Minister Bošnjak Opens the 27th Mediteran Film Festival in Široki Brijeg

Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dubravka Bošnjak opened the 27th Mediteran Film Festival in Široki Brijeg, one of the most prominent documentary film festivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year’s edition of the Festival once again brings together filmmakers, film professionals and audiences from Bosnia and Herzegovina and numerous other countries. A total of 250 films from 17 countries were submitted to this year’s competition, confirming the international recognition that the Mediteran Film Festival has built over nearly three decades.

Addressing the audience, Minister Bošnjak emphasized that over the years the MFF has grown beyond the scope of a local cultural event and become a recognized part of the cultural identity of Široki Brijeg and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Film has that rare power to take us into someone else’s life for an hour or two, and yet allow us to leave the cinema with something of our own. That is why it is a particular pleasure for me to be among the people who create such stories and the audience that recognizes them,” Minister Bošnjak said.

She particularly highlighted the importance of the fact that a strong and internationally recognized cultural scene has been developing in Široki Brijeg for many years.

“This Festival shows that a vibrant cultural scene does not have to be associated only with large cities and major centers. When a city brings filmmakers together year after year, develops its film audience, works with young people through a film school and welcomes guests from numerous countries, culture becomes part of its identity, but also an opportunity for the development of the entire community,” the Minister stressed.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina is once again supporting the Mediteran Film Festival this year, continuing to support projects that contribute to the development of culture, international cooperation and the visibility of cultural creators from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“For 27 years, the Mediteran Film Festival has been trying to do one simple thing – bring good films, interesting people and different stories together in one place. I am glad that we are together again this year and that we have managed to make it happen,” Festival Director Tomislav Topić said.

Minister Bošnjak congratulated Festival Director Tomislav Topić and the entire festival team on the 27th edition of the MFF and wished the filmmakers that their films would find their way to audiences.

The Mediteran Film Festival is being held in Široki Brijeg from 23 to 26 September 2026.