Critical Voices Honored: Arijana Saračević Helać and Robert Botteri Receive Prestigious ‘Zdravko Grebo’ Awards
6th Sarajevo Festival Awards Critical Discussion Prizes
As part of the 6th Sarajevo Festival, the prestigious “Zdravko Grebo” awards were presented to outstanding journalists for their critical discussion in the field of journalism. The jury, comprising Ognjenka Finci, Haris Pašović, and Dino Mustafić, unanimously selected Arijana Saračević Helać and Robert Botteri as the recipients of this esteemed award.
Arijana Saračević Helać: A Trailblazer in Television Journalism
Arijana Saračević Helać was awarded the “Zdravko Grebo” prize for her decades-long contribution to television journalism and documentary filmmaking. Her work has consistently demonstrated a critical and courageous approach to tackling complex political subjects from the region’s recent past. Throughout her career, Saračević Helać has faced numerous challenges, including threats to her life, attacks, and obstacles. However, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to investigative journalism.
Saračević Helać’s work has been instrumental in upholding professional standards in journalism, promoting ethical values, and preserving freedom of speech. Her dedication to the defense of journalism as a public good has been particularly notable during times when investigative and critical journalism have faced significant challenges.
Robert Botteri: A Champion of Democracy and Free Speech
Robert Botteri, the creative editor of the weekly publication ”Mladina” from Ljubljana, was also awarded the “Zdravko Grebo” prize. Botteri’s fellow journalist, Grega Repovž, aptly described him as a driving force behind democratization in Slovenia. As the editor-in-chief of “Mladina” during the collapse of the Yugoslav SFR and Slovenia’s transformation into a democratic state, Botteri played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and promoting courage in the struggle for democracy.
Botteri’s journalistic work has often made him a target of various authorities, putting his life and the lives of his family members at risk. Nevertheless, he has remained a steadfast advocate for brave, incisive, and critical journalism.
6th Sarajevo Festival Highlights
The ceremonial opening of the 6th Sarajevo Festival will feature the Sarajevo premiere of the play “Acid” and the forum “Fighting Journalism with Authoritarian Regimes”. These events promise to be thought-provoking and engaging, highlighting the importance of critical discussion and journalism in today’s society.
