A View from the Corner Years of accumulated problems and alleged mismanagement by the Ministry of Culture have brought Serbian cinema to a critical point, with significant funds allocated to unmade films and a severe lack of trust among filmmakers. Experts argue that new legal solutions, institutional reforms, and a depoliticization of culture are crucial for the sector’s survival. The situation is further complicated by the insufficient funding compared to neighboring countries and questionable allocation of resources, leading to a decline in the quality and success of Serbian films.

• The Serbian film industry faces long-standing problems stemming from years of mismanagement and inadequate legal frameworks.
• Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković claims 11 million euros were invested in 53 unmade films, but industry associations state the actual number of affected projects is much lower.
• Film associations accuse the Ministry of Culture of violating seven laws and the Constitution through inaction, particularly regarding the financing of cinematography in 2025.
• Experts like Vladimir Đurđević and Miloš Škundrić criticize the Ministry and the Film Center of Serbia for appointing incompetent personnel, making biased funding decisions, and ignoring professional associations.
• The average funding per project in Serbia is significantly lower than in Croatia or Slovenia.
• There are questions surrounding the funding and status of specific national projects, such as ‘Boj na Kosovu’.
• The article highlights a decline in the international success of Serbian films compared to previous decades.
• Proposed solutions include new legal amendments, transforming the Film Center into a government agency, active involvement of professional associations, adherence to European standards, and depoliticization of culture.