# Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-lordan-zafranovi-film-on-jasenovac
> Updated: 2026-10-10T10:46:21.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 5.

The 53rd FEST International Film Festival in Belgrade concluded with Lordan Zafranović’s ‘Zlatni rez 42 (Djeca Kozare)’ receiving the ‘Milutin Čolić’ award for best Serbian film. The jury praised the work for its strong authorial expression and its investigation of historical crimes regarding the suffering of Serbian children in the Jasenovac concentration camp.

This recognition follows a period of intense regional controversy surrounding the film’s release. While director Zafranović described the project as a ‘sacred film’ and a ‘cry against evil,’ the production faced significant criticism. In Serbia, acting president Ana Brnabić characterized the use of the Jasenovac theme for partisan interests as a ‘disease,’ and director Goran Marković called for the film’s withdrawal from the festival. The director’s son, Ivan Zafranović, also distanced himself from the project, criticizing its use for political propaganda.

In Croatia, the film faced backlash from figures such as psychiatrist Herman Vukušić, who labeled it a ‘Serbian propaganda pamphlet,’ and researcher Pero Šola, who challenged specific historical depictions. Additionally, journalist Gordan Malić raised questions regarding the film’s production value and its reported funding from the Serbian government, Republika Srpska, and diaspora donations.

Other festival winners included the Spanish film ‘Crveni hangar’ (Red Hangar) by Juan Pablo Salcedo, which won the ‘Beogradski pobednik’ for best world film, and the Swedish film ‘Tihi pčelar’ (The Silent Beekeeper) for the European competition category.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: FEST film festival concludes with awards for Zafranović and Crveni hangar

The 53rd FEST film festival in Belgrade concluded with Lordan Zafranović winning best Serbian film for ‘Zlatni rez – 42: Djeca Kozare’, while ‘Crveni hangar’ took the top world film prize.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-film-festivals-conclude-with-major-awards-in-montenegro-and-serbia

### 2026-10-09: Lordan Zafranović film depicts Kozara tragedy

Lordan Zafranović’s film ‘Zlatni rez ’42 – Djeca Kozare’ depicts the 1942 Kozara tragedy and the suffering of thousands of children during the NDH offensive.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lordan-zafranovi-film-depicts-kozara-tragedy

### 2026-10-06: Lordan Zafranović film sparks controversy at Belgrade film festival

Lordan Zafranović’s new film, ‘Zlatni rez ’42: Djeca Kozare’, has drawn both high praise from Emir Kusturica and sharp criticism regarding its political use and funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lordan-zafranovi-film-sparks-debate-over-historical-themes-and-funding

### 2026-10-01: FEST film festival opens with Zafranović’s ‘Zlatni rez 42’

The 53rd FEST film festival opened in Belgrade with the premiere of Lordan Zafranović’s ‘Zlatni rez 42: Djeca Kozare,’ a historical drama about WWII victims in Jasenovac.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lordan-zafranovi-presents-film-on-wwii-kozara-victims

### 2026-09-27: Lordan Zafranović film to open 53rd FEST in Belgrade

Lordan Zafranović’s film ‘Zlatni rez 42 – Djeca Kozare’ will open the 53rd FEST in Belgrade, documenting the 1942 suffering of children in Jasenovac camps.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lordan-zafranovi-film-to-open-53rd-fest-international-film-festival

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Cite as: Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-lordan-zafranovi-film-on-jasenovac