Serbian Films Take Over Locarno: Four Premieres You Can’t Miss!
Get ready, because the Serbian film scene is shaking things up and stealing the spotlight! At the 78th Locarno Film Festival, running from August 6 to 16, a whopping four Serbian-produced films are getting their world premieres. Yes, four!
Golden Leopard and Serbian Pride
In the main competition program at Locarno, where 17 films from around the globe compete for the prestigious “Golden Leopard” award, two Serbian films are in the running. First up is “Sorella di clausura,” directed and produced by Ivana Mladenović, an empathetic parody of romantic melodramas inspired by a true story. The second is “Linije želje” by director Dane Komljen, a dark tale about Branko, a man living on society’s margins, tormented by insomnia and obsessed with his younger brother whose bloody shoes bring unrest.
Short Films Making Waves
But wait, there’s more! The short film competition features “Histerični napad smeha” by Matija Gluščević and Dušan Zorić, an experimental film following Sneža, a woman who enjoys rough games with various men while her son tries to spoil the fun. The lead role is played by Snježana Sinovčić-Šiškov. This one’s a real bombshell.
Debut You Can’t Miss
In the “Locarno Residency” program, debut director Luka Papić will present “Viteška poslard,” a film supported by the Serbian Film Center’s script development grant. This is your chance to witness fresh Serbian talent making waves on the global stage.
Coproductions and Support
These Serbian films at Locarno are the result of international coproductions with Romania, Spain, Italy, and others, backed by the Serbian Film Center, Romanian Film Center, Catalan Institute of Cultural Production, Italian Ministry of Culture, and the European fund Eurimages. This proves Serbian cinema isn’t just surviving—it’s competing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.
Why Does This Matter?
Serbian films at Locarno aren’t just cultural events—they’re proof that our country has a voice on the world stage. In a time when the global scene fights for attention, our directors and producers manage to carve out a spot under the sun. And not just any spot, but one of the most prestigious festivals worldwide.
The Bottom Line
If you thought Serbian cinema was dead or had nothing to offer, it’s time to rethink. Four films at Locarno, with strong stories, international coproductions, and solid support, show we’re here and ready to fight for our place. What about you? Have you seen any of these films or plan to? Or will you stick to the old “meh, they’re just our films”? Come on, drop a comment—let’s see who’s backing homegrown cinema and who’s just here to criticize!
Either way, Locarno has a Serbian stamp this year, and that’s something you don’t want to miss!
