The Niš Film Festival concluded on September 3, 2026, with a celebration of Serbian cinema and its actors, marking the end of an event that showcased 21 films over several days. Vučić Perović was awarded the Grand Prix for his role in “Our Father,” directed by Goran Stanković. Perović’s performance was recognized for its depth and emotional range, earning him accolades such as the Golden Arena in Pula and the Golden Mimosa in Herceg Novi prior to this festival.
The festival, organized by the Film Actors Association, highlighted the talents of local actors and drew significant attention from the community. Jovana Stojiljković won the award for the best female role for her portrayal of Maria in “A Crack in the Ice,” directed by Maja Miloš Samolov. Andrija Kuzmanović was recognized for the best male role for his performance as Zoran in “Yugo Florida,” directed by Vladimir Tagić.
The award ceremony was described as a festive and emotional event, with actors engaging with the audience, signing autographs, and expressing gratitude for the support of the Niš community. Petar Bencina, president of the Association of Film Actors, emphasized the connection between the actors and the audience, thanking them for their support and highlighting the importance of film art in fostering this bond.
Additional accolades were given to Jelena Đokić and Boris Isaković, who received certificates for outstanding roles in “Karmadon” and “Our Father,” respectively. The festival also recognized Hana Selimović and Igor Filipović for their episodic roles, and Andrijana Đorđević and Jasmin Geljo for debut and foreign actor roles, respectively. Feresteh Hosseini was named the best foreign actress for her role in “Among the Gods.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, named after Pavle Vuisić, was presented to Anica Dobra, honoring her contributions to Serbian cinema. Anđelka Stević Žugić received the Milorad Mandić Manda award for her work in acting comedy.
The festival’s conclusion with the screening of “Hajduk in Belgrade,” based on the novel by Gradimir Stojković, underscored its commitment to celebrating Serbian storytelling and talent. Despite past logistical challenges, such as the lack of electricity at previous festivals, the event successfully brought together actors and audiences, reinforcing the cultural significance of the Niš Film Festival in promoting local talent and the Serbian film industry.
