Uncertain Future for Bitef, Fest, and Other Festivals in 2026
A few days before the close of 2025, the tenth edition of the “Picture in Motion” festival, a significant filming event in the region, has been called off. According to the festival’s organizers, the Serbian Association of Cinematographers, this year’s milestone edition did not secure support from the Ministry of Culture, the Provincial Secretariat, or the City of Novi Sad, its previous venue, resulting in its cancellation.
The year 2025 was plagued by cancellations, changes in festival dates, programming modifications, and other cultural complications across Serbia. Notably, public events like Bitefa and Party had to be rescheduled, while March’s Documentary and Short Film Festival in Belgrade, one of Europe’s oldest film festivals, struggled to garner enthusiasm.
The widespread challenges even led to prominent cultural events taking a stand. The cancellation of “Seven Magnificent,” a feature-length documentary film festival, was a protest against repressive cultural measures. Additionally, the Actors Association canceled its renowned Film Meetings in Niš due to prevailing social and political circumstances. The choir festival “Slobodan Bursać” in Zrenjanin also opted out of the Capital of Culture program run by SNS, citing principled reasons.
Moreover, some festivals adjusted their programs to avoid contentious acts or performers. For instance, Days of Beer in Zrenjanin excluded certain performers due to their perceived political implications. Zemun Fest even switched to a film-centric program to sidestep potential issues. However, such adjustments didn’t always yield successful outcomes, as seen with the Belgrade Beer Fest, which faced challenges despite strategic program changes.
As the cultural landscape navigated these challenges in 2025, uncertainty looms over the status of existing festivals in 2026. Speculations suggest that the government might introduce its festivals, as witnessed in the case of the Niš Film Meetings being replaced. The inaugural National Film and Television Festival on Zlatibor saw minimal engagement as film workers boycotted the event, unveiling broader rifts in the industry.
In the upcoming year, major festivals, including Exit Festival in Novi Sad, face funding woes, potentially leading to their cancellation. Similarly, the fate of Sterija Pozorje, Serbia’s preeminent theater festival, hinges on funding decisions, considering the government’s stance on certain cultural entities.
However, amid uncertainties, traditional events like Guča, LoveFest, and others dedicated primarily to tourism are expected to continue. Hope remains for the survival of Bitef and Fest, with the City’s Secretary of Culture hinting at potential future editions. The March Festival is also eyeing a return in two years with a revamped program.
The year 2026 commences with the debut of the Belgrade Film Festival, showcasing mainstream titles for local audiences. Independently organized and devoid of government funding, this festival aims to provide a cinematic platform without external influences. Additionally, events like the Belgrade Games Festival and Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac have planned their respective dates, promising diverse cultural experiences in the coming year.