Kustendorf Film Festival Opens in Serbia

World famous movie stars and filmmakers, as well as amateurs in the film world, gathered yesterday in the Serbian town of Mokra Gora to celebrate the opening of festival, which runs through January 23.

The grand opening ceremony began with a special outdoor screening of a festival retrospective.

Following the launch, Mount Zlatibor, where Mokra Gora is located, echoed with the sounds of fireworks and a brass orchestra.

South Korean director Kim Ki-duk, this year's special guest, as well as renowned French actress Isabelle Huppert and director Abel Ferrara, a legend of independent American film, were in attendance.

In a welcome speech, Emir Kusturica praised the festival's unique nature, noting that it has no advertisements or sponsors, and maintains an honest relationship with film.

He also expressed his gratefulness to the Serbian government  and culture ministry for “supporting the festival, year in and year out“.

Kim Ki-Duk, who was awarded with The Tree of Life prize for his future film achievements, said that he had been inspired by Kusturica in the beginning of his career.

"This festival is very important and very beautiful, and the award that you have given me will motivate me to create even better films," he said, before launching into a song from his newest movie Ariran.

Kim Ki-Duk received the top prize in the Uncertain Regard category for Ariran at the most recent Cannes Film Festival.

Twenty movies from Europe, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Mexico and the United States will compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Egg awards at this year's Kustendorf Festival, and the jury will be led by Leila Hatami, the daughter of the legendary Iranian director Ali Hatam.

This year's event will also feature a number of films directed by the Festival's guests, including pieces by the Darden brothers and German director Frederikke Aspöck.

The festival promises to stretch into the night, with evening musical performances by The Rosenberg Trio  from the Netherlands and Stribor and the Poisoners from Serbia, among others.