When, in January 1971, under the visionary slogan "Brave New World", the curtain rose on the first International Film Festival – FEST, Belgrade became the world's capital of the seventh art. The screening of Altman's "MASH" marked the beginning of an era in which generations of Belgraders and guests from around the world would grow, mature, and discover the world through moving images.
When, in January 1971, under the visionary slogan “Brave New World”, the curtain rose on the first International Film Festival – FEST, Belgrade became the world’s capital of the seventh art. The screening of Altman’s “MASH” marked the beginning of an era in which generations of Belgraders and guests from around the world would grow, mature, and discover the world through moving images.
More than five decades later, that bond is stronger than ever.
Ahead of us is the 53rd International Film Festival FEST, held under the patronage of the City and organized by CEBEF, running from October 2 to 11, 2026.
This year’s official slogan, “FEST – Love That Lasts”, was inspired by a documentary film by acclaimed director Dinko Tucaković, made for the festival’s 30th anniversary. This catchphrase is more than a festival motto; it is a genuine testament to the decades-long passion between the domestic audience and cinema. It is a tribute to the loyalty of generations of viewers who turned FEST into an institution.
In its 53rd edition, FEST returns to Sava Center – the venue that was its symbol and home for 40 years. Audiences at this renovated venue can expect the traditional, glamorous “Gala program”, but that’s just the beginning of where the festival’s storied past meets an exciting future.
Inspired by the legendary “Vidici” program, created and hosted with great success by Dušan Makavejev, a similarly conceived late-night program called “TBC (Trash, Bizarre, Cult) in the Small Hours” returns to the Home of Youth’s midnight slot. Made up of both new and older premiere films, this segment is reserved for audiences hungry for more extreme, subversive, and daring cinema.
This year’s major new feature is three competition selections, equally represented in the program, focused on films from the European Union as well as top achievements in world and regional cinema.
The largest-ever Anglo-American lineup arrives this year split into two distinct selections:
Special attention goes to the new program segment “Farewell, 20th Century”, driven by contemporary filmmakers’ growing interest in the events and figures who defined the last century. Whether exploring dark historical phenomena (such as the Holocaust, clerical abuse, or the Heysel Stadium tragedy) or illuminating the lives of visionaries who pushed humanity forward (such as Milica Tomić, Constantin Brâncuși, Sergiu Celibidache, Bill Evans, David Lean, or Umm Kulthum) – all these films bear witness to a dynamic century that irreversibly accelerated history and left visible marks on the world we live in today.
Alongside this historical framework, the festival proudly presents two shorter but equally significant programs:
“With more than 100 films from over 50 national cinemas, FEST will once again be a celebration of film – ten or so days that probably won’t change the world, but will bring us closer to it, and help us understand it just a little better.”
With a vision that bridges tradition and the most contemporary authorial voices, the 53rd FEST’s program selector, Dragan Jeličić, announces a celebration for film lovers everywhere.
Welcome to the 53rd FEST!
