Director: Ministry funding denial an honor, minister is 'proven ignoramus'

The Festival of Autorskog Filma (FAF) will proceed without state funding for the second year in a row, a situation director Srdan Golubović described as an honor given the current Ministry of Culture. Golubović, who also chairs the festival's council, stated that the festival, along with other prominent film events like Beldocs, Martovski festival, and Slobodna zona, was denied support from the Ministry of Culture and the City of Belgrade.

Golubović criticized the ministry's decisions, calling them a punishment for festivals that fulfill important cultural missions, influence young audiences, and have international standing. He suggested these festivals are being targeted by the current political elite for their significance and impact. The director expressed disdain for the ministry's justification of decisions based on regulations, labeling it as cowardly and arrogant.

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To su sve festivali koji već godinama vrše svoju kulturnu misiju, imaju snažan uticaj na mladu publiku, značaj u međunarodnim i regionalnim okvirima i veliki broj gostiju iz celog sveta.

He further attacked the Minister of Culture, calling him an "proven ignoramus" who openly despises contemporary art and culture. "In such circumstances, it is a true honor and recognition when you do not receive money from such a commission and such a ministry," Golubović concluded. The Ministry of Culture allocated 45.1 million dinars for film and audio-visual projects, with FEST receiving the largest share of 12 million dinars.

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Takav kukavičluk i bahatost takođe ne čude, jer je na mestu ministra kulture dokazana neznalica i čovek koji otvoreno prezire savremenu umetnost i kulturu.