The 15th Telemach Youth Film Festival Sarajevo is now open

With the grand opening ceremony of the 15th Telemach Youth Film Festival, the jubilee edition of one of the most significant youth film festivals in Southeast Europe has begun.

 

The festival fever started early in the morning with the opening of the Festival Square. The opening ceremony was preceded by a Red Carpet event, attended by numerous guests from the public, cultural, and political spheres, including director Pjer Žalica, director of OFF (Omladinski filmski festival) Kenan Musić, actress Anita Ognjanović, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk, parliamentary representative Saša Magazinović, municipality heads Srđan Mandić (Centar) and Nermin Muzur (Ilidža), Minister in the Government of Sarajevo Canton Admir Katica, and many others.

 

Addressing the Festival's guests, Kenan Musić, the director of OFF, recalled the year 2015 when the current team took over OFF.

 

"At that time, we had the idea of becoming what we are today – the largest short and youth film festival in Southeast Europe. Today, OFF is a serious and esteemed festival, an essential player in the film industry. We actively participate in film production, distribution, and promotion in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Europe, and we are present at all significant European film festivals, which allows us to have an outstanding program. This year's Festival brings 59 films from 14 countries in five selections. We have the highest number of feature films in the official competition – 8 feature films, including two Oscar candidates, the films 'Eo' and 'Close'," said Musić.

 

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk emphasized the importance of providing young filmmakers with a platform to showcase their talents.

 

"Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region are rich in talent, and without such festivals, they cannot demonstrate their knowledge and connect with their older colleagues to gain additional experience. The support of the Sarajevo Canton Government for these and similar projects will never be absent," said Prime Minister Nihad Uk.

 

Anita Ognjanović and Mihajlo Veruović, known as Voyage, received the awards for the Best Acting Duo. The award was presented as part of Ilidža Open Air, and Ognjanović accepted it on behalf of Veruović, who couldn't attend the Festival due to personal reasons.

 

"I am delighted to see the festival growing, and it seems that it will only become larger and stronger," said the awarded actress.

 

Pjer Žalica, a member of the jury and a director, stressed the importance of young people for the world of film.

 

"It's wonderful to see that young people can watch films about young people, and I hope that this will inspire some of them to create films," said Žalica.

 

The Festival, which is showcasing a record number of films this year, will host numerous film stars from the region and Europe. Among the teen stars of the festival are Zeno Garton, director of the film "The Lost Boys," and Khalil Ben Gharibia, the lead actor of the same film, as well as Emina Smajić and Milena Aboyan from the film "Elaha." Without a doubt, the young Italian actor Matta Carrano, from the series "Prisma" (Amazon Prime), will attract the most attention as he will receive the "Best New Appearance" award at this year's Festival.

 

As per the decision of the Sarajevo Canton Government, all catering establishments in the Canton can operate until two o'clock past midnight throughout the Festival. Additionally, the working hours have been extended for all places and venues associated with the Youth Film Festival and the locations where festival events are being held.

 

Each day during the Festival, a series of accompanying programs will be held at the theater square, and it is definitely worth highlighting the OFF Talks programs. These programs feature conversations with special guests of the festival, authors, and protagonists of the films, and they will start at 12:00.

 

The last night of the Festival is reserved for a concert by the band "Letu štuke" at the Summer Stage of Vilsonovo šetalište. The entry is free and open from 21:30, and the concert will last until after midnight.

 

The Festival will conclude with an official after-party at the Youth Center and the music spectacle "Central Clubbing." The entry fee is 10.00 KM.

 

Access to all screenings and Festival events is exclusively possible with tickets, regardless of whether the entry is free or paid. These tickets can be obtained and purchased online or at the box office in front of the Youth Theater.