The upcoming National Film and TV Festival (NAFFIT) in Serbia is set to highlight Russian cinematography as its guest of honor, with the event scheduled to take place in Zlatibor. Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković recently signed a contract securing 17 million dinars in funding for the festival, which aims to elevate Serbian cinematography following a challenging period marked by societal changes. The festival, now in its second year, was founded in 2024 to serve as a national cultural event akin to Croatia’s long-standing festival in Pula.

Minister Selaković expressed optimism that the Film Center of Serbia (FCS) would announce competitions before the festival begins. “I express the hope that by the time the festival itself takes place, we will have tenders from the Film Center of Serbia announced,” Selaković stated, emphasizing the importance of continued creative output in the Serbian film industry. This announcement comes amid a backdrop of financial constraints, as the FCS had previously indicated that it would not announce new competitions due to having already allocated 13 million euros for 53 film projects earlier in the year. The titles of these films remain undisclosed to the public.

The selection of Russian cinema as the guest of honor is noteworthy, given the current geopolitical climate. Selaković expressed confidence in hosting prominent figures from Russian cinema, which he described as “world-class cinematography,” and suggested that their participation would significantly enhance the festival’s profile. This follows last year’s festival, which featured Hungarian cinematography in a similar role.

The festival’s location in Zlatibor, a popular Serbian tourist destination, is intended to blend cultural enrichment with the region’s recreational appeal. Selaković highlighted the dual purpose of the area, stating that Zlatibor is not only for recreation but also for “spiritual upliftment.”

Despite the festival’s ambitions, it faces challenges. Last year’s inaugural edition was boycotted by seven film associations, who criticized the state’s lack of investment in domestic cinematography. The associations argued that NAFFIT could not replace the collapsed system of support for Serbian cinema, which they claimed was undermined by state authorities in 2025. The festival was also criticized for its lack of transparency, as it does not have an official website, and its program details are often sparse or undisclosed.

The festival’s founder, Predrag Gaga Antonijević, has been a vocal advocate for NAFFIT, envisioning it as a gathering point for the Serbian film and television industry. This year’s edition is expected to feature a variety of events, although specific program details remain unclear. Last year, the festival included a mix of Serbian and Hungarian films, with Hollywood actress Lolita Davidović being one of the few international stars in attendance.

As the festival approaches, the Serbian film community remains cautiously optimistic about its potential to foster cultural exchange and elevate the national cinema’s profile. However, the success of NAFFIT will largely depend on the FCS’s ability to announce new competitions and the festival’s capacity to attract international talent amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.