17th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival

This international cultural event, held for the first time in 1995 at the height of the siege of the Bosnian capital, seeks to support and further regional cinema and authors. It will run from 22 to 30 July 2011 .

Short and full-length films by young directors from Eastern and Southern Europe are screened at the Festival, together with independent productions. The festival is a professional platform for the seventh art in a region where the Council of Europe is very active. The issues addressed by the contending works quite often tie in with the values upheld by the Organisation. Many are furthermore co-financed by the Council of Europe’s Eurimages support fund for European cinema.

Living together
The Council of Europe at the 2011 Sarajevo Festival

The Council of Europe will this year add its human rights touch to the festival with a presentation and discussion of the Eminent Person’s report "Living Together: Combining diversity and freedom in 21st-century Europe".

The Directorate of Communication, in close collaboration with the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, plans numerous events not only to celebrate the diversity of our continent but also to debate the challenges facing European society, such as xenophobia, the rise of extremist attitudes and intolerance.

TV spot

"Living together - unexpected friendship"
A TV spot aimed at supporting the "Living together in diversity" message has been produced by the Council of Europe. It was publicly screened for the first time on 22 July at the Sarajevo Film Festival and shown before the start of each film at the festival.

Council of Europe activites
Council of Europe activites during the Sarajevo Film Festival: 
  • 21 July, 10am, Cafe/restaurant Garden

Press conference announcing the planned activities of the Council of Europe during the 17th Sarajevo Film Festival

  • 26 July, 12 - 2 pm

Screening of a documentary "Understand me, understand us" produced by Bosnian teenagers, followed by a debate on freedom of expression and religion

  • 27 July, 11 am - 1 pm, Multiplex cinema

Special day dedicated to human rights, round table on "Living together in diversity and freedom"

  • 28 July, 10.30 am - 6.30pm, Hotel Europe

Regional Forum 2011: European Audiovisual Observatory's presentation of distribution and exhibition trends in the European cinema markets 2010 and report on public funding of audiovisual works in Europe

  • 29 July, 5.30 pm, Teen Arena

"Ode to Joy", the European anthem, Hip-Hop version by Flo-M

  • 30 July, 11 am - 5 pm

Council of Europe stand during “Family Day”. Drawing contest "Living together in peace and diversity"

  • 30 July, 8pm, National Theatre

Award Ceremony: Eurimages Co-production Development Award