The Sarajevo Film Festival has launched the Prix Cineplexx, a new audience-voted award for the best feature in the Open Air Premiere program. Established in partnership with Cineplexx, the award provides 20,000 euros in total value to support the theatrical distribution and production of regional films.
What is the Prix Cineplexx and how does it work?
The Prix Cineplexx is an audience-choice award specifically for the Open Air Premiere section of the Sarajevo Film Festival. According to the festival, the prize aims to “further strengthen the link between festival recognition and a film’s theatrical life,” underscoring a shared commitment to put movies in theaters.
The award’s 20,000 euro ($22,855) prize is split into two distinct components:
- Marketing Support: 15,000 euros dedicated to a marketing campaign in Cineplexx cinemas to support the winning film’s theatrical distribution.
- Cash Prize: 5,000 euros in cash, presented to the film’s producer.
Why is this partnership significant for regional cinema?
Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, stated that the award offers "tangible support beyond the Festival itself" by leveraging one of the region’s largest cinema chains.
Christof Papousek, CFO and co-owner of Cineplexx Group, noted that the sponsorship is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to regional films and the festival’s artistic, industry, and political significance. Papousek, who received the 2024 Heart of Sarajevo Award, emphasized that Cineplexx intends to use its infrastructure to serve audiences through diverse programming.
How does the Open Air Premiere program differ from other sections?
The Open Air program is one of the festival’s most attended programs. Last year, it was divided into two sections: Open Air and Open Air Premiere. The Open Air Premiere section showcases the region’s most hotly anticipated works from across the former Yugoslavia. These films are presented at the UNIQA Open Air Cinema Stari Grad, a venue that doubled its seating capacity last year.
When is the next Sarajevo Film Festival?
The 2026 Sarajevo Film Festival will run in the Bosnia and Herzegovina capital from Aug. 14-21. The festival is looking forward to celebrating the very first winner of the Prix Cineplexx.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Value | 20,000 Euros |
| Decision Maker | Festival Audience |
| Eligible Films | Open Air Premiere program |
| Key Partner | Cineplexx Group |
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