FEST film festival opens with Zafranović’s ‘Zlatni rez 42’

The 53rd FEST International Film Festival opened in Belgrade with the premiere of Lordan Zafranović’s historical drama, ‘Zlatni rez 42: Djeca Kozare’ (Golden Cut 42: Children of Kozara). The film, which lasts approximately four hours, explores the suffering of Serbian, Jewish, and Roma children during World War II, specifically focusing on their deportation to the Jasenovac death camp during the 1942 offensive on Kozara.

The premiere at the Sava Center was attended by numerous public figures and included an emotional appearance by survivors of the camps. Renowned director Emir Kusturica praised the film as a “mythology” and a profound tribute to the Serbian people. The festival, which runs until October 11, will feature over 100 films from 50 different national cinemas.

While the film has received acclaim for its artistic merit, it has also sparked controversy. Some critics in Croatia have accused Zafranović of historical inaccuracies and ideological bias. Additionally, researcher Pero Šola has challenged certain depictions regarding the role of NDH officials and the treatment of children during the period.