‘Wind, Talk to Me’ and ‘Our Time Will Come’ Win Top Honors at the 2025 Sarajevo Film Festival.

The Sarajevo Film Festival 2025 has officially concluded, marking another remarkable celebration of cinema in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year’s festival delivered not only stunning premieres and vibrant discussions but also a memorable awards ceremony where “Wind, Talk to Me” and “Our Time Will Come” took home the festival’s top honors.

As one of the most important film festivals in Southeast Europe, the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) continues to highlight diverse voices in global cinema. The 2025 edition reaffirmed the event’s role as a platform for emerging filmmakers, regional talent, and international projects that tackle profound social, cultural, and human themes.

The Prestige of the Sarajevo Film Festival

Since its founding in 1995 during the siege of Sarajevo, the Sarajevo Film Festival has grown into a prestigious cultural event that attracts global attention. Each year, the festival showcases hundreds of films across various categories, from feature-length dramas and documentaries to short films and student projects.

The SFF is renowned for its Heart of Sarajevo Awards, which recognize excellence in categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Over the years, it has become a vital stage for films from Southeast Europe, while also drawing attention from international filmmakers eager to share their work with a passionate audience.

2025: A Year of Strong Competition

The 2025 Sarajevo Film Festival brought together an outstanding lineup of films that explored themes of identity, resilience, tradition, and modern challenges. With screenings in multiple languages and genres, the festival once again proved its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

This year’s competition was especially fierce, with entries from across Europe, Asia, and beyond. However, two films stood out above the rest: “Wind, Talk to Me”, which secured the award for Best Feature Film, and “Our Time Will Come”, which received the Jury Grand Prix.

‘Wind, Talk to Me’ Wins Best Feature Film

The award for Best Feature Film went to “Wind, Talk to Me”, a moving story that captivated both audiences and the jury. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the film explores themes of grief, memory, and healing, told through the lens of a family struggling to reconnect after loss.

The Storyline

“Wind, Talk to Me” weaves together poetic imagery with heartfelt performances. Set in a rural village, the story follows a young woman who returns home after years abroad to confront her past and mend broken relationships. The film uses the natural landscape as a character in itself, with the wind symbolizing both destruction and renewal.

Why It Stood Out

Critics praised the film for its stunning cinematography, nuanced performances, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Its ability to blend intimate family dynamics with universal themes made it a standout in this year’s competition. By winning the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Feature Film, “Wind, Talk to Me” has established itself as one of the most significant cinematic works of the year.

‘Our Time Will Come’ Receives Jury Grand Prix

The Jury Grand Prix, the festival’s second-most prestigious award, went to “Our Time Will Come.” This film, directed by an emerging talent in European cinema, tells a story of perseverance and collective struggle.

The Storyline

“Our Time Will Come” is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. It follows a group of young activists as they navigate challenges in pursuit of justice, equality, and the hope of a better future. The narrative reflects themes of community, resistance, and generational change, resonating strongly with contemporary audiences.

Why It Was Honored

The film impressed the jury with its bold storytelling and strong ensemble cast. It combined raw realism with moments of lyrical beauty, offering a portrait of a society in transition. Winning the Jury Grand Prix at Sarajevo is expected to elevate the film’s presence in international markets and festivals.

Other Notable Awards

While “Wind, Talk to Me” and “Our Time Will Come” dominated the headlines, the Sarajevo Film Festival 2025 recognized several other films and artists for their exceptional contributions.

• Best Director: Awarded to a filmmaker who displayed exceptional vision and craft in bringing their story to life.

• Best Actor: Recognizing a performance that captured the hearts of audiences with authenticity and depth.

• Best Actress: Celebrating a powerful female performance that carried a film with emotional intensity.

• Documentary Competition: Highlighting films that shed light on pressing social issues and personal stories.

• Short Film Competition: Encouraging emerging filmmakers with innovative storytelling techniques.

These awards reflect the festival’s commitment to celebrating not just established voices but also new talent making bold artistic statements.

Why the 2025 Edition Stood Out

The 2025 Sarajevo Film Festival was notable for its strong emphasis on diversity and cultural dialogue. Films showcased a wide range of perspectives, highlighting stories from war-torn communities, rural regions, and modern urban landscapes.

In addition, the festival hosted numerous panels, workshops, and masterclasses, where industry experts discussed topics such as:

• The role of cinema in shaping cultural memory

• Emerging technologies in film production

• The future of Southeast European cinema

• Opportunities for co-productions and international collaborations

These events enriched the festival experience, making it not just a showcase of films but also a platform for meaningful exchange.

Audience Reactions and Industry Impact

The response to the 2025 Sarajevo Film Festival awards has been overwhelmingly positive. Both “Wind, Talk to Me” and “Our Time Will Come” sparked passionate discussions among audiences and critics, proving the power of cinema to connect people across cultures and generations.

Industry experts believe that the recognition these films received in Sarajevo will open doors for broader international distribution. For filmmakers, winning at Sarajevo often leads to opportunities at larger festivals like Cannes, Venice, or Berlin, while also attracting attention from streaming platforms eager to showcase award-winning films.

The Cultural Significance of Sarajevo’s Awards

The significance of the Sarajevo Film Festival awards extends beyond the accolades themselves. For many filmmakers, the recognition symbolizes resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. The festival’s roots during the Bosnian War give its awards an added layer of meaning: they represent hope, unity, and the power of storytelling to overcome hardship.

The 2025 winners carry this torch forward, demonstrating how cinema can heal, inspire, and challenge societies worldwide.

Looking Ahead to the Future

As the Sarajevo Film Festival 2025 comes to a close, anticipation already builds for what the future holds. With its growing reputation and international reach, the festival is likely to continue attracting groundbreaking films and fostering creative talent.

The triumph of “Wind, Talk to Me” and “Our Time Will Come” will be remembered as defining moments of this year’s festival. Their success not only highlights the power of storytelling but also reinforces Sarajevo’s position as one of the most important stages for global cinema.

Final Thoughts

The Sarajevo Film Festival 2025 awards have once again demonstrated the festival’s unique role in celebrating meaningful cinema. By honoring “Wind, Talk to Me” with Best Feature Film and “Our Time Will Come” with the Jury Grand Prix, the festival continues its mission of elevating voices that matter.

For audiences, these films are more than just stories; they are reflections of resilience, transformation, and the human spirit. For filmmakers, Sarajevo remains a beacon of hope, creativity, and recognition.

As cinema lovers look forward to the next edition, the legacy of the 2025 winners will continue to resonate, proving once again why the Sarajevo Film Festival holds a special place in the global cultural landscape.