Croatian actors skip Belgrade film premiere following online threats

Several Croatian actors will not attend the premiere of Lordan Zafranović’s film, ‘Zlatni rez 42 – Djeca Kozare’, at the 53rd FEST International Film Festival in Belgrade. The film, which explores the suffering of civilians and children during World War II and crimes within the Jasenovac camp system, has faced significant backlash on social media.

Reports indicate that actors including Rene Bitorajac, Milivoj Beader, and Leon Lučev have faced threats and insults online following the release of the film’s trailer. Some commenters accused the director of historical revisionism and criticized the film for being financed by Serbian funds. Due to these threats and personal safety concerns, some cast members are boycotting the festival opening at the Sava Center.

In response, some Serbian actors are reportedly considering boycotting the festival to show solidarity with their Croatian colleagues who are facing online harassment and calls for exile from right-wing groups.