Sarajevo Film Festival's CineLink Emphasizes Talent Pipeline Amid Industry Challenges
CineLink Industry Days highlighted the need for sustained support of Southeast European filmmakers as the region faces technological and economic pressures.
During the Sarajevo Film Festival, Maša Marković explained that festivals and markets are increasingly vital for building a continuous talent pipeline in the face of technological disruption and economic uncertainty. CineLink's Co-Production Market presented 16 films from Southeast Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, with a notable share of female directors. A Works in Progress strand offered six fiction features and two documentaries, including a preview by Bosnian director Jasmila Žbanić.
Panels will explore how major festivals curate the global film ecosystem, the emerging visibility economy, and the challenges AI poses to the industry. The event also partnered with consultancy Olsberg SPI to assess skill shortages in the Western Balkans and aims to strengthen collaborations with European and global partners. A delegation of Swiss filmmakers will attend to explore joint projects, underscoring CineLink's year-round commitment to regional development.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to sustain and grow the Balkans' film talent, impacting cultural diversity and economic opportunities in the region.
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