Talents Sarajevo 2025

FILMING AS CARING

While the film industry has undergone significant technological changes recently— from the rise of streaming platforms to the impact of AI—some of the most profound shifts are taking place on a much more personal level, affecting the individuals who work within it. These transformations are not just about new tools or business models; they are reshaping the emotional and mental landscape of filmmakers, crew members, and other industry professionals. After all, every change in the industry, no matter how technological or structural, inevitably impacts the people behind the scenes, whose personal experiences and mental well-being are at the heart of this evolution.

The shift toward recognizing mental health as a crucial issue within the film industry is unprecedented. Historically, mental health concerns were either ignored or addressed inappropriately. First, mental well-being was often reduced to a question of mental pathology rather than being considered as a fundamental aspect of overall health. Second, there was a widespread belief that a certain level of psychological distress was inherent to artistic work—rooted in the myth of the suffering genius. Many assumed that engaging in creative pursuits required a degree of emotional turmoil, social anxiety, or personal struggle, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and discouraging industry professionals from seeking help. This outdated perspective made it even more challenging for film workers to receive proper mental health support and recognition.

The film industry presents unique challenges that can significantly affect mental health. One of the primary stressors is the highly competitive nature of securing funding and support for film projects, which creates financial uncertainty and career instability. Additionally, filmmaking is an inherently collaborative process involving large teams, where interpersonal dynamics, power imbalances, and high-pressure environments can contribute to stress and anxiety. The intense demands of working on a film set—long hours, frequent travel, and the unpredictability of the creative process—can lead to burnout and chronic stress. Furthermore, the industry's reliance on freelance and contract-based work exacerbates job insecurity, making it difficult for professionals to access consistent mental health support and stability.

While mental health awareness in the film industry has grown significantly in Hollywood and Western Europe, it remains uncertain how much attention this issue receives in low-production cinemas, such as those in the regions covered by Sarajevo Film Festival’s Talents Sarajevo program—Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Hungary. Given the financial and infrastructural limitations that filmmakers in these regions face, does mental health hold the same level of importance in industry discussions? Are there any existing support networks or policies that acknowledge and address these challenges? Many filmmakers in these areas navigate not only artistic and professional pressures but also economic instability, political uncertainties, and a lack of institutional support, all of which can further exacerbate mental health concerns. Without the extensive resources available in more established film industries, how can filmmakers from these regions receive the mental health support they need?

The 2025 edition of Talents Sarajevo aims to explore all of these questions, prioritizing the perspectives of up-and-coming filmmakers from the region. Through discussions among this year’s participants, as well as exchanges with more experienced industry professionals—both from the region and beyond—Talents Sarajevo will foster a dialogue about the importance of mental health in filmmaking. It is our believe that caring for mental health cannot be reduced to an individual responsibility but a collective obligation within the film community. Creating a supportive and empathetic work environment can contribute not only to better working conditions but also to richer and higher-quality film production. Thus Talents Sarajevo also actively advocates for structural changes in film industry will enable psychological support, more sustainable working conditions, and the destigmatisation of mental health concerns in the industry.

FILMING AS CARING is not only about fostering a healthier work environment for filmmakers but also about cinema’s ability to reflect, engage with, end respond to the pressing concerns of our time: from social justice and environmental crises to questions of identity, displacement, and collective resilience. By bringing these topics into focus, Talents Sarajevo reinforces its commitment to the well-being of emerging filmmakers and the sustainability of the film industry in the region.