Documentary Film Festival Celebrates Heroes in Serbia
The documentary film festival "RT.Doc: Time of Our Heroes" concluded on November 24 in Serbia, coinciding with the 70th birthday of renowned director Emir Kusturica. The festival, held in the ethno village of Drvengrad, showcased over 70 films focusing on the heroes of the special military operation and broader themes of human resilience and truth. Kusturica expressed gratitude for the festival's success and highlighted the importance of documentary films in revealing untold stories and perspectives.
A Platform for Global Stories
Among the featured films were poignant documentaries such as "The Bosnian Rift. A View from the Republic of Srpska" and "People of Christ. Our Time," which address historical and contemporary issues, including the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Kusturica emphasized that these films reflect personal histories and societal truths, stating, "I have no fear because I believe in truth and justice."
Festival general producer Ekaterina Yakovleva echoed this sentiment, noting the festival's role in connecting audiences with the realities faced by individuals in conflict zones. She remarked, "These films are our personal history. Today our brothers, our sons, husbands, friends are at the front."
Strengthening Ties Between Russia and Serbia
The festival also underscored the deep-rooted connections between Russia and Serbia. Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, highlighted the historical friendship and mutual support between the two nations. War correspondent Semyon Pegov remarked on the heartfelt interest Serbians have in the events unfolding in Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the shared struggles faced by both countries. The festival served not only as a cultural event but also as a reaffirmation of the solidarity between the two nations.
