The 17th International Film Festival “First Frame” was officially opened in East Sarajevo tonight with the screening of the movie “Wake Me Up” by director Marko Shantić from Slovenia.
Artistic director of the festival, Aleksandra Mitrić Stifanić, informed the journalists that the festival program commenced in East Sarajevo with a workshop on animated film for elementary school students following its launch in Zvornik.
She mentioned the presentation of “Teen Interdoc” – a film workshop from the region, with “First Frame” as its partner this year in Čačak, where four short documentary films were produced. The workshop participants, high school students, presented their films to middle school students.
Stifanić emphasized the rich competitive and accompanying program of the festival, consisting of over 60 films in seven competitive selections. She highlighted the addition of a new competition segment for narrative films from the region, named “Exploration.”
Director of the film “Wake Me Up,” Marko Shantić, mentioned that the screenplay for the movie was initiated in 2015. The film addresses the theme of collective oblivion and the quest for the right direction in today’s complex times.
Shantić expressed his participation in the festival for the first time, acknowledging the importance of educating young filmmakers and encouraging critical thinking among them since they represent the future audience.
Branko Koroman, the President of the Assembly of East Sarajevo, expressed his hope for the continuous improvement of the festival, highlighting its 17-year history, cultural heritage, and the richness of films showcased in both the competitive and non-competitive sections.
The film festival took place in Zvornik from Friday, November 24, until yesterday and continues in East Sarajevo until Wednesday, November 29. It is supported by the Audiovisual Center of Republika Srpska, the municipalities of East Sarajevo and Zvornik, and the East Ilidza and East Novo Sarajevo municipalities.
The media sponsors of the festival are the News Agency of Republika Srpska – SRNA and Radio-Television of Republika Srpska.
