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Youth from the Region Lead the Way Towards a Greener Western Balkans

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The Final Conference of the Youth Policy Lab on the Green Agenda, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) EU-funded Western Balkans Youth Lab Project (WBYL2), was held in Ljubljana on 21 October 2025 (Photo: RCC/Aleš Rosa)

Ljubljana, 21st October – The Final Conference of the Youth Policy Lab on the Green Agenda, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) EU-funded Western Balkans Youth Lab Project (WBYL2), was held in Ljubljana today, bringing together young visionaries, policymakers, and regional partners to showcase how youth-led ideas are shaping the future of the Green Agenda in the Western Balkans. This marked finalisation of the third Youth Policy Lab, following Youth Unemployment and Mental Health.

“The Youth Policy Lab serves as a bridge between generations and institutions, fostering dialogue that turns innovative ideas into actionable policies. Young people across the Western Balkans are proving that sustainable change starts from local action and shared vision. Results presented today are just the beginning, and the success further depends on sustained support and active youth engagement to turn these initiatives into tangible results across the Western Balkans Six,” emphasized Ognjen Marković, Team Leader of the Western Balkans Youth Lab during his opening remarks.

The conference, titled Blooming Garden of Tomorrow, featured co-chairs of the Youth Policy Lab, representatives of Youth Councils and policy makers along with different stakeholders. Speakers included Ms. Maja Schussler, Political Reporter at the European Commission Representation in Slovenia; Mr. Antonio Jovanovski, Programme Specialist for Climate and Sustainability at UNICEF Europe and Central Asia; and Mr. Simon Januš, Expert Associate from the Department of Environmental Protection of the City of Ljubljana and Mission 100 cities under 2030.

By directly involving young people in policy co-creation, the Policy Lab promotes inclusiveness, strengthens intersectoral cooperation, and contributes to the implementation of the Green Agenda through youth-driven initiatives. Over the past year and a half, Working Groups from the region have collaborated to design practical solutions for greener and more sustainable communities.

Across the Western Balkans Six, young people have driven substantial progress on the Green Agenda through a wide range of initiatives. The Green Seat Manual and a methodology for introducing a green seat in Local Youth Councils were developed, empowering youth to lead environmental actions. Youth Dialogues were organised to provide insights for regional analyses of the Green Agenda and Eco Bonton. A Comprehensive Gap Analysis was produced to strengthen youth participation in environmental decision-making. The framework and methodology for Youth Climate Councils were established, supporting structured youth involvement in climate action. Practical Guide for Active Youth Participation in Local Environmental Decision-Making and workshops equipped young people with the tools and knowledge to actively influence local green policies. Educational resources, including the Eco Youth Dictionary, were created, while campaigns promoted youth engagement in environmental initiatives. Collectively, these initiatives highli

Building on the momentum and lessons learned from the Green Agenda process, the WBYL2 will soon launch the fourth Youth Policy Lab, focusing on disinformation and media literacy. This next edition will empower young people to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time with the same collaborative and forward-looking spirit that has defined the Green Agenda Lab.

More on the WBYL2 Project: Western Balkans Youth Lab Project

Western Balkans Youth Lab Project is funded by the European Union, and implemented by the RCC.

Nikšić to become European Capital of Culture 2030 in a non-EU country

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Nikšić competed with  Lviv to become the European Capital of Culture 2030 in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate for EU membership. 

On 21 October 2025, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture independent expert panel announced in Brussels, that they are recommending Nikšić (Montenegro) to become the European Capital of Culture 2030 in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate for EU membership.  

The city will follow the path of Novi Sad (Serbia) in 2022, Bodø (Norway) in 2024, and Skopje (North Macedonia) in 2028. 

 

Nikšić: “open city” 

Responding to growing global divisions and tensions, the city of Nikšić chose to develop its bid around the theme of the “open city” and the concept of “čojstvo” (“being human”). Through a powerful cultural programme, the title year will be an opportunity to showcase that openness and solidarity pave the way towards positive transformation: from creativity and learning to resilience and collective wellbeing. 

 

The selection process  

The selection is organised in two rounds. During the first round, a panel of 10 independent experts designated by EU institutions and bodies examines the applications and establishes a shortlist.  

In the second round, the panel recommends one of the shortlisted cities to the European Commission, which will then officially award the title following the independent panel’s recommendation. 

 

Strengthening the bonds between the EU and its neighbours 

Opening the European Capitals of Culture competition to non-EU countries plays a part in strengthening the bonds between the EU and its neighbours.  

Cities from EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries or potential candidate for EU membership wishing to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture can participate in the next specific competition organised in 2033.  

 

The 2030 European Capitals of Culture  

Nikšić will share its title with Leuven (Belgium) and another city in Cyprus, either Larnaka or Lemesos.  

The results of the competition in Cyprus will be known in December 2025.  

The European Commission may award each European Capital of Culture with the €1.5 million Melina Mercouri Prize, funded under the Creative Europe programme, in recognition of the quality of their preparatory process.  

 

The transformative effect of European Capitals of Culture 

The European Capitals of Culture action offers cities a chance to celebrate diversity, engage communities and promote local and regional development.  

A recent EU evaluation confirmed its remarkable results, from boosting tourism and cultural activity to fostering social inclusion, international cooperation and a stronger sense of community across Europe. 

 

Related links: 

Learn more about what Nikšić has been planning for 2030 

Learn more about the European Capitals of Culture action 

Von der Leyen wraps up Western Balkans tour with firm messages on reforms, dialogue, and economic integration

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen concluded a multi-day visit to the Western Balkans, reiterating the EU’s commitment to the region’s European path and to the €6 billion Growth Plan. In Tirana, she addressed the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, noting concrete steps toward the EU Single Market and welcoming the inclusion of Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia in SEPA, which makes euro transfers faster and cheaper for citizens and businesses. In Montenegro, she commended progress on rule-of-law and the digital transition, confirming an initial €8 million disbursement under the Reform and Growth Facility—an entry point to a package exceeding €380 million, contingent on continued reforms.

Her stops in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo carried clear political signals alongside the economic track. In Sarajevo, she visited the Srebrenica Memorial and met state leaders, underlining that remembrance and accountability are integral to Europe’s values and that sustained reforms remain essential as the country advances on its EU course. In Belgrade, she urged accelerated work on justice reforms and closer alignment with EU foreign policy, alongside tangible progress in the EU-facilitated Dialogue with Kosovo—emphasising that reform delivery unlocks access, investment and new opportunities under the Growth Plan. In Pristina, she reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to Kosovo’s European perspective, encouraging de-escalation, institution-building and steady implementation of agreed steps so the country can fully benefit from the Plan’s instruments and connectivity measures.

In Skopje, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that the “next and only step” before opening accession negotiations is the agreed constitutional change—“the ball is in your court. The EU is ready,” she posted after meetings with the government. She paired the political message with concrete deliverables under the Growth Plan: an AI Factory antenna to be opened in Skopje to plug North Macedonia’s innovators into EuroHPC-powered AI resources; inclusion in the Single Euro Payments Area to make euro transfers faster and cheaper; and a new disbursement of €16 million linked to reforms already delivered.

“The future of the Western Balkans is within our Union. And it is up to all of us to make it happen.” Von der Leyen’s tour underlined that message with concrete steps already in motion, from Single Market–linked reforms and new investment pipelines in clean energy, innovation and sustainable tourism to people-to-people measures that reduce everyday costs and travel barriers, with a clear throughline that credible reforms and dialogue unlock access, funding and opportunities as the region moves closer to the European Union.

100 High Schools from the Western Balkans Strengthen Their Capacities at the Superschools Teachers Training in Ohrid

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Ohrid, North Macedonia – In one of the signature gatherings of the Superschools Program, RYCO’s flagship EU-funded initiative implemented in partnership with GIZ, more than 100 teachers from across the Western Balkans came together in Ohrid for a four-day training designed to strengthen their capacities to lead meaningful youth exchanges under the Superschools label.  

As teachers remain at the heart of every Superschools story, the event served as both a learning opportunity and a celebration of the people shaping the future of regional cooperation. The interactive agenda combined workshops, practical exercises, and inspiring discussions, all designed to help teachers enhance their approaches to intercultural learning and exchange, under the lead of the main expert and trainer, Nedim Krajišnik.  

The training officially opened with a warm welcome from RYCO Local Program Officers, Anja and Dejan, who introduced the goals and structure of the program.   

Firstly, the teachers were officially greeted by the RYCO team, including the Superschools Project Manager and the Head of the Local Branch Office, alongside RYCO’s key partner GIZ, represented by Team Leader, Jasmin Valjevac. 

In his remarks, Mr. Valjevac emphasized the importance of having an EU-funded initiative such as Superschools, which ensures that connections among teachers and youth across neighboring economies are not merely theoretical but put into practice—yielding tangible results and building lasting bridges. Meanwhile, Vladimir Gjorgjevski, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in North Macedonia, reaffirmed RYCO’s commitment to supporting schools on this exciting journey ahead. 

“Through the annual Teachers Training event, we at RYCO want to contribute as much as possible to the capacity building of teachers, soft-skills development, and agenda design in the most effective way,” shared the Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo. 

This year’s call introduced several new elements that make the program even more dynamic. One of them was the introduction of the Superschools Champions, a group of motivated Supereducators who will continue to amplify the program’s reach and impact within their local communities. Their role stands as a true example of how collaboration and dedication can build bridges beyond classrooms.  

During the panel discussion on the 1st day, moderated by Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Program Coordinator, the Champions shared their personal journeys and insights with fellow teachers, motivating them for the journey ahead. The panel featured Superschools Champions: Ms. Joana Liko, Ms. Katarina Ristanović Acović and Superschools Teacher, Ms. Biljana Iskovska.   

Another new feature of this year’s edition was the Sports for Development (S4D) component, where teachers explored how sports and play can promote trust, dialogue, and cooperation among young people. Through playful yet purposeful activities, participants experienced firsthand how S4D principles can enrich their exchange projects and strengthen social bonds among students.  

Reflecting on the experience, one participating teacher shared:  

“Superschools is a great opportunity for teachers and the region because it allows us to have more time to tackle topics that are not addressed through formal education hours. Organizing extracurricular activities thanks to Superschools makes kids confident to express themselves and share their thoughts. I’m so proud and humbled to be considered a Superteacher.”  

The training concluded with the farewell remarks from Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo and Lead Trainer, Nedim Krajišnik, following an open Q&A session for teachers.   

Lead Trainer, Nedim, in his inspirational talk added:  

“We trust you, teachers! Behind the closed doors of the classroom, we trust you will do the best for what kids need. We trust you – in your safe space” 

——————————- 

This programme is part of a multi-donor project, co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with RYCO. 

Von der Leyen reaffirms EU commitment to the Western Balkans’ European path

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President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is visiting the Western Balkans this week, reaffirming the European Union’s strong commitment to the region’s EU path and to the implementation of the €6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Her visit includes stops in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia — each underlining a key aspect of closer political and economic integration with the EU.

In Tirana, the President addressed the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, celebrating tangible progress in bringing the region closer to the EU’s Single Market. “The people and companies of the Western Balkans are already starting to experience the European Union in their daily lives,” she said, highlighting the latest milestone — the inclusion of Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). This change now allows money transfers between these countries and the EU to be faster, safer, and free of extra fees. The reform, she noted, will save Western Balkan businesses an estimated €500 million annually.

In Tivat, Montenegro, von der Leyen praised the country’s role as a frontrunner in the accession process, commending its progress in judicial reforms and digital transition. She announced the first disbursement of €8 million under the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility, encouraging Montenegro to continue on its reform path to unlock the full package of over €380 million in EU support.

The President also pointed to tangible benefits already taking shape — from forthcoming zero roaming charges between the EU and the region to a growing number of joint investments in clean energy, innovation, and sustainable tourism.

“The Western Balkans are firmly on their way to becoming part of the European Union,” von der Leyen said. “Every step taken towards integration brings new opportunities — for investment, for growth, and for our shared European future.”

Following her stops in Albania and Montenegro, President von der Leyen will continue her tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she will visit the Srebrenica Memorial and meet with state leaders, before travelling to Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to conclude her visit later this week.

EU4Culture: Restoring Albania’s historical heritage

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The 2019 earthquake in Albania not only damaged homes and infrastructure but also left deep scars on the country’s cultural heritage. Recognising the importance of preserving Albania’s identity and history, the European Union stepped in with the EU4Culture Programme, implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

With a total investment of 40 million euros, the programme focused on heritage conservation, resilient infrastructure, and socio-economic development. Among its landmark projects was the restoration of the Castle of Bashtova — a centuries-old fortress that stood as both a symbol of Albania’s history and a fragile reminder of its vulnerability.

 

Revitalising a 15th-century fortress: The Intervention at the Castle of Bashtova

Located close to the outflow of the Shkumbin River into the Adriatic Sea in Central Albania, the Castle of Bashtova is one of the oldest fortresses in the country, said to have been erected in the 15th century.

Once a witness to centuries of trade and exchange, the castle suffered severe damage from the 2019 earthquake. Now, it has been revitalised thanks to the EU4Culture Programme. The intervention included repairing the earthquake damage while also giving new life to this important cultural site. Archaeological work carried out during the project uncovered exciting details about the castle’s history, including evidence of its role in protecting the grain trade through centuries and serving as a maritime gateway to the river channels leading to the sea. These findings added a new dimension to Bashtova’s story and now help connect the monument more deeply with Albania’s cultural identity.

To enrich the visitor experience, the intervention introduced augmented reality features, including an app allowing guests to explore the castle through digital storytelling. Severely damaged by the 2019 earthquake, the 15th-century castle stood as a fragile reminder of Albania’s past. Today, it is carefully restored, revitalised, and reimagined as a space where history, culture, and community come together.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the restoration works, H.E. Silvio Gonzato, the EU’s Ambassador to Albania, said: “With the restoration of the castle, we want to pay tribute to Albania’s rich cultural heritage, but also create opportunities for sustainable tourism. Through the EU4Culture programme, we are not only restoring buildings but also creating opportunities for artists, craftsmen, and community engagement. We want to create spaces to discuss, to connect, and to open up. How wonderful that a castle, once built for defence and isolation, is becoming a space for engagement, encounter, and cultural discovery. We need fewer walls and more of these spaces for our communities.”

Thanks to the EU4Culture Programme, the Castle of Bashtova — designated a Cultural Monument of the First Category since 1948 and a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List — now stands with strengthened walls and towers, safe access for visitors, and new spaces for learning and discovery.

 

The EU4Culture programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNOPS in close partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania. It focuses on the renovation and revitalisation of major cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and represents one of the largest cultural heritage programmes funded by the European Union with a total budget of 40 million euros.

The programme focuses on renovation of major cultural heritage sites in line with the UN Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In parallel, it aims to enhance Albania’s tourism potential, thus directly contributing to local and regional socio-economic recovery.

The EU and the Researcher’s Night in Sarajevo: Horizon Europe is indispensable for scientists

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Through the Horizon Europe programme, within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Union supported Researchers’ Night in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the thirteenth consecutive year in September 2025 – this time across 13 cities and at the same time as in several other European countries.

“At first you didn’t want to come, and now we can’t get you to leave”, a father told his tearful little boy at the entrance to one of the venues hosting the activities.

In Sarajevo alone, hundreds of children and their parents truly enjoyed themselves – for some youngsters it was their very first experience of the wonders of VR technology, looking through a microscope or observing the sky through a telescope, while participants proudly showcased their inventions.

Among the exhibitors, there was a quiet rivalry over who could attract the most visitors.

Miriel Ligata from the First Grammar School in Sarajevo, together with her friends Naida Hadžialić and Zara Hamzić, and with the support of their mathematics teacher, Adha Arapović Osmanović, created a comic book through which trigonometry can be learned with relative ease.

“We wanted to make a comic about trigonometry so that we could understand and learn this branch of mathematics more easily. For the comic we measured many landmarks such as the statue of King Tvrtko, the cable car, the City Hall, the Clock Tower, while another part of the team built models. On site, using various apps, we measured the distance from buildings or the angle at which we observed them and then applied trigonometric calculations. It really helped me, because I used to be afraid of mathematics, and now I find it very easy”, said Miriel, emphasising that their comic has even been published in other school’s magazines.

Their teacher, Arapović Osmanović, explained that mathematics teaching must change and that this is a good way forward.

“They chose to make a comic – and believe me, trigonometry suddenly became interesting and easy”, she said, noting that all of her pupils had joined in innovative learning in mathematics, each in their own way.

At the neighbouring stand, a cluster of small lightbulbs illuminated plants.

“We built a generator that produces electricity from temperature differences. This matters because we waste – or throw away – a lot of energy, and yet we need it for faster development”, explained Esma Brulić, Fatima Čolan and Lamija Bašić from the Second Grammar School in Sarajevo.

Not far from them, a boy stood in front of a screen, moving his hand without touching anything – and the balls on the screen moved in response.

“I’m catching the balls with my hand – actually, by moving my hand in front of the camera I’m moving the balls on the screen”, he said, without taking his eyes off the monitor. His mentor at the stand, Berina Omerašević from the School In School project, a commercial initiative for additional education, explained that this was all about programming.

“The idea is to show children some basic principles of web programming in an engaging way. Here we used a camera and machine vision. At other stands we had an innovation lab and a science lab with chemistry experiments. The children find this really exciting and are highly engaged”, said Omerašević.

At one long table, a group of boys connected components of different colours and sizes – triggering sounds and setting objects in motion.

“We’re doing experiments with electricity – when we connect the ends of a conductor, we create an electric circuit that sets certain objects on this surface in motion. This is important for our future, because we need to know how things work, and everyone should understand how electricity makes things move”, said one visitor, a Year 8 pupil.

Outside the event was buzzing – with some 50 stands featuring various themes, experiments and equipment.

“Do you know what the night-time economy is? Would you like to give us your idea on how to improve the night-time economy in the city?” When you suggest better lighting, public transport, waste collection and road repairs at night, the stand’s host replies: “That’s what most people ask for”.

This year’s coordinator of Researcher’s Night in Bosnia and Herzegovina was Lejla Čamo from Europe House.

“The most important thing is for children to start learning science from a very early age, and for us all to realise that science is a public good, not a private resource. We are now hearing from people who wish to volunteer or propose projects, who themselves attended the very first Researcher’s Nights as children ten years ago. Since last year we’ve also been going into schools, especially in rural areas, and through the Scientists in Schools initiative we connect secondary school competition winners with senior researchers and younger pupils, because we believe it’s important for children to have role models not only among their peers but also among older scientists”, said Čamo.

The European Researchers’ Night 2025 took place on Friday, 26 September, in 13 cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Brčko, Goražde, Mostar, Konjic, Neum, Travnik and Trebinje – almost simultaneously with events in many other European countries. This is a pan-European initiative supported by the European Union through Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme. Horizon Europe provides scientists and researchers with resources and opportunities for collaboration across Europe, thereby fostering scientific discoveries and strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position within the global research community.

Researcher’s Night takes place simultaneously in 25 countries and more than 400 cities, and it is not just one night, but a unique opportunity to highlight the key role of science in shaping the future.

Entry – Exit System (EES) starts in October: what Western Balkans travellers need to know

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

From 12 October 2025, Europe will begin rolling out the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at its external borders. The six-month transition runs until 9 April 2026, with full operation from 10 April 2026. During the transition, some border points will introduce EES sooner than others and passports will still be stamped; after full launch, stamps are replaced by electronic records.

 

Who is affected

EES applies to non-EU travellers on short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including visa-free visitors and those holding a short-stay Schengen visa. EU/Schengen nationals and many long-stay residents are not subject to EES.

 

What changes at the border

On your first trip after EES starts, border officers or self-service kiosks will capture your travel-document data, the date and place of entry/exit, a facial image and four fingerprints. Subsequent crossings are typically faster because your details are already in the system.

 

Benefits for Western Balkans travellers

EES automates the 90/180-day calculation and, once fully live, removes stamp checks, helping reduce questions at the gate and making repeat trips smoother. Travellers will also be able to check how many days remain in their current allowance.

 

Families and children

Children under 12 will not have fingerprints taken; a facial image and document checks still apply.

 

Pre-registration option

Some countries may offer the “Travel to Europe” mobile app to pre-register passport data and a facial image before you arrive, making the first crossing quicker. Availability varies by country.

 

12 October 2025: EES begins, phased by country and border type

9 April 2026: Transition period ends

10 April 2026: EES fully in place across all external border points; stamping ends

 

To learn more about the EES, see sources below:

• EES overview and traveller guidance, Government of the European Union. Travel Europe
• Data held by EES. Travel Europe
• EES FAQs, including transition, stamps and exemptions. Travel Europe
• European Commission page on EES policy and timing. Migration and Home Affairs
• Information campaign and rollout details. eu-LISA

Inside the Mind of Willem Dafoe: Lessons from His Sarajevo Masterclass

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Teodora Ružić

During my stay at the Sarajevo Film Festival, I had the opportunity to meet the incredible Hollywood actor Sir Willem Dafoe and attend his masterclass.

To say that this was the highlight of my stay there would be an understatement. His masterclass was one of the most educational and inspirational sessions I have ever had the opportunity to attend. In this blog, I will take you closer into the mind of Willem Dafoe and share some of the valuable insights I gained from him about acting and film.

At the beginning of the masterclass, Neil Young, who was the moderator, guided us through the life and early career of Mr. Dafoe. We also touched on his upbringing. Mr. Dafoe grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin. He started his career in theatre as a young man and later moved to New York City to pursue acting more seriously. Interestingly, neither of his parents were involved in the industry – they were both doctors. Speaking about his early career and time in New York, Dafoe said:

“Living in NYC there was kind of an amateur love, and there was a community of people making things. Of course, it wasn’t always professional, but the interesting part was, it was never career-minded, it was surfing the energy of youth. It was about who you were hanging out with, who you were inspired by… Nobody was thinking about tomorrow. That was a beautiful condition to grow up in, and this theatre company (where he started his career) was very much that. It was a true company in that we worked every day.”

Masterclass with Willem Dafoe. Credit: Sarajevo Film Festival

We then talked about his first appearance in film. The first movie he appeared in was Heaven’s Gate (1980). We saw a short clip of his performance in this film, and to say that it was brilliant is not enough. Hearing about the paradox between his theatre acting and his film acting was fascinating. As an amateur actress myself, I know that acting on stage and acting in front of a camera are very different. Theatre depends entirely on the momentum and the immediacy of the moment you deliver your line or performance. Film acting, however, requires you to stay in character for a long time, but it also gives you the opportunity to repeat your lines if needed. This is what Dafoe also emphasized and found particularly interesting.

We even spoke briefly about his physical appearance, his hair in particular. In every film, it changes, and he has never had the same hairstyle twice. One of the clips we saw was from Shadow of the Vampire (2000), where he was almost unrecognizable. That, in a way, is his signature: he fully immerses himself in each character, with no repetition, making every role entirely unique. In The Lighthouse (2019), alongside Robert Pattinson, there is a scene where Dafoe’s character is buried alive. Describing this experience, Dafoe said:

“It was cold, I hate the cold. I couldn’t feel my body anymore, I had dirt in my mouth, and it was a pretty long take as well. But this is what it takes to be an actor.”

Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattison in the Lighthouse. Credits: Eric Chakeen

Reflecting on his early days, he admitted he was confused about what he was supposed to do and even ask for. He said:

“I didn’t know anything. What do I ask for? How much money should I ask for? And then I did that movie and I enjoyed it, so slowly I started making movies.”

That first film, Heaven’s Gate, made him realize he wanted to continue with film and that he enjoyed the experience of being a film actor.

Neil Young later asked him whether he had ever considered becoming a director, but Dafoe responded:

“No, I never thought about becoming a director. It’s not for me. When I get a job and I’m working, I listen to what the directors say, what they see, and I try to embody it. Sometimes they see things that aren’t even part of my vision, but that’s part of the fun. Part of the interesting thing, the excitement and learning, is going towards someone else’s vision, because you always learn something and it always challenges your perceptions, your prejudices, and conditioned responses. That’s one of the things I love about performing, it’s the opportunity to challenge yourself. You’re trying to be flexible and see things as they really are, stripping away preferences that are based on conditioning.”

We also touched on some of his most famous appearances, including Wild at Heart (1990), directed by David Lynch. He recalled:
“When David called me I was flattered – he is an artist. He wouldn’t direct you conventionally; sometimes he’d say abstract things like, ‘Willem, you know when you start this you’re kind of like green, and then you become brown.’ So it was a very interesting experience working with him.”

After this beautiful insight into his career and life, the audience had the chance to ask questions. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to ask mine, but one question that stood out to me was: if Willem Dafoe had the chance to work with any director, alive or dead, whom he had never worked with before, who would it be? He replied:
“I know this is a little controversial, and this director is pretty hard to work with – his ideas and ways of directing are very unique, but I would have loved to have had the opportunity to make something with Kubrick.”

Having the chance to see one of my idols in front of me, speaking about film and acting – the two things I love the most – was an unforgettable experience that brought me so much inspiration. I want to thank Willem Dafoe for coming back to Sarajevo after more than 20 years and bringing us closer to the world of cinema.