Palić European Film Festival: Sergei Loznitsa and Svetozar Cvetković Crowned Cinema Legends!
Welcome to a world where film is not just watched but celebrated as an art that changes the world! At the 32nd Palić European Film Festival, held from July 19 to 25 in Subotica, the prestigious Aleksandar Lifka Awards were handed out — honors for outstanding contributions to European cinematography.
This year’s winners? Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa and local actor Svetozar Cvetković! Yes, you read that right — two giants of the film scene, one from Eastern Europe, the other from Serbia, who have proven that film can be a powerful voice of culture and history.
Who is Sergei Loznitsa?
Born in 1964 in Baranovichi (now Belarus), raised in Kyiv, Loznitsa didn’t take the easy road. A graduate mathematician and scientist in artificial intelligence, he switched to film in the 1990s. Today, he has directed 28 documentaries and five feature films, winning numerous awards including the FIPRESCI prize at Cannes for “The Event” and a special jury prize for “Babi Yar. Context.”
His feature debut “My Joy” premiered in the main competition at Cannes. Loznitsa is known for tackling tough subjects others avoid — war, history, human fate. His production company Atoms Void continues to push cinematic boundaries.
And Svetozar Cvetković?
A Serbian actor with a degree from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, Cvetković boasts over 70 significant theater roles and numerous film credits. He has worked with legends of Yugoslav cinema like Dušan Makavejev, Živojin Pavlović, and Goran Paskaljević.
His work has earned him the Sterija Award for lifetime achievement, the Pavle Vuisić Award for acting, and accolades at festivals in Niš, Sopot, and Novi Sad. He is a member of the European Film Academy, cementing his status as a top artist.
The Festival and Awards
The Palić European Film Festival is one of the region’s most important film events, supported by Serbia’s Ministry of Culture, the Provincial Secretariat for Culture, the city of Subotica, and the European Union through the Creative Europe MEDIA program. The Aleksandar Lifka Awards are traditionally given for contributions to European cinema, and this year they were personally presented to Loznitsa and Cvetković on the Palić summer stage.
Why Does This Matter?
In a world where culture is often sidelined, festivals like this are beacons reminding us of art’s power. Loznitsa and Cvetković are not just artists — they are voices of history, social change, and human emotion. Their films and roles make us think, face reality, and appreciate art that connects us.
Conclusion
If you think film is just entertainment, think again. Sergei Loznitsa and Svetozar Cvetković have proven that film is a powerful tool that can change the world. The Palić European Film Festival and the Aleksandar Lifka Award celebrate exactly that — art that lasts and inspires.
So, dear readers, what do you think? Which film or actor made you stop and think? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just crack a good movie joke — because hey, art is for all of us!
