CineLink Industry Days, the industry section of the Sarajevo Film Festival, has announced a new partnership with Next Step Studio, the international initiative launched by Cannes Critics' Week to support emerging filmmakers.

The collaboration introduces the Next Step Studio Participation Award, which will be presented during the CineLink awards ceremony on 20 August, at the 32nd edition of the festival (14-21 August). The prize will give one director from the CineLink selection the opportunity to participate in the 2027 edition of Next Step Studio, which will take place in Armenia.

Created by Cannes Critics' Week, Next Step Studio brings together eight emerging directors, four from the host country and four international participants, to co-write and co-direct four 15-minute short films. Produced in the host country, the films will premiere at Cannes Critics' Week and the participating filmmakers will also present their first or second feature projects to international industry professionals.

The exchange will work both ways. Sarajevo's CineLink will also welcome one filmmaker from Next Step Studio to present a feature project at its Co-Production Market, while the festival will screen shorts produced through the programme.

Maša Marković, head of industry at the Sarajevo Film Festival, described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for first-time filmmakers, noting that it allows emerging directors to continue creating while developing their debut features.

Producer and curator Dominique Welinski said the collaboration builds naturally on her long-standing relationship with the Sarajevo Film Festival, recalling previous collaborations such as SEE Factory in 2019.

The inaugural edition of Next Step Studio took place in Indonesia, with its four short films premiering at Cannes in May this year. The new collaboration further strengthens the ties between creative development, co-production opportunities and international exposure for emerging filmmakers.