Sarajevo Festival, Council of Europe Launch Youth Perspectives Award

Youth Perspectives Take Center Stage at Sarajevo Film Festival

Marking the 30th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian war, the Sarajevo Film Festival and the council of Europe have announced a new initiative: the Special Youth Perspectives Award. This €7,500 ($7,815) prize will be presented annually for the next three years to a film that powerfully captures the experiences, aspirations, and challenges faced by young people today.

Highligting the impact of Youth Voices

The award aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role young people play in shaping their societies. Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, emphasized the significance of this initiative:

“The award will highlight ‘films that reflect the reality and thoughts of today’s youth – the challenges they face, their fears and hopes – bringing them closer to the audience and emphasizing the key role young people play in shaping the future.'”

Tobias Flessenkemper, head of the youth department of the Council of europe, echoed this sentiment:

“The transformative potential of cinema is often reflected by showcasing fresh and new perspectives. With the youth perspectives award we wish to encourage more engagement with the questions of being young today, and how people born in this century will shape it.”

Building Bridges Through Film

Beyond celebrating young talent, the award also seeks to foster understanding and bridge divides. Bojana Urumova, head of the Council of Europe in Sarajevo, explained:

“By helping young cinematic storytellers reach a wider audience, we hope to do our part towards surmounting divisions and building bridges, a vital task at this time of global challenges.”

A Party of Resilience and Hope

As the Sarajevo Film Festival kicks off from August 15th to 22nd, the Special Youth Perspectives Award promises to be a highlight, showcasing the stories and perspectives of a generation grappling with the past while shaping a hopeful future.

In a world increasingly divided, films have the unique power to connect us, to remind us of our shared humanity, and to inspire action. The Special Youth Perspectives Award is a testament to the belief that young voices deserve to be heard, and that their stories have the power to change the world.

What are the specific goals the Special youth Perspectives Award hopes to achieve by showcasing films made by young people?

The Sarajevo Film Festival: Amplifying Youth Voices wiht the Special Youth Perspectives Award

As the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian war, it has partnered with the Council of Europe to launch the Special Youth Perspectives Award. This annual €7,500 ($7,815) prize, awarded over the next three years, aims to celebrate and showcase films that encapsulate the experiences, dreams, and struggles of today’s youth.

Igniting Conversations About Youth Reality

archyde’s Human News Editor had the chance to speak with two esteemed professionals driving this initiative: Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, and Tobias Flessenkemper, head of the youth department of the Council of Europe.

Jovan Marjanović (JM)

Director, Sarajevo Film Festival

Archyde (A): Jovan, can you tell our readers about the inspiration behind the Special Youth Perspectives Award?

JM: With each passing year, the Sarajevo Film Festival grows and evolves, but one constant has always been our commitment to Platforms that foster understanding and promote meaningful change. As we approached this milestone anniversary, we saw an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the untold stories and perspectives of young people today.

A: Tobias, how do you believe this award aligns with the Council of Europe’s objectives?

Tobias Flessenkemper (TF)

Head of Youth Department, Council of Europe

TF: This award is a testament to our belief in the power of youth engagement and expression. Cinema, as a universal language, has the extraordinary ability to bring people together and spark conversation. By encouraging more films that explore the universal themes and unique challenges faced by youth today, we hope to foster a more inclusive and understanding world.

Building Bridges and Fostering Dialogue

Bojana Urumova, head of the Council of Europe in sarajevo, shared her thoughts on the award’s potential impact:

Bojana Urumova (BU)

Head, Council of Europe, Sarajevo

BU: In a world grappling with division and uncertainty, films have the unique power to connect us and foster dialogue. By providing a Platform for young filmmakers to share their stories with global audiences, we hope to play a small part in bridging divides and encouraging empathy.

A Beacon of resilience and Hope

As the Sarajevo Film Festival kicks off from August 15th to 22nd, the special Youth Perspectives Award promises to be one of the event’s most anticipated highlights.This new award underscores the festival’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and celebrating their resilience in shaping a hopeful future.

In a world that frequently enough overlooks or misunderstands our youth, the Special Youth Perspectives Award serves as a reminder that young people have not only a vital role to play in shaping our societies but also voices worthy of our collective attention and respect.

What powerful stories woudl you like to see more of from today’s youth? Share your thoughts in the comments below.