The event aims to demonstrate the power and art of storytelling, as well as connect filmmakers with decision-makers.
Documentary channel Al Jazeera has launched the third edition of Al Jazeera Documentary Industry Days to connect decision-makers with the most promising documentary projects.
The event, which began on Saturday and will continue until Monday, is taking place during the Al Jazeera Balkan Documentary Film Festival in the Bosnia and Herzegovina capital Sarajevo.
The event will feature 80 experts who will evaluate and support documentary projects that seek to tell inspiring human stories, address pressing social issues and promote universal human values, while shedding light on areas that have not received enough attention in the documentary film industry.
The event also aims to foster a deeper understanding of different perspectives by promoting cultural exchanges between participants.
On Saturday, 10 sessions were held in the Main Pitch category of the event, starting with the presentation of a documentary project entitled The Other Gaza.
“This emotional presentation tells the story of Wafa Jamil, who lives in Stockholm while her family resides in Gaza. The aim of her project is to show a different side of Gaza to her eight-year-old daughter, who lives with her in Sweden,” the organisers said in a statement.
Jamil said his project was inspired by the current conflict in the Palestinian territory.
“It is an important topic and I am very grateful to have the opportunity and the space to present it at such an important event, filled with so many influential people in this industry,” she said.
Rudy Buttignol, who is moderating the event for the third time, praised the evolution of the program.
“Every year, the quality of the projects improves,” he said, adding that the event “maintains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for making new connections and strengthening old ones.”
Al Jazeera Documentary Days represents the Qatar-based broadcaster's commitment to supporting the documentary industry, said Ahmed Mahfouz, director of Al Jazeera's documentary channel.
He said an unprecedented number of projects have been shortlisted for the ongoing event, adding that he believed documentaries can bring about social change.
“This event aims to enhance international cooperation to showcase the works of filmmakers globally,” he said.
Adel Ksiksi, director of Al Jazeera Documentary Days, said the event has grown over the years. He said 29 documentary projects will be chosen from a pool of nearly 270 proposals from independent filmmakers and producers from North Africa, the Arab world, Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus.
The 29 selected projects will be divided into four categories: Main Competition (10 projects), Ongoing Projects (nine projects), Balkan Stars (six projects) and Out-of-Competition Projects (four projects).
“These projects reflect the diversity, creativity and dedication of documentary filmmakers around the world who continue to push boundaries and tell inspiring stories,” said Ksiksi.
