AJD Industry Days @ AJB DOC launches its Third Edition: Expanded and Enriched

Projects will compete for co-production awards worth more than $70.000.

Following yesterday’s opening of the seventh edition of the AJB DOC Film Festival, the third edition of the Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days officially opened this morning in Sarajevo. This event includes a series of meetings for professionals in the documentary industry to connect decision-makers with promising documentary projects. 

Adel Ksiksi, the Head of the AJD Industry, welcomed all filmmakers, producers, decision-makers, partners, and guests to the third edition.

“As we gather here, we celebrate not just documentary filmmaking but the power and art of storytelling itself. Over the past three years, this forum has grown in scope and significance, and today, we are incredibly proud of how far we've come. This year, we received a record-breaking 270 documentary projects from over 50 countries, an increase of 65%. These projects reflect the diversity, creativity, and dedication of a global documentary community that continues to push boundaries and tell stories that matter“, said Ksiksi.

 

He underlined the importance of talking about Gaza and the journalists and filmmakers who lost their lives and faced obstacles while reporting about the ongoing conflict.

 

„According to updated reports, at least 158 journalists and media workers were killed in Palestine among more than 41 thousand civilians killed in the war on Gaza. Among them are our colleagues Shireen Abu Akleh, Samer Abu Daqa, Hamza Al Dahdouh, and Ismail Alghoul“, Ksiksi reminded.

 

„I look forward to 3 days of inspiration, innovation, and, most importantly, celebrating the art of storytelling“, he concluded.

The event kicked off with ten sessions in the Main Pitch category, beginning with the presentation of The Other Gaza. This emotional pitch tells the story of Wafa Jamil, who lives in Stockholm, while her family resides in Gaza. The focus of her project is to show a different side of Gaza to her 8-year-old daughter, who lives with her in Sweden.

 

"My project tells a story of my relationship with my family in Gaza and my daughter – and how they were affected by the ongoing conflict. It is an important topic, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity and the space to present it at such an important event, filled with so many influential people from this industry“, underlined Wafa Jamil during her pitch.

 

Rudy Buttignol, who has taken on the moderator role for the third time, praised the program’s evolution.

 

"The first edition was just fantastic because it was new. But with every new edition, we see more projects and decision-makers. Every year, the quality of projects improves. The AJD Industry has built a strong reputation quickly but maintains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for making new connections and reinforcing older ones. I think it's more successful than ever,"  Buttignol reflected after the morning pitching sessions.

 

 

Among the standout projects was K67, a documentary about the iconic Yugoslav kiosk design and its impact on the Balkan states. Director Filip Filković presented his project and later expressed that, beyond securing funds, he was particularly eager to receive feedback from fellow film professionals.

 

"The pitch went well! More than securing the funds, I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback from the decision-makers. That's why I choose to participate in events like

this - I thoroughly enjoy the networking and exchanging opinions," he said.

 

The day continued with eight more presentations, including Wolf Game, The Amateur Photographer’s Family Portrait, My Father’s War, The Last Baron, Big in Gazi Baba, You Are Mine, Power, Elaine, and The Dry Period.

 

The rest of the day is reserved for in-depth discussions between pitchers and decision-makers. Tomorrow, attention shifts to the Rough Cut category, while this AJD Industry Days edition will conclude on Monday with the Balkan Stars, Special Selection, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

 

A total of 29 projects will be presented throughout three days. Projects will compete for co-production and cash awards worth more than 120.000 EUR by Al Jazeera Documentary,  Al Jazeera Balkans and other partners. This edition of the AJD Industry is supported by: Media City Qatar, BH Telecom, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), Czech Television, Radiotelevision of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT), Eurodoc, Looks TV, The Institute of Documentary Film, Cannes Docs, BelDocs, Sheffield DocFest, Movies that Matter, Doha Film Institute and MIA DOC, Ram Picture and Point DOC.