Fiume o Morte! Dominates Inaugural Adriatic Film and TV Awards
In a stunning display of talent and creativity, "Fiume o Morte!," directed by Igor Bezinović, took home top honors at the inaugural Adriatic Film and TV Awards, winning Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The prestigious awards ceremony was held at the picturesque Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro.
The awards recognized outstanding performances across various categories, with Jara Sofija Ostan winning Best Actress for her role in "Kaj ti je deklica," directed by Urška Djukić. In the Best Leading Actor category, Leon Lučev was celebrated for his compelling performance in "The Working Class Goes to Hell," directed by Mladen Đorđević. Additionally, the Rising Star Award was presented to Lidija Kordić for her noteworthy role in the same film, while Urška Djukić’s "Kaj ti je deklica" was honored with the Best Debut Film award.
The television segment of the awards showcased the best in the industry as well, with "Operation Sabre," created by Vladimir Tagić and Goran Stanković, winning the Best TV Series award. Milica Gojković was recognized as the Best Leading Actress in a Series, and Dragan Mićanović took home the Best Leading Actor award for his performance in "Operation Sabre."
The winners were chosen by a professional jury comprised of over 550 members from the newly established Adriatic Film and TV Academy, which aims to unite industry professionals across the Adriatic region. This initiative is backed by the Adriatic Region Festival Network, which includes the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Festival of Auteur Film in Belgrade, and the Zagreb Film Festival.
Mirsad Purivatra, president of the AFA committee, expressed his excitement, stating, “The first edition of the Adriatic Film Awards is a dream come true. We celebrate the creativity of our region and hope these awards will provide recognition for our talented directors and actors.”
Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “This is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and fostering intergenerational solidarity. It’s a space where seasoned filmmakers guide newcomers, and the entire region is acknowledged as a vibrant hub of creativity in Europe.”
Boris T. Matić, director of the Zagreb Film Festival, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the nominated films, stating, “Most of the nominated projects are the result of co-productions between our countries. This collaboration is the strength of our initiative, and with the establishment of the academy, these awards will enhance visibility for our creatives in the international market.”
Igor Stanković, director of the Festival of Auteur Film in Belgrade, described the AFA Awards as “a bridge between diverse storytelling styles—those emerging from small auteur productions and those already resonating throughout the region.” He added, “This diversity will define the identity of our project. I believe that future co-productions and collaborations will usher in a new era of filmmaking, with the AFA Awards championing creative freedom and the courage of artistic expression.”
The inaugural Adriatic Film and TV Awards have set a significant milestone in celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the Adriatic region, promising to inspire future generations of filmmakers and storytellers.
