Docu activities at CineLink Industry Days on the 30th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival

From intimate personal narratives to pressing global issues, these selected films showcase the power of visual storytelling. The diverse array of documentaries delves into different themes, illuminating the human experience and the world we live in.

CineLink's journey in supporting filmmakers began 22 years ago, primarily focused on providing assistance to fictional films. However, over time, our path has evolved and expanded. Central to this change are our strategic partnerships with Balkan Documentary Center, Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, and Documentary Campus which provide fresh vigor and the potential to promote documentary filmmakers. Given Sarajevo's reputation for curated projects and the caliber of guests we attract, CineLink's documentary activities create a space to be recognised. Through three sections, CineLink Work in Progress, Docu Rough Cut Boutique, and Docu Talents from the East programme, Cinelink Industry Days presents 15 projects in production or post-production stages.

Participants are offered chances to secure coveted prizes, promising networking, collaboration, and valuable takeaways. Docu Rough Cut Boutique projects vie for awards, including the Avanpost Award (€20,000 post-production services), CAT&Docs Award (€2,000), HBO Award (€2,000), DOK Leipzig Preview Award (invitation to present at DOK Leipzig 2024), and East Silver Caravan Award (€3,500 distribution service) Movies that Matter award (presentation at the Festival). The CineLink Work in Progress program offers opportunities for two esteemed awards: the Post Republic Award (€30,000 in-kind support) and the Turkish National Radio Television Award (€25,000 cash prize). In 2023, CineLink Industry Days introduced the inaugural CineLink Impact Award by Think-Film Impact Production. This award is open to post-production phase projects actively participating in CineLink Work-in-Progress or Docu Rough Cut Boutique. Its aim is comprehensive impact campaign support for the most promising project, offering €20,000 in-kind consultation services. In the Docu Talents from the East program, promising projects compete for the Current Time TV Docu Talent Award ($5,000) and Doc Alliance Distribution Award (€3,000 in-kind support).

 

An overview of documentary projects presented at CineLink Industry Days:

 

Cinelink Work in Progress: 

Director: Alisa Kovalenko

Producer: Kasia Kuczynska

Production company: Haka Films

Co-Production Company: Ström Pictures

 

What do you think about when lying in a trench for hours? An emotional and sensitive look at those who choose to fight for their country despite the dangers, longing, and loneliness that come with it.

 

 

 

Director: Raisa Razmerita

Producer: Ion Gnatiuc 

Production company: HaiDOC Productions

Co- Production Company: Tangaj Production

 

In a remote Moldovan village, 42-year-old ELENA defies social norms and family duties, embarking on a transformative journey to gain control of her life and pursue her dreams, even if it means leaving everything behind.

 

Director: Tamar Kalandadze, Julien Pebrel

Producer: Ketevan Kipiani

Production company: Sakdoc Film

Co- Production Company: Habilis Production

 

Can the places we're compelled to leave ever truly release us?

 

Director: Kristina Nikolova

Producer: Kristina Nikolova

Production company: LunaClipse Media 

Co-production company: Magic Shop 

 

A queer artist embarks on a journey of intimate home concerts before returning home to confront his past abuse by performing one final concert for his parents.

 

Director: Steve Krikris

Producers: Paul Typaldos, Dafni Kalafati, Steve Krikris

Production company: FILMIKI S.A Productions

Co-production company: unafilm

 

In the 1970s, Mykonos was “paradise-on-earth”, and for some, it still is.

 

Director: Dmytro Hreshko

Producers: Polina Herman, Glib Lukianets

Production Company: Gogol Film, UP UA Studio 

Co-production company: Valk Productions

 

The terrifying beauty of Ukrainian nature's massive destruction during the Russian full-scale invasion.

 

 

Director: Francesco Rufini 

Producers: Valdemar Albert Lovcik, Teresa Rožanovska

Production company: Ketvirta Versija

 

The film explores the intertwined lives and dreams of ARŪNAS and PAULIUS, two Lithuanian fishermen and amber searchers from different generations, united by their quest amidst the cold Baltic waters.

 

Directors: Hana Nováková

Producers: Kateřina Traburová

Production company: LaDamplinque

 

A film director possessed by an ancient moose totem embarks on a seven-year journey, discovering others like her and uncovering a profound connection to the Mi'kmaq First Nation and her ancestors.

Director: Agne Dovydaityte, Alexander Belinski

Producers: Dagne Vildziunaite

Production company: Just a Moment

 

The film explores the dangerous legacy of 1.6 million tons of WWII munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea, revealing the ongoing impact on marine life, scientists, and coastal communities. 

 

Director: Márton Vizkelety

Producers : Julianna Ugrin

Production company: Éclipse Film

 

Scientist GYULA DÉKÁNY, who views life as a chemical information system, makes groundbreaking discoveries while living 16,000 km from his family.

 

Director: Paula Onet

Producers : Ada Solomon, Diana Caravia

Production company: microFilm

 

After emerging from 15 years of self-induced amnesia, STEFANIA uses dance and imagination to reconnect with her past, others, and especially her mother.

 

Director: Tomasz Wolski

Producers : Anna Gawlita

Production company: Kijora Film sp. z o.o.

Co-production companies: INA (France), ATOMS & VOID (Netherlands)

 

Leopold Trepper, a WWII spy mastermind, faces a Kafkaesque struggle in 1970s Poland, battling communist persecution, denied a passport, and enduring a hunger strike before finally finding freedom in Israel.

 

Director: Olena Siyatovska

Producers : Viktor Shevchenko

Production company: Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema

 

Three chapters follow Ukrainian teenagers navigating war's devastation, from forming a rock band in Lithuania to longing for lost homes, preparing for prom, and enduring life near the front line.

 

Director: Andrea Kalinová

Producers: Monika Lošťáková, Simona Hrušovská

Production company: Super Film

 

As Tskaltubo transforms from a famed Soviet spa to a refugee camp and back to a resort, the film follows the last residents who create a new home and family despite hardships.