UNIQA presented new projects in culture at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival
Support for female filmmakers in the region by UNIQA SEE FUTURE FOUNDATION
August 22, 2024 – Under the auspices of the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival, UNIQA introduced the support project of the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation for female filmmakers in Southeast Europe. In partnership with the Festival, Slano Film Days, and film centers in the region, UNIQA will support the realization of film projects aimed at empowering socially engaged themes in three categories: feature, documentary, and short film through a competition for female filmmakers that will be announced in September.
"We are proud to present our plans in the context of one of the most significant events in Southeast Europe, which, with its mission of creating a better future, is an ideal ally in initiatives for the benefit of the community. We are convinced that together, with competent people from the world of art and culture, we will provide strong support and encouragement for female filmmakers in order to achieve future successful film productions that we will all be proud of in the region," emphasized Adel Bahtanović, president of UNIQA SEE region, at the press conference.
Support for women artists is extremely important for the development of culture and art, as well as for broader social changes, as it enriches overall cultural production, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive artistic scene where diverse voices and perspectives are respected and valued. Supporting female filmmakers also reflects UNIQA's commitment to gender equality, which is fundamental to the brand's strategy.
"One of the challenges we face in the film industry, despite its progressiveness, is gender inequality. We advocate for achieving equality in the film industry through various projects we implement. The data we have collected led us to the discouraging fact that the representation of women in the film industry is less than 30 percent, and our goal is to balance that ratio. In the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation, we found a partner who sees things the same way, and through this joint initiative, by providing financial and professional support to female artists, we aim to contribute to their better position," said Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival.
In addition to the support project for female filmmakers, the Foundation will also support the innovative project "Mentorship Initiative" in collaboration with the artistic collectives Nomad from Zagreb and Nomarts from Vienna. This program is designed to support young artists, particularly female artists from Southeast and Eastern Europe. The initiative includes a year-long mentorship between established artists and selected young talents, culminating in an exhibition in a relevant exhibition space and an artistic intervention in a public space.
Apart from culture, the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation supports talents in sports. UNIQA brand ambassador and sports mentor in the Foundation, Goran Ivanišević, as a special guest of UNIQA insurance in Sarajevo, played an exhibition tennis match with well-known Sarajevo actors Nadina Mičić and Boris Ler, symbolically highlighting the general importance of supporting talents in all fields. Goran, Nadina, and Boris made sure the audience enjoyed every moment, and young tennis talents from the Sarajevo Tennis Club GEM contributed to creating a real spectacle for everyone present. The bravest challengers from the audience had the opportunity to try their luck in a game with the actors and Goran or to get an autograph and a memorable photograph.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Goran highlighted his great satisfaction with visiting Sarajevo after 15 years, and for the first time as a guest of the Sarajevo Film Festival. He shared his enthusiasm for the energy and unique atmosphere in which everyone felt welcome.
"Talent, whether in sports or in art, is just a foundation that needs to be recognized, supported, and developed." a and that is precisely the mission of UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation, which serves as a platform where young talents receive financial and professional support that their families or the state often cannot provide. I believe that with my experience, I can support young people who make serious life decisions at an early age. As someone who has also gone through the journey of achieving a successful sports career, I can contribute and help sports talents who are at the beginning. That is why I look forward to my mentoring role in the UNIQA Foundation, as working with young talented individuals has been my lifelong dream,” said Goran Ivanišević. The foundation expanded its activities in the sports field, after supporting Luna Vujović, a young tennis player and junior Wimbledon champion, by supporting new tennis talents and building infrastructure by donating to the Sarajevo tennis club GEM.
The mission of UNIQA insurance is based on helping clients achieve a longer, better, and safer life, and one of the most important values that arises from it is precisely the responsibility to the community. UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation will continue activities focused on strong support for culture, sports, and sustainability across the Southeast European region.