In response to the growing demand for intellectual property (IP) and the interest from regional and international professionals in adaptations, CineLink launches new programme section, CineLink Books. CineLink Books will introduce a special presentation session, where selected novels from the region of the Former Yugoslavia will be pitched to internationally and regionally established producers. With a deliberate focus on fostering connections between literature and the film industry by showcasing books from publishers holding IPs. This year, CineLink Books will present six books, featuring two publishers each from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia, aiming to foster discussions on adaptations and enhance the visibility of the regional publishing market.
The second edition of CineLink Books showcases seven remarkable titles from the region, carefully selected for their high potential for film and TV adaptation. Initiated by the Sarajevo Film Festival, the program strengthens ties between the publishing and audiovisual sectors across the former Yugoslavia.
Following the successful launch in 2024, which already led to a concrete collaboration—Croatian production company Antitalent acquiring rights to Nađa Petrović’s Meduze žive zauvek dok ih ne uhvate—CineLink Books reaffirms its mission: to highlight the adaptation potential of regional literature and facilitate the transition from page to screen. In doing so, the programme also underscores the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) as a strategic asset in the development of original, locally rooted content for global markets.
Through initiatives like Exploring Synergies and CineLink Books, Sarajevo Film Festival remains committed to continuously nurturing the dialogue between publishing and audiovisual sectors - supporting the growth of both industries and encouraging meaningful collaboration across disciplines.
CineLink Books continues to spotlight the literary richness of the region and create fertile ground for collaboration between authors, publishers, and filmmakers. These stories - whether epic, intimate, dark, or whimsical - are ready for their next chapter on the screen.
Selected books will be presented in a special session during CineLink Industry Days, where they will be pitched to established producers from the region and beyond.