Sarajevo, Aug 13 (IANS): The 22nd Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) officially opened on Friday night with a red carpet ceremony.

The festival was officially opened by two-time Oscar-winning US actor and producer Robert De Niro during a ceremony at the National Theatre, Xinhua reported.

After the opening ceremony, Robert De Niro was presented with the first Honorary Heart of Sarajevo -- Lifetime Achievement Award in front of an audience of more than 3,000 people at the Open Air Cinema.

Then, the audience enjoyed Martin Scorsese's legendary "Taxi Driver" which has been restored for its 40th anniversary in which De Niro starred.

In the following eight days, tens of thousands movie lovers will be able to watch 222 films from 61 countries and regions around the world.

Launched in 1995, the Sarajevo Film Festival, has become a leading cultural event in the Balkan region. Some 100,000 fans were expected to visit Sarajevo during the event, according to organisers.