The International Film Festival in Niš concluded on August 30, 2026, marking its first edition with a focus on celebrating artistic diversity and the rights of artists to express differing viewpoints. This event, organized by the city of Niš and the Niš Cultural Center, was held at the Summer Stage in Niš Fortress and ran from August 25 to August 30. The festival was notable for its emphasis on artistic expression, with Snežana Savić, the president of the jury, highlighting the importance of allowing artists to differ and the need for more cultural events in Niš.
Savić’s closing remarks underscored the festival’s theme, stating, “Tonight, we celebrate not just the winners, but the right of artists to differ. Art begins where divisions, vanity, and the need to prove who has a greater right to it end. No one has a monopoly on art—not institutions, generations, or individuals.” Her comments alluded to the ongoing cultural tensions within Serbia, particularly in the context of the festival’s competition with the concurrently held Niš Film Festival, organized by the Association of Film Actors of Serbia (UFGS).
The backdrop to these festivals is the absence of the traditional Filmski susreti festival for the second consecutive year. Historically, Filmski susreti was unique in Europe for focusing solely on performances by local actors. However, disputes between UFGS and the city government have led to its cancellation. Last year’s decision by UFGS to not participate in Filmski susreti was driven by protests against the political climate, which they felt was not conducive to normal societal conditions. The association argued that the festival should not be used to create a facade of normalcy in a time when societal issues remain unresolved.
The International Film Festival in Niš showcased a diverse selection of films, with 12 national and eight international entries, alongside six remastered classics. The festival’s most prominent guest was action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, who attended the opening ceremony. His presence drew attention to the festival, although it also highlighted the political undercurrents, given his recent meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his association with Pink Media Group’s Željko Mitrović.
The festival’s awards included the Grand Prix “Golden Naissus,” awarded to Radoš Bajić for his role in “Čuvar ikone svetog Đorđa.” Other notable awards were the “Golden Helena” for best actress in the international competition, given to Seida Harla, and the “Konstanov Pečat – Hristov” for best actor, awarded to Željko Džeko Dimić.
Despite the festival’s artistic achievements, it faced criticism from opposition figures who accused the government of manipulating attendance numbers. Jelena Milošević, a member of the Stranka slobode i pravde, claimed that public sector employees were pressured to attend the festival to ensure higher attendance compared to the Niš Film Festival. She asserted that this was part of a broader effort to project an image of success for the government-sponsored event.
The Niš Film Festival, running from August 29 to September 3, is positioned as a counterpoint to the International Film Festival. It aims to continue the tradition of Filmski susreti by focusing on performances and celebrating local cinematic achievements. The festival is part of a broader movement by UFGS to assert independence from government influence and maintain the integrity of Serbia’s cultural heritage.
The dual festivals in Niš reflect the broader cultural and political landscape in Serbia, where artistic expression is often intertwined with political agendas. The ongoing disputes highlight the challenges faced by the Serbian film community as it navigates these complex dynamics. As the festivals conclude, the focus remains on the films and the artists who create them, with the hope that future events will continue to foster artistic freedom and diversity.
