The Women Filmmakers Support Program was created with the intention of strengthening the presence and visibility of women in the regional film industry, through financial support, mentorship and professional development. Selected women filmmakers also receive support through CineLink Industry Days, the professional Training and Skills platform of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Five selected projects were officially presented at Slano Film Days 2025.
The selected projects are:
• THE POSSESSED (igrani film)
Director: Ena Sendijarević (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Production: SCCA/pro.ba (BiH), Studio Ruba (Netherlands)
• AIR IN A BOTTLE (igrani film)
Director: Aida Begić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Production: This and That Productions (Serbia)
• EMBRYO (feature film)
Director: Maša Šarović (Montenegro)
Production: KINO doo (Montenegro)
• THE LAST NOMADS (documentary)
Director: Biljana Tutorov (Serbia)
Production: WAKE UP FILMS (Serbia)
• CONFESSIONS OF A FEMALE GAMER (documentary film)
Directed by: Dolya Gavanski
Production: Agitprop (Bulgaria), Thea Films (Bulgaria)
These projects stand out for their strong authorial vision, original approach, and commitment to telling important and exciting stories that reflect the contemporary moment and encourage dialogue. The selected projects will receive financial and professional support that will help them continue the development and realization of their projects in the production and post-production phases.
The total program fund for 2025 is 180.000 euros., with the aim of a strong commitment to the principles of gender equality in the film industry.
This initiative was first presented at Slano Film Days 2024.
"The 'Female Filmmakers' project was one of the first major projects of the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation, and I am extremely proud of the fact that it has already left a strong mark on the regional film scene. I am especially grateful for the excellent cooperation with Slano Film Days, Sarajevo Film Festival, as well as all partners who recognized the importance of the project and supported us in its realization. By joining forces, in a short time, we managed to provide support to five exceptional, inspiring and talented female authors and thus significantly contribute to the visibility and affirmation of creativity in the region. I congratulate all the winners and look forward to the realization of their great projects. I hope that we will soon have the opportunity to see their films on the big screen," he said. Adel Bakhtanović, President of UNIQA SEE Region.
"From the very beginning, Slano Film Days was conceived as a place where new voices could be heard and supported. This program is a natural extension of that vision: it is aimed at highlighting female filmmakers whose work challenges, inspires and moves. By supporting their creative paths, we help shape a more inclusive and dynamic future of cinema in our region," he said. Mirsad Purivatra, author of the concept and director of Slano Film Days.
"Through our partnership with UNIQA Insurance and their newly established foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the arts, sports, and now film, we can act strategically and address - and hopefully correct - some of the systemic imbalances in film financing. This initiative will specifically support films and projects created by female filmmakers. The Sarajevo Film Festival has always been committed to gender equality in cinematography and we are proud to contribute to this goal through such a concrete and significant project," he said. Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
( UNIQA )
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
