Sarajevo Film Festival to honor Iranian director Asghar Farhadi with lifetime achievement award

The Sarajevo Film Festival is honoring acclaimed Iranian director Asghar Farhadi with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award. Farhadi will accept the award in person at the festival, which runs from July 17-26, 2026. A retrospective of his work will be presented as part of the festival's Tribute To programme.
Farhadi, known for his films that explore complex human dramas, has gained international recognition with films like "About Elly" and "A Separation." His films often delve into the intricacies of human relationships and societal issues.
The festival's director, Jovan Marjanović, praised Farhadi's work, saying, "It is difficult to overstate Asghar Farhadi’s significance to world cinema. His remarkable body of work reminds us that the most profound dramas are often concealed within everyday life. His films do not offer easy answers; instead, they invite us to look more closely, listen more carefully and engage with life’s complexities."
Farhadi previously served as President of the Jury for the Feature Film Competition at the festival in 2018. His film "Everybody Knows" was screened in the Open Air programme during that edition of the festival.
The Honorary Heart of Sarajevo award recognizes Farhadi's outstanding contribution to the art of cinema. His films have received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for "A Separation" in 2012.
In addition to the Sarajevo Film Festival, other cultural events are taking place around Europe. The Saaremaa Opera Festival in Estonia is attracting cultural tourists from Finland, while the Festival d'Avignon in France features performances by artists from around the world.
The Masters of Rock festival in Vizovice, Czech Republic, is drawing large crowds. The festival, which features hard rock and metal music, has seen a significant increase in the local population as fans gather for the event.
In Germany, the Parookaville festival has started with a lineup of electronic and pop music. The festival features a 360-degree stage and is expected to attract thousands of attendees.
On the film front, the premiere of "Odyssey," starring Tom Holland and directed by Christopher Nolan, is happening today, Friday, July 17. Holland has expressed his gratitude for being part of the epic film, calling it one of the greatest joys of his career.
Other cultural events and performances are also taking place around Europe, including theater productions and music festivals.
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