European Film Academy Chief and Yorgos Lanthimos Producer Headline Sarajevo Film Festival Jury
The esteemed jury for the feature film competition at the upcoming 29th Sarajevo Film Festival has been unveiled, boasting a formidable lineup of international cinematic talent. Leading the panel as Jury President is celebrated British actress Emily Watson, a formidable presence on screen known for her captivating performances. She will be joined by a distinguished cohort of industry professionals, including Matthijs Wouter Knol, Director and CEO of the European Film Academy, and Athina Rachel Tsangari, the acclaimed Greek producer behind many of Yorgos Lanthimos’s groundbreaking films. Also lending their expertise to the jury will be Croatian filmmaker Igor Bezinović and North Macedonian actress Sara Klimoska, promising a discerning eye for the diverse cinematic offerings at the festival, which runs for a week in mid-August.
A Legacy of Esteemed Jurors
Emily Watson steps into a role previously held by some of the most respected figures in global cinema, continuing a tradition of excellence at the Sarajevo Film Festival. Past jury presidents have included luminaries such as Mike Leigh, Jeremy Irons, Asghar Farhadi, Ruben Östlund, and Mia Wasikowska, underscoring the festival’s commitment to showcasing and celebrating exceptional filmmaking. The jury’s critical assessments will culminate in the awarding of the prestigious Heart of Sarajevo Awards in the feature film competition, with the ceremony scheduled for August 21st.
Profiling the Jury Members
Emily Watson: A Leading Luminary
Emily Watson, an actress of immense critical acclaim and significant international recognition, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Jury President. Her recent notable performance as Mary Shakespeare in Chloë Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet further solidifies her position as a sought-after talent. Watson’s career is studded with iconic roles, including her BAFTA-winning performance in Lars von Trier’s Breaking the Waves, her compelling turn opposite Paul Mescal in A24’s God’s Creatures, and her appearances in Small Things Like These, the Netflix drama Steve, and the Oscar-winning ensemble of Gosford Park. On the television front, Watson currently commands attention as the lead in the HBO/Max series Dune: Prophecy and has recently completed filming for its second season. Her consistent ability to deliver nuanced and powerful performances makes her an ideal figurehead for the festival’s jury.
Matthijs Wouter Knol: Guiding European Cinema
As Director and CEO of the European Film Academy since 2021, Matthijs Wouter Knol is a pivotal figure in the landscape of European film. His leadership encompasses the executive management, strategic vision, and all programming initiatives of the Academy, including brand development, audience engagement, knowledge sharing, film heritage projects, and the annual European Film Awards. Knol’s extensive background as a film producer, lecturer, editor, and journalist, coupled with his prior experience serving on main juries at international festivals in Buenos Aires, Jerusalem, Istanbul, and Locarno, provides him with a deep understanding of diverse cinematic expressions and industry trends. His presence on the Sarajevo jury signifies a strong connection between the festival and the broader European film community.
Athina Rachel Tsangari: Architect of the Greek New Wave
Athina Rachel Tsangari is a formidable force in contemporary cinema, recognized as a principal instigator of the Greek New Wave. Her distinctive directorial style, which fearlessly explores power dynamics and desire across gender, class, and alterity, has garnered international acclaim. Her debut feature, The Slow Business of Going (2001), a sci-fi road movie captured across nine global cities, received multiple best film and director awards and is now part of MoMA’s permanent film collection. Tsangari’s sophomore effort, Attenberg (2010), premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival, earning the prestigious Coppa Volpi and the Lina Mangiacapre Directing Award. Her subsequent film, Chevalier (2015), was honored with the best film award at the BFI London Film Festival and was Greece’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, a distinction also held by Attenberg. Under the umbrella of her Athens-based production company, Haos Film, Tsangari has produced a string of award-winning films, including Yorgos Lanthimos’s Kinetta and Alps, Georgis Grigorakis’s Digger, and served as co-producer on Richard Linklater’s Before Midnight. Her most recent directorial work, the neo-western Harvest, starring Caleb Landry Jones and Harry Melling, premiered at Venice in 2024. Tsangari’s sharp artistic vision and her experience in championing bold, independent cinema make her an invaluable addition to the jury.
Igor Bezinović: A Visionary Croatian Filmmaker
Igor Bezinović, a prominent Croatian director, has established a significant reputation for his thought-provoking documentary work. His 2025 film, Fiume o morte!, has been a critical and commercial success, securing numerous accolades, including the European Film Award for Best Documentary, as well as multiple AFA Awards (Adriatic Film & TV Awards) for best film, director, and screenplay. Bezinović’s earlier documentaries, The Blockade (2012) and Veruda – A Film About Bojan (2015), both garnered the Oktavijan Award for best Croatian documentary film, highlighting his consistent quality and impact. His debut feature film, A Brief Excursion (2017), premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and went on to win the coveted Grand Golden Arena for best film at the Pula Film Festival, marking a successful transition into narrative filmmaking. Bezinović’s dedication to exploring complex social and historical narratives through a cinematic lens will undoubtedly enrich the jury’s deliberations.
Sara Klimoska: A Rising Star from North Macedonia
Sara Klimoska, an actress emerging from North Macedonia, represents the vibrant new talent on the festival circuit. Her latest leading role in Milcho Manchevski’s upcoming 2026 film, Sister Brother Manhole Cover, marks her third collaboration with the acclaimed director, following their previous successful projects, Willow and Kaymak. Klimoska’s international credits include a significant role in Goran Stolevski’s You Won’t Be Alone, which premiered at Sundance, and Housekeeping for Beginners, which was screened at the Venice Film Festival. Her international appearances also extend to films such as Nico by Eline Gehring, Family Secrets by Malik Vitthal, and Replay by Jason Lester. Klimoska’s connection to the Sarajevo Film Festival is personal; she has previously participated in the Talents Sarajevo program and the Berlinale’s corresponding scheme. Her nomination for a Heart of Sarajevo award in 2022 for her role in the TV series Underneath demonstrates her established presence and recognized talent within the region.
The Sarajevo Film Festival: A Hub for Cinematic Discovery
Founded in 1995 amidst the siege of Sarajevo, the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) has grown to become one of the most significant and influential film festivals in Central and Eastern Europe. Its mission has always been to connect audiences and filmmakers, to foster a vibrant film culture, and to provide a platform for emerging talent from the region and beyond. Over its nearly three-decade history, the festival has played a crucial role in the rebuilding and cultural revitalization of Bosnia and Herzegovina, establishing itself as a vital meeting point for the international film industry. The festival’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of films, from established masters to groundbreaking newcomers, has cemented its reputation as a discerning and forward-thinking cinematic event. The feature film competition, in particular, is a cornerstone of the festival, offering a platform for innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives. The presence of a jury comprised of such distinguished individuals underscores the festival’s continued ambition to elevate its standing and attract world-class cinema.
The Heart of Sarajevo Awards: Recognizing Excellence
The Heart of Sarajevo Awards are the festival’s highest honors, celebrating outstanding achievements in filmmaking. The jury’s task is to identify and reward films that demonstrate artistic merit, narrative innovation, and compelling storytelling within the feature film competition. The awards carry significant weight within the international film community, often serving as a springboard for films and filmmakers to gain further recognition and distribution opportunities. The ceremony on August 21st will mark the culmination of the jury’s intensive viewing and deliberation process, celebrating the best of the festival’s cinematic offerings.
Broader Implications and Industry Impact
The selection of this particular jury for the Sarajevo Film Festival carries several significant implications for the broader film industry. The inclusion of Matthijs Wouter Knol, head of the European Film Academy, highlights the festival’s growing importance as a key event within the European cinematic landscape. This association can foster greater collaboration and exchange between the SFF and the Academy, potentially leading to enhanced support for European filmmakers and co-productions. Athina Rachel Tsangari’s presence, with her deep ties to both arthouse cinema and successful independent productions, signals a continued commitment to showcasing bold and challenging films. Her expertise in nurturing distinctive directorial voices is invaluable.
Furthermore, the inclusion of rising talents like Sara Klimoska alongside established figures like Emily Watson and Igor Bezinović reflects the Sarajevo Film Festival’s ongoing dedication to supporting and recognizing emerging talent. This blend of experience and fresh perspective is crucial for fostering a dynamic and evolving film culture. The festival’s ability to attract such a high-caliber jury also speaks to its growing international reputation and its capacity to serve as a crucial platform for cinematic dialogue and discovery. In a globalized film market, events like the Sarajevo Film Festival, with their emphasis on curated selection and expert evaluation, become increasingly vital for identifying and promoting films that might otherwise struggle for visibility. The jury’s decisions will undoubtedly be closely watched by industry professionals, distributors, and film enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the current trends and future directions of international cinema. The festival’s continued success in assembling such influential juries solidifies its position as a must-attend event for anyone invested in the art and business of filmmaking.
