OTAC/FATHER

After the breakup of the Yugoslav federation, Serbian cinema remained the leading film force in the former territories, producing many films and TV series with varying success. One of the rare names that stood out in the quantitative sea of Serbian filmmakers is that of Srdan Golubović, who has filmed everything he has ever done is worth as much as gold. That is why it was very simple when we thought about which author from the region would be a worthy guest at our jubilee festival edition, without prejudice the choice fell on the one and only Srdan Golubović. Inheriting the profession of his father Predrag Golubović, relatively early, in the turbulent nineties, while the war in Bosnia was going on, Srdan made his first film steps by filming the short films "On the Other Side of the Troubles" (1993) and "Three" (1994). This was followed by participation in the omnibus with the famous name, "Package Arangman" (1995), as a validation of the material and the beginning of a fine film fairy tale that continues to this day. And immediately with the debut film "The Absolute 100" (2001), festival successes all over the world began to follow: Paris, Thessaloniki, Cottbus... and the author was recognized. Golubović is one of those filmmakers who quietly and for years meditate on each of their films, carefully simmering the film material from every aspect, so that in the end it explodes where it should, on the silver screen. "The Trap" in 2007 was a surprise at all the festivals where it was shown, and in cinemas in the region, more tickets were demanded because it has been a long time since such a disturbing film appeared on the big screen that is both disturbing and sobering. Again a six-year break between two films, and again a masterpiece. "Circles" (2013), filmed based on a true event, brought back the ghosts of the past, and reminded us why Aleksandar Berček is one of the best actors of his generation in these parts. And finally, in 2020, "Father" cemented Golubović's status as one of the most significant Serbian filmmakers of the new millennium, this time with the well-deserved success at the Berlinale, where the film won two awards, from the audience and the ecumenical jury. Perhaps for many, twenty years and four films are a small mileage, but that is only for those who do not know Golubović's work. Good films do not need to justify themselves to anyone, especially not the good filmmakers behind them. Golubović is one of those authors who look life straight in the eye, and by truly processing socio-social topics relevant to the moment, they strike directly into the heart of the viewer. And last but not least, let us mention that he is an assistant professor of film directing at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, and the main engine behind the production company "Baš Čelik", shooting music videos, commercials and marketing campaigns for famous clients. In doing so, he selflessly shares his knowledge with students and a young team of filmmakers who are eager to learn about the correct approach to film art, which has been built over years and decades. Golubović is a true and authentic proof of that. That is why it is a special honor and pleasure for us that we will be watching three of his four precious films at this year's "KineNova", of course, while also enjoying his masterclass.