The 18th edition of the KROKODIL Festival was officially announced at a press conference held at Europe House in Belgrade. Under the slogan “Literature as an Act of Defiance,” this year’s festival celebrates literature as a form of social resistance and a catalyst for change.
The festival takes place on 3 and 4 July at the amphitheatre and outdoor space in front of the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade. The programme features panel discussions, workshops, theatre performances, film screenings, and literary and music events.
Milena Berić, Executive Director of the KROKODIL Association, noted that all this year’s guests are authors whose books have transformed societies “because they defended the right to truth, doubt, and individual autonomy, especially in situations where the collective demanded obedience. Literature is defiance in its purest form because it cannot be silenced.”
Andreas von Beckerath, Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, stressed that literature is far more than storytelling.
“It opens minds, encourages us to question established beliefs, and gives a voice to those who are too often silenced. It helps us imagine a different future and confront uncomfortable truths. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and stereotypes. In societies facing increasing pressure, literature can also become an act of resistance. That is precisely why initiatives such as the KROKODIL Festival are so important. By creating space for independent thought, artistic freedom, and public debate, they not only enrich this country’s cultural life but also strengthen the foundations of democracy”, von Beckerath said.
Festival Programme Director Vladimir Arsenijević introduced this year’s theme:
“This title reflects both the position and the focus of this year’s festival. The growing distrust of the political and social mainstream, together with the need for new strategies of resistance, is something we share with citizens across Europe and beyond. This idea will serve as a guiding thread throughout most of the festival programme.”
“I sincerely believe that in today’s increasingly polarised world, writers can achieve something that politicians and diplomats often cannot—they can inspire people and bring them together despite political divisions,” said Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia. She also expressed her satisfaction that one of Norway’s most distinguished writers, Åsne Seierstad, would be among this year’s festival guests.
“Over the next few days, audiences will have the opportunity to discover voices from across Sweden, alongside authors from Serbia and many other countries,” said Sufjan Kadim, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden.
Kadim added that this year’s programme brings together authors from Sweden, Serbia, and other countries, demonstrating that “literature is not merely an art form—it is a space for dialogue, imagination, and the courage to ask questions and challenge what we take for granted.”
Erik Jonsson, Programme Director of the Littfest festival in Umeå, emphasised that the best books transcend borders and stereotypes, while Dutch historian and writer-in-residence Ger Duijzings invited audiences to attend the festival, describing it as “a place that celebrates literature unwilling to compromise.” During his residency in Serbia, Duijzings will join Dubravka Stojanović and Olga Manojlović Pintar on 4 July for a discussion on history and the culture of remembrance.
“At a time of growing polarisation and shrinking space for the free exchange of ideas, solidarity and open dialogue are more important than ever. The KROKODIL Festival plays a vital role in promoting democratic values and strengthening Serbia’s place on Europe’s cultural and social map,” said Anke Konrad, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia.
More information about this year’s KROKODIL Festival is available HERE, while the full programme can be found HERE.
The KROKODIL Festival is supported by the European Union, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Serbia, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Serbia, the Swedish Institute, CCFD – Terre Solidaire, and the UK International Development Programme, implemented in partnership with the British Council.