International short feature film festival 'Film Front' officially concluded on Friday, October 24, after a three-day program that brought 60 films from more than 30 countries to the big screen of Arena Cineplex in Novi Sad.
Film selector Filip Markovinović highlighted that this year’s program was marked by a stronger presence of female filmmakers and their distinct perspectives on the world.
“I wouldn’t say that feminist practices are explicitly carried out through these films, because these aren’t activist works — they are short feature films, first and foremost an artistic form. But yes, the female voice in cinema is becoming increasingly visible and stronger, which I certainly see as a positive shift,” said Markovinović.
Awards for the best works were presented in both the international and national competition selections.
In the International selection, the Audience award went to the film „The Aquarium“ directed by Gianluca Zonta, while the Student jury award went to the film „Three Keenings“ directed by Oliver McGoldrick. A special recognition for visual identity was awarded to the film „The Boy With White Skin“ directed by Simon Panay. The awards were decided by a five-member student jury consisting of Nađa Mišković, Miomir Milosavac, Jana Stanišić, Todor Bokan, and Jovana Đurović.
Within the Serbia/Region selection, a three-member jury — Sanja Mikitišin, Bojan Vuletić, and Nikola Spasić — awarded the main prize to the film "Tarik" directed by Adem Tutić. The jury also presented a Special award to the film "Izbor" (Choice) directed by Marko Crnogorski, while a Special recognition for acting went to Sara Sandeva for her performance in the leading female role.
The festival, held this year under the slogan “New Youth,” lived up to its name, with high school and university students making up the majority of the audience, while young filmmakers were placed at the center of attention. Festival director Nina Latinović reminded attendees that this focus led to the creation of the New Generation selection, dedicated to filmmakers under the age of 19.
“The idea for the New Generation selection came after high schools in Serbia and the region began opening audiovisual programs. Students started engaging more with film making, producing their own films, and this was a clear sign that introducing this selection would complete the whole Film Front story,” said Latinović.
Film Front, as a festival of community, creativity, and new beginnings, once again demonstrated this year why it is one of the most important meeting places for young filmmakers in the region.
With the support of the Provincial Secretariat for Culture, the City of Novi Sad, the EU Delegation in Serbia, and Arena Cineplexx, the festival reaffirmed that the short film format still has the power to move audiences, inspire, and connect generations.
Although the festival program has concluded, Film Front continues to thrive year-round — through educational programs, seminars, and workshops that inspire new generations of filmmakers.