filmmakers to create, test ideas, and build relationships, particularly highlighting the chance for a CineLink director to make a new film and present it in Cannes. Dominique Welinski, producer and curator of Next Step Studio, described the collaboration as a natural continuation of a long relationship, aiming to build bridges between emerging filmmakers and the international industry. Thomas Rosso, Critics' Week's program manager, lauded the partnership for expanding exchanges with a creatively inspiring region.

Key Dates for CineLink Industry Days and Sarajevo Film Festival

CineLink Industry Days are scheduled from August 15 to 20, while the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival will run from August 14 to 21.