Less than two months remain until the 17th edition of the Telemach Youth Film Festival Sarajevo. After a record number of film submissions, the Festival’s programming department is gradually making decisions on this year’s titles that will be part of the official selections.
As is tradition, Telemach OFF is announcing the first confirmed titles—four films in total, three of which are from the OFF Generation Features selection: “Sandbag Dam” (Croatia), “Sebastian” (UK, Finland, Belgium), “Familia” (Italy), and one from the CineBloom Critique Award selection: “Tack” (Greece).
“Sandbag Dam” is a Croatian film that premiered at this year’s Berlinale, as part of the Berlinale Generation program. Directed by Čejen Ćernić Čanak, the film tells the story of a young athlete, Marko, who lives with his parents and younger brother Fićo in a small Croatian village. Although talented in sports, Marko is preparing to follow his father’s plan to become a car mechanic. His life is shaken when Slaven, his forbidden childhood love, returns to the village for his father’s funeral. As the village fears an impending flood, Marko grapples with his emotions and social pressures, trying to balance family expectations with his feelings for Slaven. The film explores themes of love, identity, and social acceptance amid the challenges of youth.
The second film in this section, “Sebastian,” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was directed by Mikko Mäkelä. “Sebastian” follows Max (Ruaridh Mollica), an ambitious young writer in London who leads a double life as a sex worker under the pseudonym Sebastian to gather material for his debut novel. As he balances his literary career with this risky exploration, Max faces personal and professional challenges, including the dangers of sexual violence and the pressures of the publishing industry. The film delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction, artistic ambition, and personal safety.
The film “Familia,” directed by Francesco Costabile, premiered in Venice in 2024. Its lead actor, Francesco Ghegi, won the award for Best Male Performance. Familia follows the story of Luigi Celeste, a 20-year-old living with his mother Licia and brother Alessandro in early 1980s Rome. After nearly a decade, their abusive father Franco returns to their lives, causing fear and tension within the family.
The Greek film “Tack,” directed by Vania Turner, is the first confirmed title for the CineBloom Critique Award section. The film tells the story of an Olympic athlete who inspired the #MeToo movement in Greece and motivates a younger athlete to speak out as well. In a historic trial, Sofia stands by Amalia, who seeks justice for the systematic abuse she endured from her coach as a child.
The OFF Generation Features section will announce two more titles in June, while CineBloom will add four more. Additionally, the Festival will feature two more competitive short film selections and non-competitive programs as part of OFF Screen and OFF Retrospective.
