Mećavnik will host the 18th edition of the renowned Kustendorf Film Festival from today until January 25. This prestigious event celebrates film and art, attracting talent and audiences from around the world.
The festival’s grand opening is scheduled for 8:00 PM, led by its founder, the acclaimed filmmaker Emir Kusturica. The opening night will feature the screening of “Gold or Mud,” an award-winning film by director Fei Long that triumphed at the Beijing Film Festival. Additionally, the evening will include a masterclass with celebrated actress Hong Jue.
This year, Kustendorf will honor the best young filmmakers with its coveted Golden, Silver, and Bronze Egg awards. Competitors hail from nine countries: Serbia, Mexico, Russia, North Macedonia, France, Egypt, India, Montenegro, and Denmark. The winners will be selected by an international jury comprising actress and theorist Ksenija Zelenović and Italian directors Edoardo De Angelis and Giacomo Abbruzzese. The “Vilko Filač” special award will be presented by renowned cinematographers Michel Amathieu (France) and Vladan Radovic (Italy). 
The “Contemporary Trends” program section offers a lineup of acclaimed films, including:
- “Gold or Mud” by Fei Long (China)
- “The New Year That Never Came” by Romanian director Bogdan Mureșanu, a Venice Orizzonti award winner
- “Aïcha” by Mehdi Barsaoui (Tunisia), also a Venice competitor
- “Anora” by Sean Baker (USA), a Palme d’Or winner
- “Stolen” by Indian director Karan Tejpal, recognized for directing and cinematography at the Beijing Film Festival.
Festival attendees will also have the chance to meet the filmmakers Bogdan Mureșanu, Mehdi Barsaoui, and Karan Tejpal, along with acclaimed actor Yuri Borisov, who will present a Cannes-winning film.
This year’s Kustendorf holds special significance, marking the anniversaries of two iconic films by Emir Kusturica: 40 years since the premiere of “When Father Was Away on Business” and 30 years since “Underground.” Both films were awarded the Palme d’Or, cementing their place in cinematic history.
The “New Authors” program will spotlight emerging filmmakers and highlights from previous festivals. Screenings will include “America” by Giacomo Abbruzzese, winner of the Golden Egg, and “Another Story About a German Tank” by Simon Kiefer, recipient of the Silver Egg. The program will also feature the documentary “The Last Knockout” by French director Timothée Catelin.
Kustendorf 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of creativity and cinematic excellence, continuing its legacy as a vital platform for artistic innovation.
