The Mediterranean Film Festival, which has been enriching the cultural life of Široki Brijeg and the region for 26 years, is recognised as a key event in the film and cultural calendar. Its value and contribution have been acknowledged by prominent representatives of local and state authorities and long-term partners.

On the occasion of this year's edition, the festival received words of praise and support, and the MFF was awarded the Golden Plaque 'Coat of Arms of the City of Široki Brijeg' for 25 years of persistent work in promoting documentary film and cultural cooperation.

“The Mediterranean Film Festival has become an essential part of the cultural identity of our town over the past 25 years. Their dedicated work on the promotion of documentary film, education of youth, and strengthening the cultural identity of our town, not only in Široki Brijeg but the entire region, makes us extremely proud. 

Thanks to the organiser’s enthusiasm and vision, Široki Brijeg is today recognised as a town of film. In the past 25 years, our town has hosted more than 500 film authors from all over the world and 150 experts on juries during the festival, and we have had the opportunity to enjoy watching over 1000 films for all generations. 

As a native of Široki Brijeg who has followed and visited the festival in previous years, I can emphasise that the friendly atmosphere of the festival goes beyond the film screenings themselves. Its uniqueness lies in its consistent commitment to documentary film as a space of truth, expression, and deep reflection with an emphasis on the Mediterranean, a region of rich and turbulent history to which Herzegovina also belongs.  

The Golden Plaque 'Coat of Arms of the City of Široki Brijeg', which we have awarded the Mediterranean Film Festival, is a symbolic recognition for years of perseverance, creativity and true cultural dedication.

The Mediterranean Film Festival remains a strong and indispensable link in the cultural life of Široki Brijeg, and the town will continue to proudly provide full support to this exceptional event.

“The Mediterranean Film Festival has become a recognisable cultural event, not only in our Canton but beyond. We are proud that a festival that nurtures creativity, opens space for young authors and connects us with the filmmaking of the entire region is growing right in the West Herzegovina Canton. 

The Government of the West Herzegovina Canton recognises the importance of such cultural events, as they contribute to strengthening the cultural identity, enriching the social life, and promoting our region on the international level.

I would like to congratulate the organisers on their effort and dedication, extend a warm welcome to all participants and guests of this year’s festival to the West Herzegovina Canton, and wish the audience an enjoyable experience with the rich film program. I am confident that this year’s edition of the Mediterranean Film Festival will once again be filled with inspiration, meaningful encounters, and valuable artistic experiences.

This year, the Mediterranean Film Festival also received recognition from the Town of Široki Brijeg for 25 years of devoted commitment to film culture, further confirming MFF’s status as one of the most important cultural events in the region.

Recognising the significance of this Festival not only for Široki Brijeg but also for the West Herzegovina Canton and beyond, the Government of the West Herzegovina Canton, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, has this year approved funding of 30,000 BAM. The Government will continue to co-finance this event, which is considered a strategic cultural project within our Canton.

"I am proud that the Office continues to support the Mediterranean Film Festival, which over the years has established itself as one of the most recognisable cultural events in the region. I particularly value the festival’s contribution to the development and positioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s film industry on the international stage, as well as its role in connecting artists, fostering creative collaborations, and promoting Croatian and Bosnian-Herzegovinian cultural heritage.

The Central State Office for Croats Abroad will continue to support all the initiatives and projects whose programs and accompanying content contribute to the promotion of film art and the strengthening of cultural ties.”

HT Eronet has for many years been a friend and supporter of all major film events in Bosnia and Herzegovina – from the Ivo Gregurević Croatian Film Days in Orašje, to the Mediterranean Film Festival in Široki Brijeg, and the Underwater Film Festival in Neum.

We've been with the Mediterranean Film Festival since the very beginning, and it's incredible how quickly these 26 years have passed. As for HT Eronet, this year we've once again provided free WiFi, and our voting app allows viewers to vote for the best film, with one lucky voter also receiving a prize. Additionally, our Home TV platform offers a video library where all our users can watch selected films from previous editions of the festival.

I would like to congratulate the MFF team on 26 years of the festival and wish them yet another successful edition — filled with great films, music, and moments of connection and networking, which is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of gatherings like this one in today’s world.”