In recognition of his outstanding support of the Sarajevo Film Festival and local film production, Christof Papousek, co-owner of Constantin Film-Holding and CFO and Managing Partner of Cineplexx International, will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival.
“I feel honoured to be part of the family with a Heart of Sarajevo – because I have a Heart for Sarajevo,” said Papousek, whose connection with the city and the Festival has been long and fruitful.
The successful partnership between the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Cineplexx cinema group has lasted for more than a decade. The Cineplexx Sarajevo multiplex is the location of the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival with the highest number of cinema halls in one place, where the festival audience has the opportunity to watch films from various festival programs. This year, Cineplexx’s Barco Series 4 projectors, which will be part of the equipment used at the festival, will provide audiences with the highest-quality screenings.
“Cinema is art and entertainment; cinema is the home for movies and the best way to experience a movie – in its whole complexity. Cinema hosts blockbusters and art films, commercial content, and festivals. Cineplexx is proud to host Sarajevo Film Festival in the center of town and proud to support it with the best available projection technology,” said Papousek.
“Sarajevo Film Festival is important to understand the culture, the history and politics. The atmosphere, excitement, and quality of the movies were a motivation for me to support the festival from our very early days of doing business here.”
Christof Papousek joined the Constantin Film & Cineplexx group of companies in 1999, after working as a consultant, and he reconstructed the financial department and company structure. In 2004, he became Managing Director & CFO, and in 2008, together with the Langhammer family and Constantin Film-Holding GmbH, he co-founded the group’s international cinema operation, Cineplexx International, as an entrepreneur and co-shareholder.
At the same time, Cineplexx International formed a partnership with Enver Hadžiabdić, marking the beginning of Cineplexx in the region of Southeast Europe. Today, the company operates 70 cinemas in 12 countries, including all the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Cineplexx supports local film production and appreciates the importance of local movies.
„Our deepest gratitude goes to Christof for his unwavering support and partnership over the years. His dedication to our shared vision has not only enriched our festival but has also fostered a true friendship that we deeply cherish. This Honorary Heart of Sarajevo is a token of our appreciation for his enduring commitment and invaluable contribution to the world of cinema,“ said Mirsad Purivatra, president of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
The Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award was established in 2005 to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the affirmation and development of the film industry, as well as their support and development of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Previous Recipients of the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award include:
Mark Cousins (2023), Lynne Ramsay (2023), Charlie Kaufman (2023), Jesse Eisenberg (2022), Ruben Östlund (2022), Sergei Loznitsa (2022), Paul Joseph Schrader (2022), Wim Wenders (2021), Michel Franco (2020), Mads Mikkelsen (2020), Tim Roth (2019), Isabelle Huppert (2019), Alejandro González Iñárritu (2019), Paweł Pawlikowski (2019), Nijaz Hastor (2018), Nuri Bilge Ceylan (2018), Oliver Stone (2017), John Cleese (2017), Wolfgang Amadeus Brülhart (2016), Stephen Frears (2016), Robert De Niro (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2016), Benicio Del Toro (2015), Atom Egoyan (2015), Agnès B. (2015), Danis Tanović (2014), Gael García Bernal (2014), Béla Tarr (2013), Roberto Olla (2013), Branko Lustig (2012), Emil Tedeschi (2011), Jafar Panahi (2011), Angelina Jolie (2011), Dieter Kosslick (2010), Manfred Schmidt (2009), Cat Villiers (2008), Steve Buscemi (2007), Mike Leigh (2006), Gavrilo Grahovac (2006), Marco Müller (2005).
