Sarajevo Film Festival(s)

The international “Sarajevo Film Festival” ran for ten days in October 1993. It was initiated by the MESS Festival and was supported by different international film directors, actors and organisations, who supplied films, organized their transport to Sarajevo, and provided technical and financial support. The festival’s title, “Beyond the End of the World”, was inspired by Wim Wenders’ film “Until the End of the World”, which was shown during the festival, and the festival poster was designed by photographer Annie Leibovitz. Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis, Jeremy Irons and Vanessa Redgrave planned to attend the opening, but ultimately could not join as they were denied access to the UN flight from Ancona to Sarajevo.

In October/November 1995, another film festival was organized during twelve days, this time by the Obala Art Centar, with the support of the Locarno and the Edinburgh Film Festivals. It has since developed into the largest film festival in southeastern Europe.