The 26th European Film Festival in Palic began with the opening ceremony and the awarding of the most deserving filmmakers – set designer Miljen Kljakovic Kreka and Croatian director Rajko Grlic.

Following the ceremony, the latest film by Pedro Almodovar „Pain and Glory“ with Antonio Banderas in the lead role was premiered in Serbia.

The main program of this year’s edition of the festival, chosen by the selector Nenad Dukic, has a good balance between new films by renowned authors and the achievements of young directors.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Information, Assistant Minister Ivana Dedic emphasized the importance of the sustained support that the festival receives.

She particularly emphasized the recognition that this festival received two years ago, when it was included in the five most significant events of its kind in Europe. The festival has become a gathering place for young film artists, students and professionals, as well as amateurs and film enthusiasts, who enhance their creative knowledge. This festival is where the future of Serbian and world cinema is being created, and where we belong.

On behalf of the host, the audience was welcomed by Timea Horvat, Deputy Mayor of Subotica.

She emphasized that for Subotica, the European Film Festival in Palic is a cultural manifestation of the first rank, because thanks to this festival, the largest European moviemakers have stayed in our city for a quarter of a century. This festival gathers about 20 to 25 thousand people each year, over 200 film professionals, and 100 journalists following the film.

After the screening of the film, a cocktail was held to mark the opening of the Film Festival.