The 19th Leskovac International Festival of Film Directing (LIFFE) has officially commenced, celebrating regional cinematic achievements and emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom. The festival opened with the presentation of the “Zlatna nit” award to Teona Strugar Mitevska and Labina Mitevska, recognizing their significant contributions to the film arts in the region. The award ceremony took place at the National Theater in Leskovac, where the film “Yugo Florida” was also screened.
The festival, which runs until September 19, 2026, offers free admission to all screenings, providing an accessible cultural experience for attendees. The opening night was marked by performances from the ensemble of the play “Neki to vole vruće” from the National Theater in Niš, with actors Aleksandar Marinković and Uroš Milojević hosting the event.
Sanja Conić, the director of the Leskovac Cultural Center, highlighted two key projects featured in this year’s festival. These include the second edition of a monograph dedicated to the cult series “Grlom u jagode,” developed in collaboration with the Belgrade Cultural Center, and the premiere of the film “Ajde.” The latter is a significant milestone as it is the first film produced in co-production with LIFFE and was shot in Leskovac over nine days. The film’s director and screenwriter, Ognjen Sviličić, who also serves as the selector for the main competition program, announced that the film will soon be available for public viewing.
During her acceptance speech, Labina Mitevska expressed gratitude to the festival organizers, noting the timely significance of the award. Teona Strugar Mitevska spoke on the critical need for artistic expression to remain free from political influence, underscoring the festival’s theme of promoting artistic freedom.
The festival continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing films from the former Yugoslav region, with a selection curated by Sviličić that aims to engage audiences with diverse cinematic experiences. The main competition program features seven regional productions, including “DJ Ahmet” by Georgi M. Unkovski, “Južina” by Anto Marin, “Obraz” by Nikola Vukčević, “Gym” by Srđan Vuletić, “White washes at ninety” by Marko Neberšnik, and “How it’s so green here” by Nikola Ležaić.
This year’s lineup also includes a selection of debut productions, highlighting the festival’s commitment to promoting new talent and innovative storytelling. The festival’s focus on regional films and series continues its mission of bringing the cinematic culture of the former Yugoslavia closer to audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.
The Leskovac International Festival of Film Directing remains a significant cultural event, not only for its celebration of regional cinema but also for its role in advocating for the freedom of artistic expression. As the festival progresses, it promises to offer audiences an enriching experience through its diverse program and commitment to cultural exchange.
