Golubovic's 'Krugovi' Scoops Sundance Award

Aleksandar Bercek plays Marko's father | Photo courtesy of Tuck

According to the Grand Jury on January 26, the best documentary  at Sundance was Steve Hoover's "Blood Brother", while the best drama film was "Fruitvale", by Ryan Coogler.

The Cambodian movie, "A River Changes Course", by Kalyanee Mam, was pronounced the best international documentary, while the best international feature was "Jiseul" by O Muel, the South Korean director and screenwriter.

"Krugovi" received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award, which was handed to Golubovic by the Portuguese movie producer Joana Vicente.

The movie, which had its world premier at Sundance, is dedicated to Srdjan Aleksic,a Bosnian Serb from the southeastern Bosnian town of Trebinje who saved the life of a Muslim civilian only to be killed by members his own side, Serbian soldiers.

Another 12 foreign films were in competition in the category. It was the first time that a film from Serbia, or from the region, reached the competition programme of Sundance.

Receiving the prize, Golubovic briefly thanked his crew for their support. He stated later for the daily Blic newspaper that the movie dealt with a "high moral and human deed" and was not political.

‘The main question is if there is sense in being a human being and a hero. The film is hard but offers catharsis and an affirmative reply: yes, there is sense in being a human being," Golubovic said.

According to a review by Hollywood reporter, "This is not a political film because it primarily deals with the burden and consequences of war. It has been directed excellently with brilliant actors and it offers new views of the wars in the Balkans and their price and consequences".

The movie was a Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, German and French co-production.

The Sundance festival, founded by the actor Robert Redford, took place from January 17-27 at Park City, Utah.

"Krugovi" will have its European premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, which takes place from February 22 to March 3. Its Serbian premiere will take place during the FEST International Film Festival, which takes place from February 22 to March 3.