Lordan Zafranović, a renowned director and screenwriter, is presiding over the jury of the first Balkan Film Directing Festival in Belgrade. The festival aims to connect authors from the region through art, overcoming historical traumas and wars. Zafranović emphasizes that art can be a bridge between the peoples of the Balkans and that film co-productions were an important factor of cooperation in the past. He also points out problems with film financing in the region, especially due to political influence and national priorities in state funds, which hinder free creativity. His new film “Children of Kozara” deals with difficult themes from World War II and its premiere is expected soon. The festival and Zafranović’s presidency of the jury represent a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation and artistic exchange.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the role of art and film as tools for reconciliation and healing in the Balkans, highlighting Zafranović’s focus on overcoming historical traumas and promoting regional cooperation. They stress the importance of artistic freedom and criticize political interference in film funding, advocating for more support for independent and critical voices in cinema.
Center: Centrist sources report on the festival as a cultural event that fosters regional collaboration and celebrates the legacy of a prominent filmmaker. They present a balanced view of the challenges in film financing and the significance of the festival in promoting Balkan cinema without strong political bias, focusing on the cultural and economic potential of such initiatives.
Right: Right-leaning media may highlight the national and regional pride aspects of the festival, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical memory through film. They might also focus on the achievements of Zafranović as a symbol of artistic excellence and the potential for the festival to boost the Balkans’ cultural influence, while possibly downplaying political controversies around funding.
