First Niš International Film Festival opens with Jean-Claude Van Damme, amid confusion and controversy

The first International Film Festival in Niš, Serbia, officially launched with a fanfare of parades and fireworks, but was quickly met with commentary on the sparse attendance of actors on the red carpet.

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I was very happy that Mister Pink and the president of this country invited me.

A significant point of discussion was the presence of Željko Mitrović, owner of Pink TV, who Van Damme referred to as "Mister Pink." The actor expressed his happiness at being invited by "Mister Pink" and the president of the country. However, the event was marred by translation mishaps, with Van Damme mistakenly stating he was happy to be at the festival's 60th anniversary, when it is actually the first.

Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that public sector employees were allegedly mobilized to attend the opening, with some describing it as similar to preparations for a political rally. National Assembly member Jelena Milošević stated that tickets were distributed to public sector employees, and attending the films was presented as a new work obligation.

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I am happy to be invited to the sixtieth anniversary of this festival.

Milošević also highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the festival's budget. When asked about the cost, officials reportedly responded that they would determine it after the festival concludes. The festival is organized by the Niš Cultural Center, but the exact financial details remain elusive.

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They don't know how much it will cost, they will see when it passes. So, how much money we don't know, we will see when it passes.

Further adding to the unusual circumstances, the mayor of Niš was reportedly not present on the main stage but instead handed out keys to the city to actors at a hotel restaurant, an event documented on his Instagram account. With only the first of six festival evenings completed, and another opening on Saturday, the "first or sixtieth" Niš Film Festival is already generating considerable attention for reasons beyond its cinematic offerings.

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Information from the first hand is that tickets were distributed to employees in the public sector and a new work obligation was introduced - watching films. In the Health Center and UKC, for example, the head nurses of clinics or departments distribute tickets and say they will take attendance.