Sarajevo Film Festival’s CineLink Work in Progress showcases the most compelling new features emerging from Southeast Europe and the MENA region. The selection includes 11 new feature-length films: 8 fiction and 3 documentaries which will be presented to international high-profile industry professionals (funders, sales agents, distributors, broadcasters and festival programmers) with the aim of assisting their completion and enhancing their distribution possibilities.
The selection encompasses a broad stylistic and genre spectrum, and narratives that are both deeply personal and socially resonant. Many of the selected works explore the complexities of human nature and the fragility of social consensus, and the tensions between collective expectations and personal anxieties. What unites these films is a shared sensitivity to the nuances of human relationships, between generations, individuals, and communities. At their core lies a strong drive to understand the other, affirm dignity, and explore the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of violence and inequality. Together, these films promise an exciting and thought-provoking year ahead, with stories that resonate across a broad and diverse audience. As the region’s stories become more complex, our partners step forward with equally ambitious backing, and we are thankful for their unwavering support.
This edition deepens CineLink’s partner ecosystem, matching ambitious regional filmmaking with robust finishing, financing and impact resources:
Newly introduced awards in 2025
HBO Award — €30 000 cash
A direct license across 15 HBO territories in Central and Southeast Europe, providing completion funding and a guaranteed broadcast window. The winning project will have the opportunity to be aired on the linear HBO channel and included in the high-quality content library of the HBO Max streaming platform, helping it reach a broad international audience and positioning it among compelling storytelling.
Avanpost Media Award — €30 000 in‑kind
Added to Work in Progress this year. Together with Avanpost’s ongoing €20 000 support for Docu Rough Cut Boutique, the company now invests €50 000 annually across CineLink’s finishing platforms offering post-production services.
Returning awards from long‑standing partners
TRT Award — €10 000 cash
A long‑standing collaboration with Turkish Radio Television. The amount is transferred to the production company by the Festival and formalised as a licence agreement for TV rights within Türkiye.
Post Republic Award — €30 000 in‑kind
Covers colour‑grading or sound‑mix services. Berlin‑based Post Republic was among the very first supporters of CineLink Work in Progress and remains a cornerstone of the platform’s success.
Projects from both Work in Progress and Docu Rough Cut Boutique also compete for the CineLink Impact Award, a €20 000 impact‑campaign grant presented by Think‑Film Impact Production.
The 31st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from August 15 to 22, 2025.
