The 7th Ravno Selo Film Festival Concludes with an Award Ceremony

Under the traditional slogan “Film Stories Circle Through the Village,” the 7th Ravno Selo Film Festival, an international festival dedicated to first or second films, concluded on Sunday, June 30, in Ravno Selo. Over four days, more than 40 films from 19 countries were screened, culminating in a grand closing ceremony where prestigious awards were presented.

The Golden Corn for Best Director, accompanied by a cash prize of 1,500 EUR, was awarded to director Celine Song for the film *Past Lives* (USA, South Korea). The jury described the film as “a story that subtly yet profoundly moves the audience, compelling them to reflect on what truly matters in life—whether we should devote our lives to love or sacrifice love for life itself.”

 

The Golden Corn for Best Film, along with a cash prize of 1,000 EUR, was awarded to the film *Nedelja* (Serbia), based on a screenplay by Stefan Bošković and directed by Nemanja Ćeranić and Miloš Radunović. The jury praised it as “a biographical story inspired by real-life events of one of the most beloved singers from this region, transformed into a film of exceptional poetic strength. Distinguished by its rhythmic storytelling, remarkable production quality, outstanding cast, and warm reception by the audience.”

 

The Golden Corn for Best Film by Audience Choice, along with a cash prize of 500 EUR, was awarded to the film *Poslednji strelac* (Serbia), directed by Darko Nikolić and starring Nenad Jezdić in the lead role. The jury stated, “This thrilling suspense film, full of unexpected twists and intense moments, kept the audience on edge from start to finish.”

The Golden Corn for Best Documentary Film, accompanied by a 500 EUR cash prize, was awarded to the Polish film *Calls*, directed by Ming-Wei Chiang. The jury noted, “This film immerses the audience in a single room that seems to encapsulate the entire world, portraying the absurdity, pain, and tragedy experienced daily by emergency service operators, as if they were living through a suspenseful thriller.”

A Special Mention was awarded to the Brazilian film *Panorama*, directed by Julie Gava and Daniel Leão. The jury highlighted its ability to “remind us that simple amateur photographs have the incredible power to evoke deep emotions, trigger associations and memories, and connect us to the invisible flow of life that all documentary filmmakers strive to capture.”

The *Plakata Prvi Metar* for Best Student Film, accompanied by a 500 EUR cash prize, was awarded to director and screenwriter Tina Veličković for her film *Tuga* (North Macedonia). The jury praised it as “a skillfully crafted story that, through its protagonist struggling with the consequences of personal tragedy, conducts a deep and mature social analysis.”

This year, the company Gorki List once again presented the award for Best Young Actor or Actress, with a cash prize of 1,000 EUR. The award was given to Luna Pilić for her role as Janja in the film *Sveta Obitelj* (Croatia). The jury stated, “With measured and subtle means, the actress approached a highly complex acting challenge, successfully portraying a multilayered and intricate character from the 1960s.”

The jury of the main competition program included actress Ana Lečić, director Marko Novaković, and actor Miodrag Radonjić. Film editor and professor Dragan Dimčić served as the sole jury member for the Short 100 Minutes documentary program, while director Nemanja Ćipranić was the head of the student film selection jury.

Festival founder Lazar Ristovski stated at the closing ceremony:

“For the past seven years, we have fought to make this festival more visible, and I believe we have succeeded. This was largely thanks to all of you who filled the audience seats every evening, not just with your presence but with your spirit and support, ensuring that this festival and cultural center become what they are today—an investment in the future of young filmmakers. We have created one of the most beautiful cultural spaces in all of Serbia, and now it is our responsibility to pass this space on to the young people who study here and those who have graduated and chosen to stay. I firmly believe that among them are future great filmmakers.”

The festival’s closing featured a screening of student films from the festival’s film workshop, followed by the final screening of *Nedelja*, directed by Nemanja Ćeranić and Miloš Radunović. The film tells the story of the famous folk singer Džej Ramadanovski. Before the screening, the film’s cast took the stage to greet the audience, with lead actor Husein Alijević Husa performing the well-known Džej hit after which the film is named.

This year’s *Face in Focus* of the festival was Ana Lečić, while the diverse international film selection was curated by Dragan Jeličić (main program) and Igor Toholj (Short 100 Minutes documentary program). The festival also featured nine student films, 15 school short films in the *Filmić* program, and a special screening.

As part of the 7th Ravno Selo Film Festival’s accompanying program, a voice dubbing workshop was conducted by actors Vesna Paštrović and Marko Marković, along with an art colony on the theme “The Courtyard of the Windmill.”

The festival also featured concerts and cultural performances by both prominent national artists and local talents.

The festival was supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Culture, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the City of Vrbas, production company Zillion Film, the Film Center of Serbia, Gorki List, and Voda Voda.

The Film Center of Serbia provided financial support for the awards for Best Film and Best Director.

As a loyal supporter of cinema, Gorki List continued its long-standing tradition as an essential partner of the Ravno Selo Film Festival.