The 12th International Sports Film Festival Officially Opened
The 12th International Sports Film Festival was officially opened on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Cultural Center on Zlatibor, with a ceremonial program and the presentation of annual awards.
This already well-established and highly regarded festival brings together leading figures from the worlds of sport and culture, as well as all those with an interest in documentary filmmaking.
The festival was formally inaugurated with a performance of the song “Zlatibore, moj zeleni bore” by a local male vocal group, followed by opening remarks from Milan Stamatović, President of the Municipality of Čajetina and member of the Festival Council, as well as Dejan Savić, envoy of the President of the Republic of Serbia. The awards ceremony followed immediately after the official opening.
The “Nataša Kovačević” Award for Heroine of Sport and Life was presented to para-athlete Ivana Petrović, a javelin thrower. The award was handed to her by Nataša Kovačević.
The first Lifetime Achievement Award, “Gold Gondola,” was presented to journalist and publicist Miroslav Nešić, author of the renowned program Sportski spomenar and the encyclopedic book of the same title, as well as numerous other publications, including a book dedicated to Marko Marković, a distinguished figure in sports radio and television journalism. The award was presented by Arsen Đurić, President of the Assembly of the Municipality of Čajetina and President of the Festival’s Organizing Committee.
The next “Gold Gondola” Lifetime Achievement Award went to Milovan Obradović Drda, former footballer and captain of FK Radnički. The award was presented by Vladimir Živanović, Director of the Zlatibor Tourist Organization and one of the founders and organizers of the festival.
The same recognition was also awarded to Zoran Terzić, long-time head coach of the Serbian women’s national volleyball team. The award was accepted on his behalf by Tijana Malešević, volleyball player and Hall of Fame member, and presented by Bojana Božanić, Director of the “Gold Gondola,” the festival’s sponsor.
Another award was presented to Jovana Preković, a karate champion who brought Olympic gold to her country two years ago, having unified European, World, and Olympic titles.
Lifetime Achievement recognition was also awarded to actor Milutin “Mima” Karadžić, known for his remarkable portrayals of a wide range of characters across film and television. The award was presented by Marko Nikolovski, representative of the Mozzart Foundation, this year’s Golden Sponsor of the festival.
Darko Pančev, an outstanding footballer who scored 255 goals in 396 matches across six clubs, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. His award will be presented at a later date.
The final Lifetime Achievement Award in sport was presented to legendary football figure Dušan “Dule” Savić, with the honor awarded by Milan Stamatović, President of the Municipality of Čajetina.
As part of the ceremony, the audience also watched the first competition film, “And in London – Silence”, starring Dušan Savić, directed by Branka Bešević Gajić and produced by Oliver Punović.
The festival runs until Sunday, August 27, during which 45 selected documentary films will be screened out of a total of 350 submissions. At the closing ceremony, the jury—composed of Vladimir Stanković (journalist, publicist, and film author), Ognjen Rakčević (film author and lecturer at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts), and Miloš Todorović (film author)—will present awards to the best filmmakers of the 12th International Sports Film Festival.