The Niš Film Festival is currently underway, showcasing a selection of films that celebrate Serbian cinema and honor the late actor Nebojša Glogovac. The festival, organized by the Serbian Actors’ Association, runs until September 3, 2026, and is being held at the amphitheater on the Nišava Quay and the Cine Grand cinema in the Delta Planet shopping center. This year, the festival features films such as “Jugo Florida” by director Vladimir Tagić and “Indeks” by Miloš Živanović, drawing significant attention from attendees.
On the second night of the festival, a special tribute was paid to Nebojša Glogovac, a revered figure in Serbian acting, who passed away at the age of 49. The tribute coincided with what would have been his birthday, August 30. Petar Benčina, president of the Serbian Actors’ Association, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for Glogovac’s contributions to the art of acting. “Thank you for everything you have done for the art of acting, for the strength of your personality, for the gift with which you blessed us, and for the work that is strong, present, and timeless,” Benčina stated.
The festival is operating under the slogan “More Than a Game” and aims to revive the tradition of celebrating local film culture amidst ongoing cultural tensions in Serbia. Despite the challenges, including the city of Niš’s decision not to allow the festival to connect to the electrical grid, forcing the use of generators, the event has managed to draw a crowd. The opening ceremony saw the presentation of the Pavle Vuisić Lifetime Achievement Award to actress Tanja Bošković, further highlighting the festival’s commitment to honoring significant contributors to Serbian cinema.
The festival’s reliance on generators instead of the city’s electrical grid has raised questions about the level of support from local authorities. This logistical hurdle reflects broader cultural and political tensions in Serbia, where artistic events often navigate complex relationships with government bodies. The festival’s organizers have nonetheless persevered, ensuring that the event proceeds smoothly and retains its focus on celebrating the artistic achievements of Serbian filmmakers and actors.
In addition to the main screenings, the festival also offers audiences the opportunity to view films like “Restitucija ili san i java stare garde” by director Želimir Žilnik and “Kako je ovde tako zeleno?” directed by Nikola Ležaić, further enriching the festival’s diverse program. The presence of notable actors such as Andrija Kuzmanović, Tihomir Stanić, Milena Predić, Hana Selimanović, and Jana Milosavljević on the red carpet underscores the festival’s significance in the Serbian cultural calendar.
The Niš Film Festival’s efforts to honor Nebojša Glogovac and its commitment to showcasing Serbian cinema exemplify the resilience and dedication of the local film community. As the festival continues, it remains a vital platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue, navigating the challenges posed by both logistical constraints and broader cultural tensions.
