Celebrating documentary excellence at the Sarajevo Film Festival
A spotlight on Central and Eastern European documentaries
The Sarajevo Film Festival recently hosted its CineLink Industry Days, where the Docu Talents From the East segment showcased eight compelling documentaries from Central and Eastern Europe. These films, set for theatrical release in the next 12 months, captivated audiences and juries alike with their unique storytelling and profound themes.
Top honors for ‘Baltic UXO’
The Lithuanian-German-Latvian co-production, Baltic UXO, directed by Agnė Dovydaitytė and Alexander Belinski, clinched the top award, accompanied by a $5,000 prize. This documentary delves into the aftermath of World War II, where 1.6 million tons of munitions, including chemical weapons, were discarded into the Baltic and North Seas. The film meticulously examines the ecological repercussions on marine life and coastal landscapes.
The jury praised the project for its professional execution and stunning cinematography, noting its potential to transform a hidden historical secret into a universal narrative. They highlighted the film’s relevance to contemporary discussions on environmentalism, militarism, and political decisions made behind closed doors.
‘The Big Chief’ wins DAFilms.com Distribution Award
Polish director Tomasz Wolski’s The Big Chief, produced by Anna Gawlita, received the DAFilms.com Distribution Award, which includes a 3,000 Euros in-kind prize. This award ensures an international VOD release on DAFilms.com, covering the Americas, Europe, and Asia for two years.
The documentary centers on Leopold Trepper, a World War II espionage mastermind who faced severe persecution in 1970s Poland. Once celebrated for his “Red Orchestra” network, Trepper became a target for the communist regime. Stripped of his job and under constant surveillance, he struggled to obtain a passport, with the USSR viewing him as a liability.
The film captures the international efforts to secure Trepper’s release, including a hunger strike and mounting pressure from France. Despite numerous obstacles, Trepper eventually emigrated to Israel. The jury commended the film for its potential as a modern thriller, bringing to light a lesser-known historical figure through rich archival footage.
Docu Talents: A launchpad for documentary filmmakers
Since its inception in 2005, Docu Talents has been a crucial platform for both established and emerging documentary filmmakers. Curated by the Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival, it has introduced works by notable directors such as Laila Pakalniņa, Vladimir Mansky, and Helena Třeštíková. Films presented at Docu Talents have premiered at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Berlin, Locarno, Rotterdam, and Sundance.
Marek Hovorka, director of Ji.hlava, emphasized the pioneering role of documentarians in capturing and presenting contemporary reflections. This year’s selection highlighted pressing themes such as mental health, environmental issues, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on neighboring countries.
Emerging Producers for 2025
During the awards ceremony, Ji.hlava representatives announced the Emerging Producers for 2025. This program aims to support European documentary film producers through networking, educational, and promotional opportunities. Seventeen European producers will be joined by a producer from Canada, the guest country for the 2025 program. The initiative includes two workshops, one in Jihlava in October 2024 and another during the Berlinale in February 2025.
The selected producers for 2025 are:
- Vahagn Khachatryan (Armenia)
- Michal Sikora (Czech Republic)
- Danai Anagnostou (Finland)
- Elise Hug (France)
- Michael Kalb (Germany)
- Loránd Balázs Imre (Hungary)
- Zofia Kujawska (Poland)
- Daniel Pereira (Portugal)
- Elena Martín (Romania)
- Danilo Lazovic (Serbia)
- Monika Lošťáková (Slovakia)
- Zoran Dževerdanović (Slovenia)
- Miguel Eek Quesada (Spain)
- Ashley Smith (Sweden)
- Irene Muñoz Martin (Switzerland)
- Luiza Paiva (U.K.)
- Mariia Ponomarova (Ukraine/Netherlands)
- Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre (Canada)
Reflecting on the power of documentaries
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the Sarajevo Film Festival and its Docu Talents From the East segment offer a treasure trove of stories that transcend borders and time. These documentaries not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought, shedding light on lesser-known historical events and contemporary issues. As we look forward to the theatrical releases of these films, it’s clear that the power of documentary filmmaking lies in its ability to connect us with the world in profound and unexpected ways.