Arthouse Kriterion Sarajevo

Why Kriterion Sarajevo?
A decade after the war (1992-1995), Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, seems almost to have recovered. But many still struggle every day to make ends meet. The ongoing economic malaise, the tense political situation and the lack of perspective give the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina little faith in the future. Unemployment rates, especially amongst youngsters, are skyrocketing.
Many cultural centres that were destroyed during the siege of Sarajevo are not being rebuilt. Sarajevo still lacks a regular cultural film programme. No other cinema in Sarajevo screens arthouse films on a regular basis. In spite of this, there is a tangible cultural energy in the city.
How does Kriterion Sarajevo work?

Student employment
Arthouse Kriterion Sarajevo (Kriterion) is a cinema in the Bosnian capital, run entirely by students. They form the management of the cinema and are responsible for the day-to-day business. A board of professional experts will supervise and support the students in their activities. Kriterion will improve the chances of young people on the limited labour market and supply Sarajevo with experienced and active young professionals. A true laboratory for young urban talent

Innovation never ends
Kriterion explicitly provides temporary and part-time employment only. After a certain number of years, employees have to make room for a new generation. This constant rotation of young people means that Kriterion will be at the forefront of developments and changes in society and can continue to surprise its audience.

Cultural enrichment
Kriterion screens arthouse movies throughout the year and offers a refreshing addition to the Hollywood programming that now dominates Bosnian cinemas. Apart from screening films on a regular basis, Kriterion is a place where other activities flourish. The regular film program, decided by the students, will be complemented by film premiere parties, theme (film) nights, symposia and workshops. A constant interaction between cultural entertainment and serious topics illustrates the diversity and power of Kriterion.

International cooperation
Kriterion Sarajevo works closely with Filmtheater Kriterion in Amsterdam. This cooperation makes it possible to exchange ideas and projects between the two capitals. Groups of Dutch and Bosnian students will be working in each others’ cinemas. In addition, Kriterion Sarajevo seeks cooperation with cinemas and cultural organisations in the region. These include Belgrade (Serbia), Zagreb (Croatia), Split (Croatia) and Tirana (Albania), Kriterion will cross borders and join young people in their drive to exchange ideas and improve the cultural scene in the region.

Finances
Kriterion is an enterprise with a non-profit character. All revenues will be reinvested in the cinema.