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Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film

Updated 14 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-10 16:39 UTC → 2026-10-12 08:42 UTC · added removed

The 53rd FEST International Film Festival in Belgrade opened concluded with the premiere of Lordan Zafranović’s ‘Zlatni rez 42 (Djeca Kozare)’, directed by Lordan Zafranović. Based on a 1986 script by Arsen Diklić and Zafranović, Kozare)’ receiving the film depicts ‘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 and civilians—specifically Serbs, Jews, Roma, and anti-fascists—during the 1942 Kozara offensive and their deportation to in the Jasenovac death camp under the Independent State concentration camp. This recognition follows a period of Croatia (NDH). intense regional controversy surrounding the film’s release. While director Zafranović has characterized described the project as a ‘sacred film’ intended to convey the ‘universal nature of evil’, describing it at the Sava Centar premiere as and a ‘cry against evil’. Renowned director Emir Kusturica praised the work, describing it as a ‘mythology’ and a profound tribute to the Serbian people. However, evil,’ the release has ignited intense regional debate. production faced significant criticism. In Serbia, acting president Ana Brnabić criticized characterized the use of the Jasenovac theme for partisan interests, describing such intolerance interests as a ‘disease’. Additionally, ‘disease,’ and director Goran Marković has called for the film to be withdrawn film’s withdrawal from the festival. The controversy has also extended to the director’s family; son, Ivan Zafranović, the director’s son, expressed deep disappointment, distancing also distanced himself from his father’s public statements and criticizing the film’s project, criticizing its use for political and propaganda purposes. propaganda. In Croatia, the controversy has targeted the cast; film faced backlash from figures such as psychiatrist Herman Vukušić Vukušić, who labeled the film it a ‘Serbian propaganda pamphlet’ pamphlet,’ and called for a boycott of products endorsed by actor Rene Bitorajac, who portrays the historical figure Vjekoslav Maks Luburić. Researcher researcher Pero Šola has Šola, who challenged certain depictions regarding the treatment of children and the roles of NDH officials. Journalist specific historical depictions. Additionally, journalist Gordan Malić has criticized the project for prioritizing political and historical discourse over cinematic quality, while also raising unverified raised questions regarding the film’s production value in relation to 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-12 08:42 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  2. 2026-10-10 16:39 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  3. 2026-10-07 16:33 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  4. 2026-10-07 07:34 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  5. 2026-10-03 13:58 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  6. 2026-10-03 13:57 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  7. 2026-10-03 10:13 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  8. 2026-10-02 22:01 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  9. 2026-10-02 16:18 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  10. 2026-10-02 14:49 UTC Release and regional controversy of Zafranović film
  11. 2026-10-01 18:05 UTC Release of Lordan Zafranović film on Jasenovac
  12. 2026-09-29 07:07 UTC Release of Lordan Zafranović film on Jasenovac
  13. 2026-09-28 20:04 UTC Release of Lordan Zafranović film on Jasenovac
  14. 2026-09-28 15:42 UTC Release of Lordan Zafranović film on Jasenovac
  15. 2026-09-28 06:42 UTC Release of Lordan Zafranović film on Jasenovac

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