The seventeenth edition of the Telemach Youth Film Festival Sarajevo (OFF) will be held in October this year, instead of July. The Festival is not canceled, but the dates are being changed – meaning that neither the Festival nor the OFF Pro Film Market will take place this week as originally planned (July 18–25, 2025). This marks the first schedule change for the Festival since 2019.
Prior to this announcement, the Festival communicated the details with all its partners and participants, who expressed both their support for the Festival and their disappointment with the lack of commitment from those expected to invest in culture and support the largest short film and youth author festival in this part of Europe.
Despite all efforts to hold the Festival as planned, a drastic reduction in financial support from all three levels of government has made it impossible to proceed as scheduled. While most sponsors, international partners, and donors have fulfilled their financial commitments under existing agreements, it is not enough to continue with the realization of the event at this time.
“For over 15 years, we have worked with dedication and passion to build a Festival and Market that truly matter – for filmmakers, professionals, and the wider community. Through that effort, OFF has become one of the most important cultural and industry gatherings in Southeast Europe – a fact recognized across Europe. In this context, this is one of the most difficult announcements we have ever had to make. Every year, despite growing challenges, we have managed to grow in scope and impact. However, this year we are faced with an unforeseen and very serious financial obstacle, making it impossible to deliver the Festival and Market as originally planned,” said the Festival Directorate.
“The decision was not made lightly, but it is the only way to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the project and ensure that the Festival continues to provide value to its partners, participants, and audience in the years to come,” the statement added.
The new dates of the Festival will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the updated program.
