When people think about Sarajevo, they often think of the 1984 Winter Olympics, rich cultural heritage, East and West meeting in one city, or the unforgettable atmosphere of the old town. But few visitors know that one of the greatest artists in modern history — Pablo Picasso — is also connected to the story of Sarajevo and former Yugoslav cinema. Today, this incredible connection is part of the experience at Planet Sarajevo, one of the most unique museums in Sarajevo and a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the cultural history of the city.
The Film That Connected Sarajevo to the World
The film Battle of Neretva remains one of the most ambitious and internationally successful films ever produced in former Yugoslavia. Directed by Veljko Bulajić, the film brought together some of the biggest international stars of the era, including Orson Welles, Yul Brynner, Franco Nero and Sergei Bondarchuk.
The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and later became recognized as one of the most important World War II films ever made.
Its connection to Sarajevo is especially important. The film premiered in Sarajevo in 1969 during the opening of the Skenderija Center, one of the city’s most important cultural and architectural landmarks.
At the time, Sarajevo was becoming one of the leading cultural centers of Yugoslavia — a city of film, music, art, architecture and international events.
Pablo Picasso Designed the Poster
One of the most surprising stories connected to the film is the story of its poster. During the production of Battle of Neretva, director Veljko Bulajić contacted Pablo Picasso with an extraordinary request — to create the official poster for the film.
To the surprise of the entire production team, Picasso accepted. The world-famous Spanish artist reportedly did not ask for money in return. Instead, according to historical accounts, he only requested a crate of the best Yugoslav wine containing twelve bottles. The result became one of the most famous film posters in the history of former Yugoslavia. This unusual story perfectly reflects the international cultural atmosphere of the time. Sarajevo and Yugoslavia were connected to global artistic movements, major film productions and internationally recognized creators.
Sarajevo as an International Cultural Hub
Stories like this reveal why Sarajevo has always been much more than a regional city. Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s, Sarajevo became known for its film festivals, music scene, architecture, Winter Olympics, television production and contemporary art.
International artists, filmmakers and intellectuals regularly visited the city, while local creators built connections with some of the most important cultural figures in the world. Today, many visitors are surprised to discover how globally connected Sarajevo once was.
Experience These Stories at Planet Sarajevo
At Planet Sarajevo, visitors can discover stories that many people outside the region have never heard before. Through immersive multimedia installations, archival materials, projections and interactive exhibits, Planet Sarajevo explores the golden decades of Sarajevo and the city’s connections to world culture. The story of Pablo Picasso and the Battle of Neretva poster is only one of many incredible stories waiting inside. If you are looking for unique things to do in Sarajevo, museums in Sarajevo, or hidden cultural stories connected to the city, Planet Sarajevo offers a completely different experience.