The Western Balkans, shaped by the legacy of former Yugoslavia, hold a rich and diverse audiovisual heritage that reflects the region’s complex history, cultural plurality, and evolving national identities. However, this heritage faces numerous challenges stemming from political tensions, historical antagonisms, and unequal access to preservation resources. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the centralization of archives in Belgrade led to significant disparities in access and preservation capacities across the region.
The linguistic and cultural diversity of the Balkans further complicates efforts to safeguard and promote these archives. Each country encounters distinct obstacles, from a lack of infrastructure and technical skills to varying levels of political will and funding. In this fragmented landscape, collaborative initiatives offer a vital pathway toward bridging these gaps, encouraging mutual understanding, and reinforcing the shared memory that binds the region. By pooling resources and expertise, such initiatives can overcome national limitations and promote a collective responsibility for preserving this common heritage.
To address these issues, national broadcasters from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and the Vojvodina region will launch the project “My Balkan(s)” in September, with support from the French Embassy in Serbia. The French National Audiovisual Institute (INA) will act as a knowledge partner. A roundtable marking the project’s launch will serve as a starting point for open dialogue and strategic cooperation.
Experts and stakeholders will discuss key challenges related to audiovisual preservation, technical needs, regional cooperation, and content creation. The goal is to foster a shared vision, promote skill exchange, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive model of audiovisual heritage valorisation in the Western Balkans.
