9th International Sports Film Festival Held on Zlatibor
The 9th International Sports Film Festival Zlatibor was officially opened today, November 6, 2020, at the hall of the Cultural Center in Zlatibor.
Due to the epidemiological situation, the festival was held under unusual circumstances. In full compliance with all health measures and recommendations, attendance was limited to media representatives and award recipients only.
The festival was opened by the President of the Municipal Assembly, Arsen Đurić, and the Festival’s Artistic Director, Jovan Marković. In their welcome addresses, they emphasized that the rich program originally planned for this year has been postponed to the 10th International Sports Film Festival.
The first film screened at the festival was “Milutinac”, telling the story of the renowned Yugoslav footballer and captain of the famous Montevideo generation. Directed by Vladimir Stanković, the film portrays a great humanitarian, doctor, footballer, and above all, a remarkable man whose tragic fate marked an era of Yugoslav football.
The festival program was ceremonially opened with the premiere of the documentary film “General Svetomir Đukić”. This compelling historical film presents the life of Svetomir Đukić, born in Ražana near Kosjerić, the founder of Serbian and Yugoslav Olympism. At the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, he led Serbia’s first Olympic delegation and later became a member of the International Olympic Committee, where he represented his country for four decades.
The Lifetime Achievement Award of the festival was presented to the renowned athlete and world record holder Vera Nikolić, in recognition of her contribution to the global affirmation of Serbian athletics. Vera began her successful athletic career at an early age. At just 16, she became a member of the Yugoslav national team and Balkan champion. Before turning 18, she became European champion, winning the gold medal in the 800 meters at the European Championships in Budapest—marking the first gold medal for Yugoslavia at the European Athletics Championships.
The Zlatibor 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Radio Belgrade for its iconic program “Vreme sporta i razonode”. With a tradition spanning six decades, this popular radio show is one of the longest-running programs in Serbian and European broadcasting, and certainly one of the most listened-to radio shows in both Yugoslavia and Serbia. The award was received by Mr. Vlade Radičević, Editor of the Sports Department of Radio Belgrade, and presented by Mr. Vladimir Živanović, Director of the Tourist Organization Zlatibor.
The Charter “Nataša Kovačević”, named in honor of the indomitable basketball national team player and awarded under the title “Hero of Sport and Life”, was presented to Miloš Zarić, a distinguished Serbian Paralympian. Hailing from Užice, Zarić—an athlete of exceptional determination and perseverance—has won numerous medals in athletics at European and World Championships. He became world champion in javelin throw in London, and placed seventh in shot put at the Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented at a later date to Vladimir Cvetković and Perica Radenković.