Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Blasts Government for Neglecting Bosnian Culture

Oscar-winning Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanović strongly criticized the current government. Tanović, a co-founder of Naša stranka, spoke on the "Manifest" podcast. He accused the ruling Trojka parties (SDP, NiP, Naša stranka) and HDZ BiH of destroying and neglecting culture. Cultural workers, once hopeful, are now deeply disappointed.

Tanović gave an example of this neglect. BH Telecom began producing content for its streaming service, which helped local film. But the new government appointed a NiP director who dismantled these efforts. Tanović stated that the other Trojka parties then handed cultural matters to HDZ. He also said the Culture Minister is absent and inactive. The Foundation for Cinematography has not provided funds for three years.

He explained that art, unlike commercial entertainment, needs state support. Tanović contrasted this with France, a country that strongly supports its culture. He directly addressed the Trojka leaders. He had hoped they would increase culture budgets for films, plays, and books. Tanović questioned if their own relatives would vote for them in upcoming elections. He concluded that culture has "never been worse" under Trojka, even suggesting a previous SDA-appointed director was better.