Christof Papousek, co-owner of Constantin Film-Holding and CFO and managing partner of Cineplexx International, along with Philippe Bober, the visionary founder of Coproduction Office and producer of some of the most groundbreaking films in contemporary cinema, were presented with the Honorary Hearts of Sarajevo at the Sarajevo Film Festival’s Heart of Sarajevo Award ceremony for TV series.
Christof Papousek received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo for his outstanding support of the Sarajevo Film Festival and local film production.
“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 forged 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 film,” said Mirsad Purivatra.
The successful partnership between the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Cineplexx cinema group has lasted for over a decade.
“It is an honor to be part of the family with the Heart of Sarajevo – because I, too, have a Heart for Sarajevo,” said Papousek.
Philippe Bober received the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo for his exceptional contribution to the film industry and his role in shaping contemporary cinema through collaborations with some of the world’s most innovative filmmakers.
“The auteurs I work with have the most personal, original ideas and working methods. As a producer I support them pushing the borders of cinematic language, while engaging audiences”, said Bober, reflecting on his career and body of work.
Bober has been a friend of the Sarajevo Film Festival for more than two decades.
“Philippe Bober’s work has had a profound impact on the film industry. His ability to recognize and nurture unique talent has given rise to some of the most influential films of our time. We are delighted to present him with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, recognizing not only his remarkable career but also his enduring contribution to the art of cinema and to the Sarajevo Film Festival,” said Purivatra.
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).
