Sarajevo Film Festival to honour Diego Luna and Asghar Farhadi

The Sarajevo Film Festival has announced major honourees for its upcoming edition, celebrating the global contributions of Mexican actor, director, and producer Diego Luna alongside acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, according to the Sarajevo Times and Reuters.

Festival Director Jovan Marjanović praised Luna’s artistic journey and cultural impact in an official statement. Marjanović noted that a quarter of a century has passed since Luna captured international attention in a breakout cinematic role in Y tu mamá también, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, growing into an artist who moves smoothly between major Hollywood productions and intimate human stories that showcase Latin American culture.

"Through his exceptional body of work, Diego Luna has left a profound mark on contemporary cinema, and it is our great honour to present him with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo"

Jovan Marjanović, SFF Director, via AOL and Sarajevo Times

Luna's extensive career spans film, television, and theatre, marked by creative range and a dedicated commitment to expanding Latino and Hispanic representation on international stages. His credits include starring in and executive-producing the Disney+ series Andor, as well as roles in Kiss of the Spider Woman, Hulu's La Máquina alongside Gael García Bernal, Netflix’s Narcos: México, and México 86. His early international exposure also includes Star Wars: Rogue One. Beyond acting, Luna directed the documentary J.C. Chávez, the narrative feature Abel, and Mr. Pig. He also co-founded Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival, alongside García Bernal, Pablo Cruz, Elena Fortes, and El Día Después.

Expressing enthusiasm for his upcoming visit, Luna shared his thoughts on attending the event.

"It’s been many years since I’ve wanted to go to Sarajevo, so many colleagues have spoken beautifully about the festival and their personal experience there. I feel honored with the recognition of my work and very excited to share Ashes with the audience. See you soon!"

Diego Luna, Actor and Director, via Sarajevo Times

In addition to receiving his award, Luna will present his latest directorial feature, Ashes, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He will also host a masterclass for emerging talents, film professionals, and festival audiences.

Festival Highlights and Lineup

The upcoming festival edition will also turn its focus to Iran's Asghar Farhadi, an Oscar-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Farhadi's extensive accolades include two Academy Awards, a Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and a best screenwriter prize at Cannes. A retrospective of his work will be showcased as part of the festival’s Tribute To programme. Previously, Farhadi served as the jury chair for the feature film competition, a duty that will be handled at the upcoming edition by British actress Emily Watson.

The event itself originates from deep historical roots, having been founded towards the end of Bosnia's 1992-1995 war by film enthusiasts. Maintaining that thematic connection, the festival will open with Fatherland, the new film by Oscar-winning director Pawel Pawlikowski, which concludes his Cold War trilogy.

"It seems like the film suits Sarajevo Film Festival because it's steeped in history and in conflict, in situations which are still within living memory in Bosnia. It feels like a good context to show the film"

Pawel Pawlikowski, Director, via AOL

Festival Details at a Glance

• Event: 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival
• Dates: 14 to 21 August 2026
• Opening Film: Fatherland by Pawel Pawlikowski
• Key Honourees: Diego Luna (Honorary Heart of Sarajevo) and Asghar Farhadi (Tribute To retrospective)
• Special Events: Diego Luna masterclass and screening of his directorial feature Ashes