Last year we had a remarkable success with ten films by local authors, but this year there are fewer films produced. Still, the film industry here exists, there are new films that have already been awarded at the festivals in the region and which we are watching at the MFF, like the documentary “Hassan’s Wars”, which is the winner of this year’s Vukovar Film Festival in the documentary category. This not only shows the talent of our authors, but also contributes to the development of the film scene in BiH, encouraging young filmmakers to explore topics and recognise the value of their stories. 

As for my directing plans, I am currently working on a few ideas that are close to my heart. Although I haven’t made a final decision, I am still thinking about biographical films through which I would like to preserve significant people from Herzegovina on film. In the meantime, I enjoy working on the festival organisation and supporting other talented authors. 

This year the program includes twenty exceptional documentaries which are dealing with a wide range of topics, from human rights, intimate confessions, the downfall of industrial giants, war horrors to environmental issues. I expect powerful emotions and deep stories that will stimulate discussions among the audience. Some of the films explore social changes, while others offer an insight into the challenges which different communities face. This selection of documentaries is maybe one of the best so far and I believe that it will leave a deep impression on the audience. 

Besides the documentary programs, I am especially looking forward to the workshops and presentations that we have organised during the festival. This year we have a presentation with the photographer Stephan Lupino who is going to teach us about artistic photography in a digital era, and many other authors from the world of classic art, film and music. Also we have arranged educations about important subjects in the film industry such as how to finance a film through the Creative Europe programs. Activities like these further enrich the festival and provide new knowledge. Otherwise, all of this is open to anyone interested in such topics to join us.

As one of the few international events in BiH with a long history, we are aware of the challenges we face when it comes to support from the state and cultural institutions. It is crucial for events like our festival to enter into regular funding outside of the tenders that all the levels of government invite throughout the year. I think that we deserved it after a quarter of a century and that there is no need to prove ourselves anymore and show that we are here.

My passion for film and arts is what drives me. After 25 years every new edition of the festival brings new challenges, but also new opportunities for growth. Every time I see the enthusiasm of the audience and their response to the films, I feel that every effort was worth it. This community and everything that we have created motivate me to continue working on the festival. Also, every new generation of filmmakers that spring up gives me additional energy and inspiration. 

I see MFF in the future as a key point for the development of the film industry in Herzegovina. I want us to expand cooperation with other festivals, organise more workshops and create a stronger industrial platform. Also, I hope that we will continue to attract an international audience, and work on strengthening the network of filmmakers. Our goal is to make the festival even more accessible and stimulating, through our work we want to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, and create a lasting impact on the cultural scene in the region.