Sarajevo is gearing up to host the sixth edition of the Al Jazeera Balkans International Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) from 8 to 12 September. The festival aims to highlight #human rights# issues through its selection of 24 documentaries from 19 countries. These films were meticulously chosen from nearly 300 submissions and will be screened in four program categories: Competition Programme, AJB Screening, Last Minute Cinema, and SmartDoc.
This year’s guiding theme is RIGHT(S), underscoring the urgent global need to address human rights violations. Edhem Fočo, the festival director, emphasised AJB DOC’s growing significance in the European documentary circuit, noting, «We have inspiring films coming from every corner of the world and powerful stories that will not leave our viewers indifferent.»
The festival’s programmers, adhering to Al Jazeera’s standards, focused on films that excel in production quality and possess compelling narratives. An esteemed jury, including award-winning directors and producers, will decide the best film in the competition. Films will also vie for the «AJB Program Award» and the «Audience Award.»
In a bid to cultivate new talent, the festival will offer a three-day training session on «Smartphone Documentary Film Production,» in partnership with the Al Jazeera Media Institute, Samsung, and UNFPA.
Another highlight is the AJD Industry days @AJB DOC, a networking platform for professionals in the documentary industry. This platform aims to facilitate funding, production, and distribution of documentaries on a global scale.
Additionally, the festival will offer a rich supplementary program, including a photo exhibition and a panel discussion on the «Role of film and art in remembrance culture,» featuring perspectives from Rwanda, Uyghur, and Bosnia.
The opening ceremony will showcase a free photo exhibition titled «Rights,» by Đorđe Kostić, Al Jazeera’s digital newsroom producer.
Find the full AJB Doc 2023 programme – HERE
