Sixty-three young film professionals from Southeast Europe and the South Caucasus have been selected to take part in the 19th edition of Talents Sarajevo, which this year will be held under the theme FILMING AS CARING.
Participants come from 17 of the 20 countries covered by the program, chosen from a pool of 560 applicants. The highest number of applications came from Greece, Romania, and Turkey.
In a time of rapid technological change – from the rise of streaming platforms and artificial intelligence to new business models – the film industry is undergoing transformations that deeply affect the mental and emotional wellbeing of those working within it. These changes remind us that every structural reform impacts most those behind the camera. This year’s Talents Sarajevo edition focuses precisely on these issues, creating space for new authorial voices from the region. Through dialogue with peers and experienced film professionals, participants will reflect on mental health in filmmaking – not as an individual challenge, but as a collective responsibility of the entire film community.
The program offers a dynamic platform for participation in workshops, lectures, discussions, hands-on sessions, and film screenings. It is structured into eight modules and led by internationally acclaimed mentors.
Talents Sarajevo includes the following segments: Directors Summit, Producers Summit, Acting Studio, Camera Studio, Editing Studio, Pack & Pitch, Script Station, and Talent Press.
This year, Talents Sarajevo is further expanding its program with two new initiatives:
- Talents Sarajevo Innovation Forum introduces an open, interdisciplinary platform dedicated to intellectual property management, gaming, and cross-media storytelling. In response to growing interest in artificial intelligence, new technologies, and media innovation, the Forum is open to all participants and encourages collaboration and continuous learning beyond traditional film frameworks.
- Script Station evolves into the Writers’ Room, addressing the increasing demand for high-quality screenplays and the growing interest in serial storytelling in the region. This new format emphasizes teamwork, character development, and episode structure, offering participants hands-on experience working in a creative and dynamic group setting.
These innovations further strengthen Talents Sarajevo’s position as the region’s leading platform for the development of young talents and long-term creative growth.
Since its founding in 2006, in partnership with the Berlinale and Berlinale Talents, Talents Sarajevo has become a key part of the CineLink Industry Days program, focused on skills development, education, and international collaboration. The program offers participants the opportunity to develop their artistic and professional potential, actively engage with relevant industry topics, and build lasting connections within the global film community.
