Expanding the Realm from Gaming to Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property Discussions: How the Industry Event in Sarajevo Emphasizes Inclusion to Position Balkan Filmmakers at the Table of the Discourse
CineLink Industry Days Return to Bolster Southeastern European Film Industry
The global film industry is facing a series of disruptive challenges, with the looming threat of AI raising existential questions for the future of filmmaking. Amidst this uncertainty, the CineLink Industry Days, running alongside the Sarajevo Film Festival from August 16-21, are providing a much-needed platform for filmmakers from Southeastern Europe and the wider region.
Now in its 23rd year, CineLink Industry Days has established itself as the premier showcase and breeding ground for talent from the former Yugoslavia and beyond. This year, the bulk of industry activities will take place in the conference center of the Swissotel and the adjacent Festival Garden, which was introduced last year and underwent a revamp.
Supporting Film Projects and Talent
CineLink Industry Days offers a range of programmes designed to support film projects and talent from the region. The Work in Progress and Docu Rough Cut Boutique showcase 11 feature-length films (fiction and documentary) from Southeast Europe and the MENA region, providing opportunities for completion and enhanced distribution. Notable projects include "The Forbidden Aunt" by Bojana Novaković.
The CineLink Female Filmmakers Support Programme prioritises women directors or co-directors and at least one other key female team member from six Southeastern European countries. This initiative aims to foster gender inclusivity and empowerment in the film industry.
The Series Lab targets international teams developing original and commercially viable TV series, offering mentorship, workshops, and a final industry event to improve packaging, pitching, and audience analysis.
Promoting Sustainability and Creative Autonomy
CineLink Industry Days also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, including certification as an environmentally sustainable event, waste separation, use of electric vehicles, LED lighting, and programming that encourages discussion on climate and environmental protection.
The CineLink Talks program will discuss AI, inclusion, sustainability, and creative autonomy in contemporary filmmaking. This year, a notable addition to the line-up is the launch of the Talents Sarajevo Innovation Forum, a three-day strand focused on IP development at the intersection of filmmaking, animation, and video games.
Strengthening the Regional Film Industry
Through these initiatives, CineLink Industry Days aims to facilitate finishing, financing, distribution, training, and impact campaigns for filmmakers from Southeastern Europe and surrounding areas, thereby strengthening the regional film industry’s visibility, professionalism, and cultural exchange on an international scale.
As event organisers, including CineLink head Maša Marković, face pressure to stay relevant and ensure that countries of Southeastern Europe aren't left behind in an increasingly Balkanized media environment, CineLink Industry Days continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the region's filmmakers.
This year, the event has grown its footprint to incorporate the wider region, with CineLink Drama presenting seven high-end series from the Balkan region. Marković also emphasises a focus on new practices and synergy between the gaming and filmmaking industries.
With the Sarajevo Film Festival running from August 15-22, CineLink Industry Days promises to be a hub of activity and opportunity for filmmakers and industry professionals alike.
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