International Sports Film Festival Zlatibor 2015 Dedicated to Tennis
In a ceremonial atmosphere at the Congress Center “Srbija” Hall on Zlatibor, the 4th International Sports Film Festival Zlatibor 2015 was officially opened. This year’s festival is dedicated to the 90th anniversary of tennis in Serbia. The festival was opened by Dane Korica, advisor to the President of the Sports Association of Serbia, and Dušan Orlandić, representative of the Tennis Federation of Serbia.
On the occasion of this major tennis jubilee, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:
– Novak Đoković, Serbia’s top tennis player. The award was accepted on his behalf by Aleksandra Radujko, Head of PR for Novak Đoković, who read a greeting letter on behalf of the athlete.
– Mima Jaušovec, a legend of tennis in the former Yugoslavia.
– Nikola Pilić, a great champion of numerous international and Yugoslav tournaments and a creator of new champions in the sport, including Novak Đoković. The award was accepted on his behalf by Čedomir Šoškić, author of the series “Tennis Without Borders.”
As the International Sports Film Festival also recognizes achievements in other sports, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jasna Šekarić, a national and world champion. The award was accepted on her behalf by Milan Parezanović, a member of the Executive Board of the Shooting Federation of Serbia. A legend of Užice, Yugoslav, and European sport, Milovan “Mikica” Vesnić, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The festival celebrates outstanding artists who have helped ensure that present and future generations learn about the great achievements of Serbian sport. One such individual is Darko Bajić, director of the now cult film “We Will Be the World Champions,” who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his unique cinematic contribution.
The winners of the competition program will be decided by a jury consisting of Ms. Arzu Memedova, a film director from Azerbaijan and winner of the first Zlatibor Sports Film Festival; Mr. Dane Korica, a renowned sports champion and current advisor to the President of the Sports Association of Serbia; and Mr. Aleksandar “Aca” Avramović, a producer, television director, and long-standing cultural professional.
Živorad “Žika” Ajdačić, Secretary General of the Cultural and Educational Community of Serbia—an institution of national cultural importance—presented a certificate of appreciation to the festival. The award was accepted by Festival Director Mihailo Todorović. In addition, the Cultural and Educational Community of Serbia awarded the “Golden Badge,” a national recognition for long-term contributions to cultural activities, to Arsen Đurić, Director of the Zlatibor Tourist Organization.
On the second day of the festival, a pre-premiere screening of the documentary film “Mima Jaušovec” was held, dedicated to her successful career and ongoing commitment to tennis. The audience had the opportunity to learn about the film’s development, the time invested in gathering materials, and the effort required to bring the project to completion. The film’s author, Gašper Pavli, addressed the audience and announced its official premiere for March of the following year. Also speaking to attendees were Čedomir Šoškić (author) and Vlada Tončić (Director of “Filmske novosti,” under whose production the series will be realized), creators of an upcoming television series dedicated to tennis in Serbia.
On this occasion, Mima Jaušovec was also presented with the two-volume monograph “Olympic Chronicle,” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Olympic Committee of Serbia and edited by Čedomir Šoškić. To Mima’s great surprise, a portion of the book is dedicated specifically to her achievements.