prijava
TUZLA, September 29 (FENA) – The Media Innovation and Trends conference on the topic 'Film Production as a Powerful Tool for the Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina' is being held today in Tuzla, organized by the Federal News Agency (FENA).
FENA's Executive Director, Elmir Huremović, stated to the media before the conference began that film is not only the seventh art but also a key instrument for the economic, cultural, and diplomatic promotion of the country. However, he emphasized that the development of the industry is hindered by a lack of institutional and legal support.
FENA's Deputy Director, Ilija Musa, highlighted the importance of synergy between the media, cultural workers, and the film industry in positioning BiH on the international stage. Meanwhile, Tuzla Canton Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth Damir Gazdić and Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić underscored the ongoing support from Tuzla Canton and the City of Tuzla through public calls, budget allocations, and cultural projects, aiming to make film production a significant economic sector and a generator of social and economic development.
''The biggest problems are the lack of institutional and legal support. When we talk about film, we usually think of it only as the seventh art. It certainly is, but at the same time, it is also a powerful tool for the development of any country. This is evident in all states, from the United States to the European Union. Film is a channel not only for promoting the country as a whole and its cultural and tourist destinations, but also as an important economic sector,'' emphasized Huremović.
He stressed that developing the film industry in BiH requires appropriate legislation at all levels, subsidizing quality projects, and attracting foreign productions that need to solve logistical and financial conditions.
''They have specific standards and go where it is not only financially advantageous but also where all logistical issues are resolved. I hope today we will address most of these issues and provide guidelines for the path toward a final solution. I am optimistic, not that problems will be solved tomorrow, but that this will be the beginning and an initiation for media and other organizations to start addressing this matter,'' Huremović added.
According to him, it is necessary to address issues that are of interest to BiH society and economy, as film production and the cinematography industry could become one of the most significant economic sectors in the country.
''Such a system would resolve subsidies and funding, motivate young creators to pursue this work and enter the global market, and most importantly, attract international productions to BiH, following the example of neighboring countries that do this successfully, to achieve direct and indirect benefits through investment attraction,'' Huremović concluded.
Ilija Musa, FENA's Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of media and film industry synergy, noting that the Tuzla conference demonstrates how collaboration among the agency, the film industry, cultural workers, and journalists can position BiH as an attractive country for local film industry managers and leverage film as a tool in modern diplomacy.
''In this way, Bosnia and Herzegovina can showcase its wealth, natural resources, traditional and cultural values in Europe and beyond, and gain recognition in the broader European context,'' Musa said.
Damir Gazdić, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Tuzla Canton, stressed that the canton recognizes the potential of film production and consistently supports projects.
''We have an extraordinary opportunity today in Tuzla. Film production in BiH needs to reach a higher level, and Tuzla Canton wants to support that. Every year, we hold a public call where legal entities involved in cinematography can participate and gain benefits. Recently, we supported the film 'Bosnian Knight' at the Sarajevo Film Festival, including post-production. We plan a dedicated budget item for film production, as we do for documentaries and other cultural projects,'' Gazdić noted.
Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the film industry for the city and wider region, stating that it can be a major driver of social and economic development.
''Media and new technologies allow us to promote everything good in Tuzla, Tuzla Canton, and BiH. I thank FENA for organizing the conference in Tuzla, a city that hosts the Tuzla Film Festival, Youth Theater, National Theater, and numerous cultural events. This is an opportunity to promote the city's full potential and advance the fields of culture and film industry, as well as social and economic development,'' Lugavić said.
This year's Media Innovation and Trends (M.I.T.) conference is organized by FENA with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Tuzla Canton and the Tuzla City Tourism Board, and sponsorship from the Development Bank of FBiH, NLB Bank, and Sparkasse Bank.
(FENA) A. B.
