Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The buzz of cinema enthusiasts wrapped up another successful AJB DOC Film Festival on September 17, with Georgian director Luka Beradze’s documentary leading as the highlight. The festival, celebrating its seventh edition, closed with an awards ceremony at the Bosnian Cultural Centre in Sarajevo.
“Smiling Georgia,” directed by Beradze, captured the Main Award, compelling the jury with its poetic exploration of justice and societal neglect. The film, which had its world premiere at Karlovy Vary last year, tackles the often overlooked troubles of ordinary people through stark yet captivating visuals. The jurors, an ensemble of esteemed filmmakers and journalists including Deborah London-Harrington, Namik Kabil, Mila Turajlić, Francesco Montagner, and Myriam Francois, lauded the film for its artistic portrayal of themes relevant on a global spectrum.
The film’s impactful message resonated well beyond the festival’s cinemas; as described by the jury, “Through the beauty of a toothless smile, the author narrates a universal tale about people forgotten by their political leaders in a world where healthcare has become a privilege.”
Another significant recognition, the Program Jury Award, was bestowed upon “Holy Redemption,” a compelling project backed by TRT and helmed by directors José Carlos Soares, Tanju Şahin, and Aslıhan Eker Çakmak. This piece diverges from traditional artistic techniques, leaning instead towards an investigative style that probes into the radical Israeli settlement activities in Palestinian territories. Following the tragic Duma village attack, the film is structured around 22 days of interviews, uncovering the stark realities and strategies employed in these regions.
The programmers, Leila Dedić, Sead Kreševljaković, and Đani Hasečić, praised “Holy Redemption” for its unflinching narrative. “This film confronts viewers with harsh truths, captured from the perspective of radical Israelis. It lays bare the insidious layers of colonial policy and apartheid, exposing underlying motives behind ongoing atrocities against Palestinians,” they emphasized.
The festival not only served as a platform for showcasing international documentaries but also became a confluence point for discussions on critical global issues portrayed through the lens of cinema. While the Audience Award winner is still to be announced, the festival’s selections this year have already sparked considerable conversations among viewers and critics alike.
As the AJB DOC Film Festival continues to grow, it becomes increasingly instrumental in bringing to light stories that necessitate attention, discussion, and action. This year’s edition underscored the festival’s commitment to not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences around the globe.