News

Anica Dobra: I am happy that I still feel enthusiasm and excitement for awards

21.07.2024.

This year's winners of the Aleksandar Lifka Award - Anica Dobra, Phedon Papamichael and Ademir Kenović, festival director Radoslav Zelenović, program director Miroslav Mogorović, executive producer Ilija Tatić, programmer of the Official Selection Nikolaj Nikitin, programmer of the documentary sections Igor Toholj, and director Alberto Gracia spoke at the press conference at the Grand Terrace, on the second day of the 31st European Film Festival Palić, on Sunday, July 21.

Actress Anica Dobra spoke at the press conference about the significance of the Aleksandar Lifka Award: "Fortunately, I can find sanctuary, peace, and excitement in my work. While receiving awards may not be a part of the job, I'm glad that I still feel enthusiasm and excitement for everything that comes with an award, especially one like this. This award encompasses all that came before me, the previous winners, as well as all the future winners. All of that together forms something that remains in history. Considering that the most important thing is to find our place in life, this here is perhaps a confirmation that I am on the right path."

Phedon Papamichael, the Aleksandar Lifka Award laureate in the category of foreign creators, pointed out that during his career he was influenced by Greek authors such as Theo Angelopoulos, but also by Kieslowski, Tarkovsky, and European cinema in general. "I started my career in America, where a large number of films are not exactly the kind of cinema I aspire to. But I was happy because I had work and I worked with big stars. Then I got more and more frustrated, so I decided to make a change. Wim Wenders was also in Los Angeles at the time, so I turned down some better paying projects and did Million Dollar Hotel with him. Later, I looked more and more for such filmmakers".

Ademir Kenović, laureate of the Regional Lifka Award, shared his thoughts on the invitation to receive this prestigious honor: "First of all, I can say that I was surprised by the invitation. Then, after carefully reviewing the list of all the winners, I was delighted. I am pleased that a festival like this exists, one that is dedicated to serious European cinema, and that there is a warm human memory of those who have made a significant contribution to both local and European cinematography."

Radoslav Zelenović, the festival director, emphasized that the unfavorable circumstances for the festival are "far behind us" and that everything fell into place at the right time. "Despite some restrictions we had to implement, the first day already showed that they would not affect the festival. It was clear that the competition programs had to be preserved, both for the sake of the festival and its reputation, and for the audience, which filled the Summer Stage again last night," said Zelenović. "I am especially happy that at the press conference, we saw three incredible figures, not only from the history of film but also from its present and future. We had the opportunity to hear firsthand what they think about cinema, and it is very important what their experience of cinema is. Showing films, with relevant guests who have something to say, is something more than a festival".

Ilija Tatić, executive producer of the festival, announced numerous program segments for the upcoming days of the festival. "When we have such individuals on stage, award winners who have reminded us with their emotional addresses how important it is to nurture art, I think that a good part of our task has been accomplished. The opportunities to talk to such people and hear something from them are unique, and that is the mission of the festival: to be a platform where the audience, the media, and everyone involved in the organization will share their experiences. To have a meeting of generations and learn from each other", said Tatić.

Miroslav Mogorović, the program director of EFF Palić, announced the Parallels and Encounters competition program at the Abazija cinema in Palić: "This program was initially designed to showcase films from countries transitioning from socialism and communism to liberal capitalism. However, Europe as a whole is now undergoing a significant transition, one that we are still trying to comprehend. The films in this program aptly capture this current socio-political climate. I am very satisfied with this year's selection and believe that Parallels and Encounters are stronger than ever." Nikolaj Nikitin, the programmer of the Official Selection, said at the press conference: "I believe that in our 31st year, we have truly matured as a festival, and that this is the best selection we have ever had. This program clearly demonstrates the hard work Palić has put in over the past 30 years to promote European cinema and bring in European talents. The speeches delivered by the three Lifka Award laureates attest to our significance".

Igor Toholj, programmer of the documentary sections at the European Film Festival Palić, commented on his film selections: "The protagonists of the Eco Dox program bear witness to the inexorable changes affecting both the climate and the living conditions on planet Earth in general. The strength of these films lies in the viewer's ability to identify with the subjects’ lives and struggles. On the other hand, this year's New European Documentary Film selection has shifted slightly towards introspective topics, focusing on interpersonal relationships, family, and especially the culture of memory".

Alberto Gracia, director of the film The Rim, featured in the "Galicia in Focus" program, discussed his production: "My film was shot in the small town of Ferrol, known for being the birthplace of the dictator Franco. This film aims to portray the city through the lens of main character, whose life has been shattered, much like the city itself".