On the eve of the 55th Belgrade Festival of Documentary and Short Film a press conference has been held in the City Hall. Journalists were addressed by Deputy Mayor of Belgrade Gorica Mojovic, Chairperson of the Selection Commission Nevena Dakovic, Deputy Culture Secretary of the City of Belgrade, Artistic Director of the Festival Janko Baljak and Leon Deleon of the FEST Directorate. Gorica Mojovic reminded that, in the course of its existence, the Festival changed its concept and from a domestic film gathering, managed to evolve into an international festival. In the last couple of years, the Belgrade “Shorts” confirmed its international conception. On behalf of the City Assembly, Mrs. Mojovic announced that an agreement would be signed next week with the Ministry of Culture about joint investment in all international events. In that way, the City will, along with the Ministry, provide the necessary financial assistance to the Festival and similar projects.

“As the Artistic Director, I am very happy that, in spite of the difficult situation our country has found itself in, our foreign guests have not lost confidence in use and will come to Belgrade”, said Janko Baljak. He stressed that the Festival would be a small film marathon, as opposed to its previous editions, because up to 145 films will be shown in two competition programs and ten special segments. Fourty-two domestic and 43 foreign films shall be competing for the Festival Grand Prix. As in the previous editions, the Jury will be an international one.

About the significance and the reach of such a Festival, Nevena Dakovic said: “Such a Festival provides space for shaping and applying in practice cultural policy and since documentary film is also present on other relevant festivals, I believe that the oldest and most renown Festival in this country should try to become the synthesis of all other festivals, in order to avoid the scattering and repetition of films upon application. Finally, the Festival offers several different filters for the choice and summing up of the best works of national and international productions, as well as the possibility to compare with what is done outside of our country.”