Actors' film festival in Niš faces venue dispute amid city's support for new international event

The Free University of Niš has voiced strong criticism against the city of Niš, accusing it of undermining a cherished cultural tradition by allowing a newly established international film festival to occupy the venue traditionally reserved for the Niš Film Festival. This long-standing festival, organized by actors, is described as the region's oldest celebration of acting achievements.

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There is only one film festival in Niš, and that is the traditional one, organized by actors, not politicians.

In a statement, the university highlighted the unique nature of the Niš Film Festival, known as "Susreti," which focuses on actors connecting with their audience and peers. They emphasized that the festival is more than just a venue, red carpet, or ticket sales; it is about the people, their energy, and the deep, decades-old connection between Niš, its actors, and the public. This bond, they argued, is woven into the city's fabric and cannot be severed by political games.

The university questioned how the City of Niš could permit a festival with a 60-year history to lose its summer stage to a newer international event. They stressed that the venue, stage, and screen are merely backdrops that can change, but the energy and the profound connection between the city and actors during the festival are irreplaceable.

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Besides being the oldest festival of acting achievements in the region, Susreti is, in its essence, unique. It is a festival dedicated to our actors, who meet with their audience, their colleagues in the city whose keys they symbolically receive for safekeeping during the festival and at which the best among them are awarded precisely by their colleagues.

"Susreti" is considered an integral part of Niš's identity, and sacrificing its traditional venue has consequences for the city's collective memory. The university called on citizens to support the actors, including recipient Tanja Bošković, by buying tickets and offering applause, which they believe is far more potent than any political interference or marketing.

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Susreti are not just a stage, a red carpet, an audience, or the number of tickets sold. Susreti are primarily people. Their energy, memories, emotions, and that invisible connection that has connected Niš, actors, and the audience for decades, which even rain could not weaken.

The statement also alluded to past practices where free tickets were distributed to individuals attending for social visibility rather than genuine appreciation for film and acting. They contrasted this with the enduring value of artists like Bošković, suggesting that no international star can replace the genuine energy and talent of local performers.

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How is it possible that the City of Niš, which should have protected the interests of its citizens, allowed a festival with a tradition lasting 60 years to have its summer stage taken away and given to some newly formed international festival?