At the first Balkan Film Directing Festival, the film “Dražen” was withdrawn from the program due to disagreements regarding the attendance of director Danilo Šerbedžija. The festival director Darja Bajić Božović expressed regret over this decision and emphasized the high quality of the film. Producers from Zagreb considered the director’s attendance problematic, which sparked strong reactions within the film community. The festival is intended as a promotion of directing and art in the Balkans, featuring other significant films and authors. The issue has sparked discussions about artistic freedom and political pressures in the Balkan film industry.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the artistic value of the film “Dražen” and criticize the festival’s decision to withdraw it as a form of censorship or political pressure. They highlight the importance of artistic freedom and the negative impact of political interference in cultural events.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the withdrawal, presenting statements from both the festival organizers and the producers. They focus on the controversy around the director’s attendance and the festival’s regret, aiming for a balanced view without taking a strong stance.
Right: Right-leaning media may emphasize the producers’ concerns about the director’s attendance and frame the withdrawal as a justified decision to maintain the festival’s integrity. They might also highlight national or regional tensions reflected in the controversy.
