The 16th BOSIFEST Officially Opened at the Yugoslav Film Archive

The 16th BOSIFEST – Film Festival by and about Persons with Disabilities, taking place from October 20-22 at the Yugoslav Film Archive, was officially opened today.

The opening ceremony was enriched by a dance performance from Đurđina Ivanković, a fourth-year student of the Lujo Davičo Ballet School, Department of Contemporary Dance, who performed her choreography “Puzzle” to the music Tattooed Man.

Held under the slogan “The ocean of possibilities,” the 16th BOSIFEST was officially opened by the Spanish film “Flying hands” directed by Marta Gomez and Paula Iglesias, who was a guest of this year’s festival.

The festival’s mission is to change public perceptions of disability through film. As an educational medium, film has the power to transform mindsets and perspectives. The films showcased at this festival allow us to witness unique human journeys that emphasize a shared goal — building a more humane and inclusive world that celebrates diversity and its richness.

An important segment of the festival is the promotion of inclusion between persons with and without disabilities through various accompanying programs that are an integral part of the event.

“This three-day event offers a unique and engaging way to perceive disability in a positive and accurate light,” said Darko Ivić.

Among the speakers were Radiša Cvetković, Deputy Director of the Yugoslav Film Archive; Dragan Nikolić, the festival’s selector; and Biljana Barošević, Assistant Minister for Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs.

“This year, eleven films from around the world bring eleven incredible stories of strength, determination, and perseverance of people with disabilities who refuse to let their condition become an obstacle in life. The documentaries portray the lives of individuals with various disabilities who engage in sports, art, science, and more — and in doing so, we aim to break down prejudice and stereotypes about persons with disabilities,”

said Dragan Nikolić, the festival selector.

On behalf of the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs – Department for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Biljana Barošević stated:

“The Department for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities continuously supports the organization of BOSIFEST, a unique event with a long-standing tradition in the region. By organizing events of this kind, we contribute to promoting inclusion, raising public awareness about the rights, status, and needs of persons with disabilities, as well as fostering acceptance of diversity and the breaking down of prejudices.”

The BOSIFEST 2025 jury consists of:
Darko Lungulov, film director; Narcisa Darijević Marković, film director and professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts; and Luka Papić, film director.

The jury will present awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and several Special Awards on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

As part of the festival’s accompanying program, on the 21st of October 2025, a panel discussion entitled “The impact of film on shaping attitudes toward persons with disabilities” will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Small Hall (2nd floor) of the Yugoslav Film Archive.

BOSIFEST is organized by the Hendi Center Koloseum, with the support of the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans, and Social Affairs, the Yugoslav Film Archive, and the Film Center of Serbia.