The third edition of the international Silver Frame Film Festival officially concluded on 19 July following four days of film screenings, discussions and cultural events in Srebrenica and Bratunac. The festival was preceded by eight days of intensive educational programmes, during which young filmmakers developed and produced new documentary films. Bringing together filmmakers, artists, young people and audiences from across the region and beyond, the festival once again demonstrated the power of documentary cinema to preserve memory, encourage dialogue and connect communities through stories that inspire reflection and social change.
This year’s edition featured five international competition programmes presenting 32 short documentary films, alongside nine feature-length documentaries screened in partnership with leading film festivals and organisations. A particular highlight of the festival were two educational programmes through which participants developed and produced nine original short documentary films, reaffirming Silver Frame’s commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and creating space for new voices.
The festival’s highest honour, the Best Film Award, was presented to Living with a Visionary, directed by Stephen P. Neary. The international jury praised the film for its exceptional animation and its sensitive, hopeful portrayal of mental health, highlighting the way it challenges perceptions of psychiatric disorders while exploring how shared experiences can bridge seemingly different realities.
The Best Director Award went to Ilke Paddenburg for A Shot at Art. The award was decided by the Silver Frame Youth Jury, a unique international youth jury comprising 13 young members from the local communities of Srebrenica and Bratunac alongside participants from across Europe and beyond, including Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Morocco and Finland. As the heart of Silver Frame Film Festival’s competition programme, the Youth Jury brings together local and international perspectives, fosters intercultural dialogue and gives young people an active role in recognising outstanding achievements in contemporary documentary filmmaking. The jury praised Paddenburg’s confident directorial vision, highlighting the film’s witty dialogue, compelling musical score and outstanding cast in telling a powerful story of women reclaiming agency and breaking free from patriarchal structures. .
Ajdin Alivuković served as a local producer during this year’s Silver Frame Film Festival, supporting the organisation, preparing filming locations and coordinating on-site production activities. Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“Taking part in the Silver Frame Film Festival gave me invaluable experience and showed me just how much energy, talent and vision exists within the young filmmaking community. I had the opportunity to learn from film professionals, meet young filmmakers from different countries and be part of a process that brings together art, education and community. This is only the beginning of my journey in film, and I am proud to have been part of this remarkable story.“
Silver Frame Doc Academy celebrates emerging documentary voices
The first edition of the Silver Frame Doc Academy highlighted the creativity and dedication of a new generation of documentary filmmakers. The Best Film Award went to Miracle Woman for its beautiful and warm portrait of a human being. A Special Mention for Contribution to the Process of Dealing with the Past was awarded to Mirko, the Special Mention for Best Script went to Ode to Bread, while the Special Mention for Best Direction was presented to Don’t Worry.
Receiving the Best Film Award, filmmaker Haris Habibija, a student at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, reflected on the significance of the recognition:
“Any recognition, especially from a professional jury, is incredibly meaningful. It confirms that someone truly understood the experience we wanted to share. Documentary film has the power to create direct human communication by presenting something genuine and real, and I believe that is where the strength of this film lies. For me, the most beautiful moment was talking with our protagonist, Nevenka, who replaced her daily routine with the experience of making this film and spending time with us. Sharing those emotions and experiences together is an immense value, and I am deeply grateful to Silver Frame for making it possible.“
Brazilian documentary filmmaker and Doc Academy mentor Eduardo Saraiva highlighted the unique impact of the programme:
“I think the best gift for all of us was being able to screen the films for the people we connected with. That is the greatest gift documentary cinema can provide. Seeing them watch the films and discover what we had been doing together over those days was incredibly special. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet such amazing people who opened their homes to us, welcomed us, fed us and shared such emotional feedback.“
The emotional connection between filmmakers and local communities was perhaps best captured by Mirko Sekulić, the protagonist of the award-winning film Mirko:
“I am very happy that I met these young people. From our very first meeting I felt their positive energy and trusted them completely. They entered my life, my work, my tragedy, and the message I wanted to share, and they told it through their camera. I truly felt that the film crew became my family.”
Green Film Residency showcases the next generation of environmental storytellers
The Silver Frame Green Film Residency concluded with the Best Film Award, presented by festival partner Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), going to Stapajući se u jedno by Ilma Kalač. The Jury Special Mention was awarded to Zakon očuvanja by Emina Gabeljić, the French Institute Award went to U ribu by Umma Jazvin, while festival partner AVITEH BH d.o.o. presented awards to Drina i Sakura by Ilhan Zerem and Kuhinja sa srcem by Rebeka Bratož Gornik.
Reflecting on this year’s residency, Green Film Residency coordinator Medina Spahić said:
“This is already my third year here, and every year it becomes even more special. The films were outstanding, and what I appreciate most is that young filmmakers have the opportunity to show, through their work, that Srebrenica has the potential for people to live even better lives. It is especially inspiring to see people from different parts of the world gathering at the Emmaus camp and creating such a beautiful story together.“
Regional Student Short Film Competition winners announced
In the Regional Student Short Film Competition, the Best Film Award went to Tarik by Adem Tutić. The jury praised the film for its gentle yet impactful storytelling, exceptional visual language, refined editing and mature screenwriting. A Special Mention was awarded to Vacation Day by Lina Bensa for its originality, surreal humour and bold creative vision.
Closing this year’s edition, Alena Džebo, President of the Association of Film Workers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflected on the unique atmosphere of the festival:
“Being in Srebrenica for the second time is a privilege. As both a person and an artist, I feel honoured to be here, and I truly believe this is my human way of giving something back to a community that has lost so much. What makes this festival so special is that it grounds us and reconnects us with nature. It is a beautiful exchange of energy, creativity, and encounters between young artists and different cultures. Sitting by the campfire under the stars in the evening is something I don’t think any other festival in the world offers. I sincerely wish this festival continued growth and success.”
With another successful edition completed, Silver Frame Film Festival continues to strengthen its position as a unique platform where documentary cinema, education, environmental awareness and intercultural dialogue come together to inspire meaningful connections and lasting social impact.
