Sarajevo Fest is an international cultural festival held annually in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Founded in 2019 by theatre director Haris Pašović, the festival is organized by the East West Center. It encompasses theatre performances, film screenings, concerts, public forums, and workshops, aiming to foster dialogue on contemporary social and political issues through the arts.
History.
Sarajevo Fest was established in 2019 by prominent Bosnian theatre director, Haris Pašović. The festival was conceived as a platform to merge artistic expression with civic engagement, addressing pressing societal topics through various cultural mediums.
Programmes.
Sarajevo Fest features a diverse array of programmes, including:
Past editions.
Each edition of Sarajevo Fest centers around a specific theme:
Locations.
Sarajevo Fest events are hosted across various venues in Sarajevo, including:
Notable moments.
In 2024, Sarajevo Fest introduced the "Misli kritički" ("Think Critically") workshop, a seven-day programme focusing on critical thinking, art, and leadership for young participants. This initiative reflects the festival's commitment to fostering intellectual and creative growth among emerging generations.
Partnerships and financing.
Sarajevo Fest operates through a combination of public, private, and international partnerships that support its diverse programming and international reach. The festival is primarily funded by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Sarajevo Canton and the City of Sarajevo, both of which have supported the festival since its inception. 
One of the key international partners is the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which provides strategic support for the development of the festival’s cultural and educational initiatives. The German-Bosnian Cooperation Organization (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ) has also been involved in supporting regional collaboration and inclusive programming within the festival.
In addition to institutional backing, Sarajevo Fest collaborates with various corporate sponsors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader Balkan region. These sponsorships support specific segments of the festival such as multimedia concerts, masterclasses, and regional workshops.