Free zone film festival is created out of belief that a good film experience can last much longer than its screening time and that it can provide access to alternative depiction of reality. This festival showcases films that are eye-opening and often leave their viewers with the feeling of freedom and responsibility that comes with being an active citizen. In these cases the art of film can actually make a difference.
Free Zone is not only an increasingly popular annual film festival, but also a part of a broader initiative that runs throughout the year.
Next festival edition: 07 - 13 November 2013
A special category has been introduced, a category for young, talented authors and their works in the selection of the movies with the budgets of $10,000 and up to $10,000. Attention to young talents includes the presence of top lecturers from film area, organized seminars and constructive dialogues. The programme concept of the festival covers film and academic programme, which take place at more than 20 locations in Novi Sad, including indoor and outdoor cinemas.
Film programme presents film selections of domestic and foreign production, along with competitive selections and numerous retrospectives. Over 150 films, more than a hundred premieres are shown at indoor and outdoor locations. The festival presents awards for domestic, international and low-budget films.
Academic programme - Cinema Now Live Academy - includes more than 30 panels, with participants from more than 10 countries. Within this programme, film artists, theoreticians, critics, and representatives of film industry discuss many significant subjects related to film art and film industry.
Next festival edition: 26 August - 01 September 2013
The presentation of the project to the audience and journalists was commenced with an introduction from the director of DORF Toni Šarić, while Ivana Todorović and Rajko Petrović spoke on behalf of Cinema City from Novi Sad and Free Zone from Belgrade, respectively. Also pointed out was the importance of promoting young authors and their networking for the purpose of creating future successful co-productions, new ideas and quality film accomplishments. Director of the Free Zone festival brought up that the networking continues beyond Austria, Croatia and Serbia, and include Bulgaria and other countries of the Danube region, while Fresh Danube Films project manager, in front of the Cinema City festival, said that based on the experience so far this one-year project will surely grow into a long-term cooperation and friendship.
Monja Art and Caroline Bobek, Austrian authors of the film “Forever Not Alone” gave their opening statements. Their first feature documentary officially opened DORF, as part of the Fresh Danube Films selection.
In addition to this film, the Fresh Danube Films program also included the screenings of “Redemption Street” by Miroslav Terzić, “The Face of a Revolution“ by Vladimir Milovanović, “Local Heroes“ by Henning Backhaus, “Sonja and the Bull“, by Vlatka Vorkapić and “A Letter to My Father“, by Damir Ćurčić.