Adriatic Film Awards Announced at Sarajevo Film Festival

The AFA promotes the best in regional creativity and enhances its international visibility. More than 800 members of the Film and TV Academy of the Adriatic Region are voting for the finest achievements from the former Yugoslavia from the 2025/2026 season. 
 

Founder of the Sarajevo Film Festival and co-founder of the Film and TV Academy of the Adriatic Region, Mirsad Purivatra, expressed his satisfaction that the AFA unites film and television professionals from across the region. He thanked the Film Centre of Montenegro and Strategist—the exclusive partner of the AFA in Montenegro—for their contributions to developing this regional initiative.

 

"I am delighted to return to Montenegro, and I am convinced that the second edition of the AFA will be even better and more comprehensive. This year, we have around 30 films and 6 television series in the selection. With only a few days left until voting closes, I invite Academy members to cast their votes and help select the best works and artists from the region," said Purivatra.

 

The opening of the second Adriatic Film and TV Awards will take place at the Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car. Over the course of the three-day programme in Porto Montenegro, an awards ceremony will be held to present ten accolades for outstanding film and television work.

 

Seven awards will be presented in the film category: Best Film, Best Leading Actress, Best Leading Actor, Rising Star, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Debut Film. The television series category includes three awards: Best Series, Best Leading Actress, and Best Leading Actor. The AFA weekend will also feature free screenings of the nominated works.

 

Director of the Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car, Ana Ivanović, emphasized that it is a privilege for the cable car to be part of the Adriatic Film Awards.

 

“The Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car, much like the AFA, was born from a vision to create something new that transforms how people experience a destination, connects them, and contributes to the growth of the entire region. The AFA celebrates the exceptional talent of the Adriatic region, connecting our countries through film and television while giving our stories a stronger voice and greater international visibility. That is why we are especially proud that this regional story begins this October at the Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car,” said Ivanović.

 

Alexandru Avram, Senior Manager for Destination Development and Events at Porto Montenegro, highlighted the importance of the partnership with the AFA.

 

“We are proud to welcome the Adriatic Film Awards back to Porto Montenegro and to continue building a key hub for the region's film and creative industries. At the heart of this partnership is a shared ambition to foster a platform for regional talent, creative exchange, and new connections. Our three-year commitment to the AFA reflects our belief in this vision and the creative potential of the Adriatic region,” said Avram.

 

The Adriatic Film Awards are organized by the Film and TV Academy of the Adriatic Region, initiated by the founders of the Network of Festivals of the Adriatic Region—the Sarajevo Film Festival, Belgrade Auteur Film Festival, and Zagreb Film Festival.