Sarajevo Film Festival’s industry head, Maša Marković, says markets and festivals are becoming more important as they identify and support filmmakers throughout their careers. She argues that Southeast Europe has abundant talent but often lacks the institutional support needed to sustain it, while technological change, economic instability and geopolitical uncertainty are increasing pressure on the regional screen industry.

This year’s CineLink Industry Days will examine how festivals shape access and visibility, alongside AI, film funding and the international potential of Southeast European intellectual property. Its Co-Production Market includes 16 films from Southeast Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, nine directed or co-directed by women, including projects from Bulgarian director Ralitza Petrova, Slovenian filmmaker Urška Djukić and Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Al-Darraji.