Inside the AJD Industry Days 2024: Steady growth and a bright future ahead
Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days occur from September 14-16 in Sarajevo.
The third edition of AJD Industry Days, part of the AJB DOC Film Festival, saw over 270 submissions, with only 29 projects selected. These were distributed across four categories: Main Pitch, Rough Cut, Balkan Stars, and the Special Selection.
Lejla Dedić, attending the event for the third time and representing Al Jazeera English, expressed optimism about the platform’s future.
“It’s relatively new but already well-known in festival circles. Many decision-makers attending for the first time are very impressed, and they will help spread the word. I’m confident the fourth edition will be even bigger and better,” Lejla said.
She reflected on the event’s success: “We’ve seen fantastic roundtable discussions and pitches over the first two days. Everyone left with smiles, having received great feedback from the decision-makers. It’s been fruitful, positive, fantastic—as always.”
Edhem Fočo, director of the AJB DOC Film Festival, emphasized the importance of creating a space for filmmakers and broadcasters to connect.
“We have everyone here, from BBC to Deutsche Welle, TRT, and many others. Both seasoned award-winners and first-time pitchers are presenting. The Industry is growing steadily. We’re currently following the Rough Cut, and the start of the third edition has been very promising,” he said.
So far, nearly 20 projects have been presented to decision-makers and the audience, both more significant than in previous years—a strong signal of the platform’s growing influence.
First-time pitchers, such as Tatsiana Khamliuk, who presented her project Close to Paradise—Zarema and Her Rebel Family during the Rough Cut, also found the experience rewarding. Despite the stress and anxiety she felt before the pitch, Tatsiana said she was relieved and thrilled to have participated.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me. I’m grateful for the space, support, and feedback. While everyone wants to secure funding, I think many of us are here primarily for the advice, inspiration, and the chance to share our projects with the world,” she said.
Asja Makarević, representing the Berlin International Film Festival, praised its unique atmosphere, contrasting it with more prominent global festivals.
“This is my first time here, and I’m enjoying the intimate atmosphere. I liked how we, the decision-makers, were introduced to the projects and each other. There was a large audience, but we also had the opportunity to sit down with filmmakers for more direct, private discussions during the roundtables. This warm environment adds value,” Asja shared.
Looking to the future, Adel Ksiksi, Head of AJD Industry Days, discussed plans to expand the platform to Africa and Asia.
“We currently support platforms in regions like Asia and Africa. We’re considering expanding Industry Days to those areas, replicating what we’re doing here in Sarajevo. This will help share more stories, find new talent, and connect filmmakers and producers globally,” Ksiksi revealed, hinting at the possibility of launching a new platform in 2025.
Tomorrow marks the last day of this year's AJD Industry Days, and ten more projects will be presented in the Balkan Stars and Special Selection categories. The highly anticipated award ceremony will follow.
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.
Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days occur from September 14-16 in Sarajevo.