Radmila Djurica

Another International Film Festival FEST, 42th FEST started last night in Belgrade. The Festival was opened by Serbian film So hot was the cannon/ Top je bio vreo directed by Boban Skerlic.

"I sincerely believe that art makes people better and that each step towards art constitutes a step towards improving oneself, which means that FEST is a gathering place of better people. In a society that is systemically dumbed down, where culture, science and education are being marginalized, each such step represents an exploit. I congratulate you for standing out and happy new FEST," Skerlić explained to packed teatre hall.

As usual FEST brings us the premieres of the best Holywood film, awarded, nomited, BAFTAs, all. A total of 12 film from this year's repertoire has been nominated for the Academy Awards in at least one cathegory, with the absolute leader in that race being  12 Years a Slave  (only nine nominations) an Oscar for best film and best director (Steve McQueen). In the competing against the veteran Julia Roberts (August: Osage County) also film that will be featured tomorrow on FEST in Belgrade. Meryl Streep, according to many the best living actress. Then, Judy Dench in the same category for her role in Philomena, expected soon on FEST and Cate Blanchet, for her brilliant performance in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine. Then Dallas Buyers Club and Nebraska, also old school Bruce Dern.  So we have films like Philomena, 12 Years a Slave  and Her by Spike Jonze, who has won the Golden Globe in that category. The Great Beauty also won the Globe and was nominated for best film, the Danish film The Hunt, one of the best films from last year's FEST, is in the same race. And Inside Llewyn Davis (best camera and sound), Ralph Fiennes' Invisible Woman (best costume), then The Book Thief starring with Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson  etc etc…

Apart from promoting young authors and presenting some undiscovered gems FEST no 42 this year represents famous filmmakers. We have some of those last year, while having forgotten others, waiting for their new films. Woody Allen and brilliant Blue Jasmine. Francois Ozon’s Dans la maison received great critics last year and this year, he comes with the controversial Jeune et Jolie. Alexandre Payne fared well two years ago with The Descendants while the Coen Brothers made an unorthodox film, Inside Llewin Davis. Also  this year we will see  Nebraska, Roman Polanski, this time he again  takes this minimalism in Venus in Fur with only two protagonists. Not to avoid Only Lovers Left Aliveis last night in packed up theate room, Jim Jarmusch’s first film in four years, breathing in another but yet different vampire franchise. Terry Gilliam brings us a Sci-Fi fairy tale Zero Theorem,

while Ralph Fiennes will present to us his second director’s work The Invisible Woman. Fiennes also stars in Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel. Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovitch) Her and David Linch’s documentary about the band Duran Duran will definitely be a treat for FEST’s viewers. One of the most famous Polish directors and the leader of the Polish school Andrzej Wajda said his film about former Polish President Lech Valensa was the greatest challenge of his longstanding career. Monday FEST expects French Director Patrice Leconte and his film A Promise.

This year the most exlusive festival guests will be Ralph Fiennes, Steven Coogan, Jeff Pope, Patrice Leconte, Christopher Gans, Fiennes is closing the 42th FEST of course.