Sarajevo Film Festival Awards: “Excursion” Wins “Ivica Matić” Prize
The 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, a significant cultural event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcased an array of cinematic talents through its Partners' Awards. Among the most prestigious recognitions was the "Ivica Matić" award, which this year was awarded to the film "Excursion," directed by Una Gunjak. The committee for this award, comprised of Elma Tataragić, Alena Džebo, and Nermin Hamzagić, honored Gunjak for her outstanding work.
Additionally, the festival celebrated the lifetime contribution of Šemsudin Gegić to Bosnian and Herzegovinian cinema by awarding him the "Ivica Matić" award for overall contribution. This recognition highlights the festival's commitment to acknowledging those who have significantly impacted the nation's film industry.
The BH Film Student Programme Awards were also a highlight of the event. "Good Luck, Sarah!" directed by Isidora Ratković from the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, received the award for Best BH Student Film. The jury, composed of Emina Omerović, Alen Muratović, and Zdenko Jurilj, also granted a Special Jury Award to "We'll Buy the Fish Tomorrow," directed by Sara Ristić, and a Special Jury Mention to "Zanzibar 4K Colorized," directed by Lea Tošić from the Academy of Performing Arts in Banja Luka.
The "Amira Lekić" award mentor for 2024 was announced as Jovan Marjanović, with the announcement being made by Sara Radusinović and Alena Džebo.
In the European Short Film category, "Winter," directed by Tomek Popakul and Kasumi Ozeki, was selected as a candidate for the European Film Academy Best Short Film Award. The jury for this award included Mathieu Janssen, Stanislaw Liguzinski, and Katya Trichkova.
The CICAE Award, presented by the International Confederation of Art Cinemas, was awarded to "Family Therapy" directed by Sonja Prosenc. This award is intended to support the film’s distribution and audience outreach across a network of 3,000 cinemas.
Lastly, the Cineuropa Prize, which celebrates films promoting European dialogue and integration, was awarded to "Three Kilometers to the End of the World," directed by Emanuel Pârvu. The prize includes €5,000, emphasizing the film’s artistic quality and contribution to European cinema.
Complete List of Awards:
- "Ivica Matić" Award: "Excursion" / Una Gunjak / Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Overall Contribution to Bosnian Cinema: Šemsudin Gegić
- Best BH Student Film: "Good Luck, Sarah!" / Isidora Ratković / The Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo
- Special Jury Award: "We'll Buy the Fish Tomorrow" / Sara Ristić / The Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo
- Special Jury Mention: "Zanzibar 4K Colorized" / Lea Tošić / The Academy of Performing Arts in Banja Luka
- European Short Film Candidate: "Winter" / Tomek Popakul, Kasumi Ozeki / European Film Academy Best Short Film Award Candidate
- CICAE Award: "Family Therapy" / Sonja Prosenc
- Cineuropa Prize: "Three Kilometers to the End of the World" / Emanuel Pârvu