Switzerland is taking centre stage at CineLink Industry Days 2026, with the country named this year’s Country in Focus as Sarajevo welcomes dedicated professional delegations from Switzerland, Czechia and Sweden. The initiative strengthens CineLink’s role as a meeting point for European producers looking for new partners and co-production opportunities across Southeast Europe.
Running from August 15 to 20 as part of the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, CineLink Industry Days will bring together filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, sales agents, film funds, festivals and decision-makers from more than 60 countries. The three national delegations form part of the programme’s push to create stronger links between the regional industry and established production markets across Europe.
Switzerland builds stronger links with Southeast Europe
Switzerland has the most prominent position in this year’s initiative. As Country in Focus, it is bringing a delegation of filmmakers, producers and industry executives to Sarajevo to explore partnerships and strengthen connections between the Swiss and Balkan audiovisual sectors.
The focus is organised by SWISS FILMS, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The delegation includes producers from companies such as Beauvoir Film, Vega Film, Lang Film, Catpics, Filmgerberei, Cinédokké and Dynamic Frame, alongside representatives from SRG SSR and SWISS FILMS. Filmmaker and producer Andrea Štaka is also part of the group.
The Sarajevo presence forms part of a wider SWISS FILMS focus on Southeast Europe in 2026. According to the organisation, CineLink plays an important role in encouraging co-productions in the region. CineLink Head of Industry Maša Marković has also highlighted the existing connections between Switzerland and the Balkans, including the contribution of Swiss filmmakers, producers and writers with roots in Southeast Europe.
Czech producers look for new international partnerships
Czechia is also strengthening its presence in Sarajevo through a Spotlight on the Czech Republic, organised with the Czech Film Center, the international division of the Czech Audiovisual Fund.
The delegation brings together producers from the Czech film and television sector as well as representatives from the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Participants will take part in curated meetings, networking activities and co-production forums aimed at developing new creative and business relationships with international partners.
Czech Film Center head Markéta Šantrochová said the initiative aims to build on previous cooperation while opening new ways for the Czech and international industries to work together.
Sweden returns to Sarajevo’s co-production network
A Swedish delegation will complete the trio, with the 2026 initiative involving the Swedish Film Institute, Göteborg Film Festival and Film i Väst.
Sweden and CineLink already have established industry links around production, financing and co-production. The Swedish presence adds another established European production market to this year’s international exchange, giving producers attending Sarajevo further opportunities to connect with potential partners.
By bringing the Swiss, Czech and Swedish industries into dedicated delegations, CineLink Industry Days 2026 is putting international co-production firmly at the centre of its programme. For producers from Southeast Europe, the meetings provide direct access to potential partners from three active European audiovisual markets. At the same time, the initiative gives visiting professionals a closer look at projects, talent and production opportunities emerging from the region.
Continue reading: Shooting in Czechia
