BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA: International film stars and film-makers gather for the Sarajevo Film festival

International film stars and film-makers gather in Bosnia, Herzegovina for the Sarajevo Film festival. A jury chaired by British Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons awarded the Turkish film 'Takva' or "Fear of God" with the Heart of Sarajevo award. The best actor award went to Turkish actress Saadet Isil Aksoy for her role in the film 'Egg' and Bosnian actor Sasa Petrovic for the role in the film 'It's hard to be nice'. Macedonian film 'I'm from Titov Veles' directed by Teona Strugar-Mitevska was given the Special jury prize. Ten films from Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey competed this year for the 25,000 euro (34,000 U.D. dollars) Heart of Sarajevo award. Some industry big names also presented their latest films. US documentary director Michael Moore showed his provocative 'SiCKO' about the US health care system and American greed on the festival's last day. "There are great filmmakers here and there are a lot of great films in Eastern Europe that I would like my fellow Americans to see," said Michael Moore arriving at the award ceremony. French Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche presented 'Breaking and Entering' by director Anthony Minghella, and US actor Steve Buschemi presented his film 'Interview'. Buschemi was also presented with a Special Heart Of Sarajevo Award for being a long-time friend of the Festival. "All the people here in Sarajevo have been so incredibly nice and supportive and interested in art, interested in film. It's just so satisfying to come to a place where film is really celebrated," said Buschemi at the award ceremony.

ITN Source | August 30, 2007

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