Filming in Bosnia and Herzegovina is steadily gaining attention as a practical and visually diverse location for film, TV, and commercial productions. With a mix of architectural styles, varied geography, and a supportive production environment, filming in Bosnia offers a cost-effective and flexible alternative to more saturated European markets.
Why Film in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Filming in Bosnia and Herzegovina allows production teams to access a wide range of urban, rural, and historical locations. From the dense forests and rivers of the central highlands to Ottoman-era towns and Austro-Hungarian influenced cities like Sarajevo and Mostar, the country offers strong location variety in a compact geographic area.
Key advantages of filming in Bosnia include:
- Diverse Visual Backdrops: The country can easily double for multiple settings, from Eastern European cities to mountainous or remote regions.
- Cultural Variety: Religious and cultural diversity is reflected in the country’s architecture, making Bosnia adaptable for different narrative needs.
- Experienced Crews and Talent: Local crews have experience in European and international productions and are accustomed to working with visiting teams.
- Lower Production Costs: Compared to Western Europe, costs for locations, equipment, crew, and logistics are significantly lower.
Financial Incentives and Support
One of the primary reasons producers are considering filming in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the availability of financial incentives designed to attract international productions.
Overview of the Cash Rebate:
- Rebate Rate: Up to 30% of eligible local production spend
- Minimum Spend Threshold: Generally between €100,000 and €250,000, depending on the region
- Eligible Content: Feature films, documentaries, TV dramas, animation, and co-productions
- Qualifying Expenditure: Local crew wages, services, rentals, accommodation, and transport
These incentives are available in both the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS), each with separate administration. Working with a local production services company is recommended to navigate the application and reporting process effectively.
Resources:
Sarajevo Film Fund (FBiH) & Ministry of Culture, Republika Srpska
Permitting and Logistics
Filming permits in Bosnia are relatively straightforward to obtain. Local authorities are generally cooperative, especially when projects include local personnel or provide economic benefits to the community.
Highlights:
- Centralized permitting process for public locations
- Affordable municipal and cultural site access
- Local fixers and producers can streamline logistics
- English-speaking crew and bilingual production support are available
Co-Productions and Festival Support
Bosnia is a participant in several European co-production agreements, making it easier for international producers to access joint funding opportunities. The Sarajevo Film Festival also serves as a regional hub for film industry networking, co-production markets, and distribution.
Co-production treaties with countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and others open the door to European funding and exposure for qualifying projects.
For more, visit the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Notable Productions That Chose Bosnia as a Filming Location
Over the years, several international and regional productions have selected Bosnia and Herzegovina for its compelling locations, supportive infrastructure, and cultural depth. These projects demonstrate the versatility and appeal of filming in Bosnia, from war dramas and historical pieces to contemporary thrillers.
International and Award-Winning Films
- In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) – Directed by Angelina Jolie, this war drama was partly filmed in Bosnia, using authentic settings to depict the Bosnian War. The film brought global attention to the country’s cinematic potential.
- Twice Born (2012) – Starring Penélope Cruz and directed by Sergio Castellitto, this Italy-Spain co-production used Sarajevo as a primary filming location, showcasing the city’s historic streets and war-torn backdrop.
- Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020) – Nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, this powerful drama was entirely shot in Bosnia. Directed by Jasmila Žbanić, the film recounts the events of the Srebrenica massacre and was praised for its realism and emotional impact.
- Venuto al Mondo (Twice Born)_ – Another feature set during the Bosnian conflict, this film used Sarajevo and surrounding areas extensively, highlighting how filming in Bosnia adds authenticity to historically driven narratives.
Regional and Independent Productions
Bosnia has also been a key location for independent filmmakers across Europe and the Balkans. The region’s flexibility, availability of professional crews, and affordability have made it ideal for smaller-budget films.
- Grbavica (2006) – This Berlin Film Festival winner, directed by Jasmila Žbanić, was filmed entirely in Sarajevo and is regarded as one of Bosnia’s most important post-war cinematic works.
- No Man’s Land (2001) – This satirical anti-war film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, was partially filmed in Bosnia and highlighted the absurdity of conflict through a local lens.
Television and Documentaries
TV projects and documentaries continue to drive demand for filming in Bosnia, particularly those covering the region’s complex history or showcasing its cultural landscape.
- CNN’s Inside the Balkans – Various episodes have used Bosnian cities for on-location interviews and scenic coverage.
- BBC and Al Jazeera Documentaries – Topics such as post-war reconciliation and Balkan geopolitics often feature scenes filmed on location in Sarajevo, Mostar, and rural Bosnia
Conclusion
Filming in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a practical option for producers seeking location diversity, competitive pricing, and access to European film incentives. Whether your production involves drama, documentary, or commercials, Bosnia offers the resources and infrastructure needed to deliver a professional outcome. If you’re planning your next shoot in Southeast Europe, consider Bosnia and Herzegovina as a cost-effective and production-ready destination. Contact us today to film in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
