The Sarajevo Film Festival holds a cherished place in the hearts of Bosnians and Herzegovinians, as well as anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience its magnetic atmosphere and the remarkable selection of films it offers. Each year, in August, Sarajevo transforms into the capital of the film industry, drawing the eyes of the world not only to cinema but also to the vibrant creative community that thrives in its wake. For those of us in fashion and design, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our work on a stage where art in all its forms is celebrated.

Despite being a capital city, Sarajevo’s population is smaller than that of some London boroughs. Yet, during the Sarajevo Film Festival, it feels as though the whole world converges here, and the city becomes a beacon that illuminates the realms of art and creative industries. The preparations for this grand event have become a tradition, beginning early each August, as the city readies itself to host an international audience and the glittering world of cinema.

This year, we were honoured to participate in this cultural phenomenon by offering our jewellery to be worn by our dear friends - actors, film professionals, and celebrities - on the red carpet in front of the iconic National Theater. The fashion choices on the red carpet often garner the most attention, but it is within these moments that the visibility of our jewellery truly shines. Collaborating with fashion designers and those who grace the red carpet is always a thrilling experience. These collaborations open new doors, deepen existing connections, and, most importantly, forge new friendships - something we value deeply.

At this year's Sarajevo Film Festival, our jewellery adorned some extraordinary women, each of whom we hold in the highest regard. Among them was Maëlys de Rudder Tanović, who wore our Luna Qamar ring and Bird ring, paired with a stunning gown by Belma Tvico. The soft pastel colours and the symbolic stories embedded in these pieces perfectly complemented Maëlys’s unique personality. She is, in every sense, a remarkable woman - a mother of five, an entrepreneur, a Montessori educator, a shaman, and an inspiration to many. Her husband, the Oscar-winning director Danis Tanović, had the honour of opening the 30th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival with his latest film. Seeing Maëlys on the red carpet, wearing our rings - especially the Luna Qamar ring, dedicated to women and mothers - was a moment of immense pride for us.

Jasna Đuričić, a renowned Serbian actress and one of the most talented of her generation, also graced the red carpet wearing our jewellery. Jasna is the recipient of the European Film Award for Best Actress in 2021, for her powerful role in the critically acclaimed film "Quo Vadis, Aida?" directed by Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić. This film, nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category, is a poignant and significant work. Jasna’s look, created in collaboration with Kaftan Studio, featured a black gown with golden details, beautifully complemented by our "Two Faces" signet earrings, "Horse" signet ring, and "Mizu" ring in gold. She wore this ensemble when she won the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in "I Know How You Breathe," directed by Jasmila Žbanić.

Judita Franković Brdar, an extraordinary Croatian theatre and film actress, brought a serene yet playful elegance to the red carpet. Her look, designed in partnership with Kaftan Studio, featured an icy blue dress with a black bow, accompanied by six of our golden rings. These rings, showcasing a variety of techniques - including signet rings, miniatures, and sculptural elements - created a winning combination that perfectly matched her ethereal presence.

This year, the Sarajevo Film Festival jury included Una Gunjak, a Bosnian director who is making waves in the industry. Una, a winner of the European Film Award for Best Short Film and recipient of a special mention at the Locarno Film Festival, is a filmmaker to watch. Her latest work, "Excursion" (2023), is a must-see. For the red carpet, Una chose to wear the Altarf ring, a cherished piece from her own collection. Una’s future in film is bright, and we eagerly anticipate her next projects.

We must mention Larisa Halilović, a soul with whom we share a deep connection. Larisa, with her warm smile and wealth of knowledge, is a frequent visitor to our studio. A leader, executive coach, trainer, mentor, consultant, TEDx speaker, and a dear friend, Larisa wears our jewellery almost daily, effortlessly incorporating different pieces into her style. Her ability to blend jewellery with various outfits is always a delight to witness.

Finally, fierce and beautiful, Emela Burdžović graced the final night of the Sarajevo Film Festival in a stunning Kaftan Studio dress. She adorned her look with our Lion ring, a piece that perfectly mirrored her powerful personality. It was an unforgettable combination that truly made her shine.

Our work is not just about jewellery, design, or art - it’s about the people who wear our creations and the relationships we build with them. We couldn’t be more grateful to every individual who contributed to this journey for the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival. Your love and appreciation fuel our passion and inspire us to continue creating. As we reflect on this year’s festival, we are filled with pride and gratitude. The connections we’ve made, the stories we’ve shared, and the art we’ve created together will resonate far beyond the red carpet. Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary experience. We look forward to many more collaborations and the friendships that will blossom in the years to come.

Bonus photo: Teresa Cavina and our co-founder, Ena Mulavdić. The Sarajevo Film Festival is truly a cherished gathering where we have the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals like Teresa, who continue to inspire us.

Teresa Cavina is a festival programmer and curator. She worked on the programming team of the Venice Film Festival from 1989 through 1997, then in 1998 moved to the Locarno Festival, which she co-directed from 2001 to 2005. There, she founded In Progress, which explores cross-pollination between art and cinema, and Open Doors, which is devoted to supporting emerging cinemas. In 2006, she launched the Rome Film Festival, where she was Co-Artistic Director until 2008. In Rome, she founded the New Cinema Network, an international co-production platform aimed at training and supporting filmmakers working on their second feature film projects. She has held positions as Artistic Director of FIPA Biarritz and Programming Director of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, where she co-created SANAD, a development and post-production fund. Currently, Cavina collaborates in programming Venice Days and the El Gouna Film Festival, and works closely with filmmakers, producers, script labs and international funds, among them Talents Sarajevo, Locarno Open Doors, the Doha Film Institute, the Solinas Award and FFFMED. (Source: https://www.sff.ba)

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