Red Carpet Inspired by Traditional Kilim Laid in Sarajevo
Sarajevo's Festival Square has been transformed, with a ceremonial red carpet drawing attention as a sign of the imminent arrival of global film stars.
Sarajevo's Festival Square has been transformed, with a ceremonial red carpet drawing attention as a sign of the imminent arrival of global film stars.
Final preparations for the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival have entered their final phase. On Monday, August 10, 2026, a traditional red carpet was laid in front of the National Theatre in Sarajevo, symbolically marking the start of the countdown to one of the most significant film events in the region.
This year's red carpet is no ordinary festival decoration. Its design draws inspiration from motifs found on a traditional Sarajevo kilim from 1930, subtly weaving Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich cultural heritage into the contemporary spirit of cinematic art. The festival square has thus been given a completely new look, ready to welcome numerous visitors and passersby.
An impressive list of guests will walk the red carpet in the coming days. Among the announced names are Hollywood star Woody Harrelson, acclaimed actress Emily Watson, Mexican actor Diego Luna, Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Iranian Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi, and French director Celine Sciamma. The arrival of director Pawel Pawlikowski is particularly anticipated, as his film "Ojcze nasz" (Fatherland) will ceremoniously open the festival.
The National Theatre in Sarajevo once again serves as the heart of the festival. In addition to the opening ceremony, it will host the entire feature film competition program. A stage is also being set up on the side of the building for the popular "Coffee with..." program, which offers the audience direct conversations with filmmakers.
Red festival banners are already fluttering through the city streets, and according to the FENA news agency, final preparations are being completed at other locations across the city to ensure everything is ready for the influx of cinema enthusiasts. The festival runs from August 14 to 21, 2026.
