Uncertainty looms over the resignation of Miroslav Lekić from his position as president of the Board of Directors at the Film Center of Serbia (FCS), as no official confirmation has been provided despite his previous announcement to step down. The lack of clarity regarding Lekić’s resignation highlights ongoing tensions within Serbia’s cultural sector, where multiple leaders face calls for resignation.

On November 2, Lekić reportedly announced his intention to resign, but as of now, there is no verified confirmation of his resignation. Attempts to reach Lekić for comment have been unsuccessful, and the Film Center of Serbia has not received any reliable information regarding his status. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that Lekić is the only cultural leader who has publicly indicated a willingness to resign in response to demands from the industry.

The calls for leadership changes extend beyond Lekić, as seven professional associations, including the Association of Film Directors of Serbia and other film-related organizations, have demanded the resignation of the entire FCS board and acting director Jakov Petrović. Despite these demands, many cultural leaders have not responded, maintaining the status quo.

The broader context of these demands is rooted in a significant unrest within Serbia’s cultural institutions, which have been seeking leadership changes due to management issues and perceived violations of professional autonomy. This movement gained momentum following the victory of the Students’ List in recent parliamentary elections, which has been seen as a catalyst for demands for transparency and accountability across various sectors.

In addition to the Film Center of Serbia, other cultural institutions such as the Šabac Theater, the National Theater in Belgrade, and the Youth Theater have also been vocal in their calls for leadership changes. These demands reflect a widespread desire for reform and greater independence in the cultural sector.

As the situation remains unresolved, the Film Center of Serbia currently lacks a functioning board, with only director Milutin Petrović remaining, who has stated he will not resign but will wait for the new government to make a decision. Acting director Jakov Petrović is similarly waiting for the new government to address his position.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Lekić’s resignation and the broader demands for leadership changes underscore the challenges facing Serbia’s cultural institutions. The outcome of these demands could have significant implications for the future governance and operation of these institutions, as well as for the broader cultural landscape in Serbia.