The Sarajevo Film Center (Bosnian: Filmski centar Sarajevo; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Филмски центар Сарајево, abbreviated as FCS) is a public institution in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and promotion of the country's cinematic heritage. Established in 2008 by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the center plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's film legacy, especially following the extensive damage and neglect resulting from the Bosnian War.[1]
Bosnia and Herzegovina's cinematic history commenced in 1947 with the establishment of the Commission for Cinematography and the founding of Bosna Film. Under the leadership of Monci Finci, Bosna Film achieved international acclaim, notably with the film Hanka, which became the first Bosnian feature to compete at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. However, financial challenges in subsequent decades led to a series of mergers and the eventual decline of film production infrastructure. The devastation of the Bosnian War further exacerbated the deterioration of film materials and archives.[2]
In response to these challenges, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina established the Sarajevo Film Center in 2008. The center was tasked with the mission of protecting, preserving, and ensuring the accessibility of the nation's film heritage for future generations.[3] In 2021, with support from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund and in collaboration with the University of Milan’s MIPS Lab, the FCS introduced cataloging, digital archiving, and digitization techniques to modernize its preservation efforts.[4]
The Sarajevo Film Center is housed in the building of the former Sutjeska Film Studio in downtown Sarajevo. This historic site has been repurposed to accommodate the center's administrative offices, archival storage, and exhibition spaces. Notably, the building also hosts the Walter Museum, dedicated to the iconic Yugoslav film Walter Defends Sarajevo, further cementing its significance in the region's cinematic history.[5]
The center's extensive collection encompasses thousands of film reels, photographs, scripts, and related materials, representing the rich tapestry of Bosnian and Herzegovinian cinema. Key activities of the Sarajevo Film Center include:[6]
The Sarajevo Film Center actively collaborates with international organizations and institutions to enhance its preservation efforts and promote Bosnian cinema globally. Notable partnerships include: