Belgrade, Serbia – As the fall season unfolds, Belgrade emerges as a vibrant hub of cultural events and exhibitions. From art galleries to international theater festivals, here are five remarkable events you should not miss this autumn.
1. Remy Jungerman at DOTS Gallery
Date: September 21 – November 18, 2023
The DOTS Gallery welcomes renowned Dutch artist Remy Jungerman for his solo exhibition, “Linijom do iskona” (With a Line to the Beginning). Jungerman’s unique body of work spans over sixteen years and encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums, including sculpture, wall and space installations, collage, panel and screen printing, and video radio.
A highlight of the exhibition is the video series “Broos,” featuring photographs and short film clips capturing the ritual activities of the Maronite community Bakabusi, to which the artist belongs. This captivating display is complemented by the rhythmic composition of American jazz musician and composer Jason Moran, titled “Follow the Light.”
Jungerman’s art seamlessly blends motifs and elements from African and Surinamese-Maronian culture, various religions, and the visual language of European modernism from the twentieth century. Notably, he represented the Netherlands at the Venice Biennale in 2019 and received the prestigious “Dr. A.H. Heineken” award for visual arts in 2022.
The exhibition is supported by the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade, Levi9 Technology Services, and Heineken Serbia.
Photo credit: Marijana Janković
2. “CLOSER” by Bojana Janjic
Date: September 25 – October 16, 2023
Bojana Janjic, a seasoned photographer with a passion for capturing intimate moments, presents “CLOSER,” an exhibition of concert portraits. Her photographic journey has spanned seventeen years, beginning as a concert photographer and evolving into a photo editor and photojournalist for various media outlets. Her lens has captured iconic figures in the music world, including Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, and many others.
“CLOSER” delves into the relationship between the photographer and the performers on stage, highlighting the moments of intimacy and vulnerability that often remain hidden behind the stage persona. Janjic’s work offers a unique perspective on the individuals who grace the concert stage.
3. BITEF Festival 2023
Date: October 3 – October 10, 2023
The 57th edition of the Belgrade International Theater Festival (BITEF) promises an exhilarating cultural experience from October 3 to October 10, 2023. This year’s festival, under the theme “Snago, ne pristaj da budeš nečija” (Strength, Do Not Allow Yourself to Be Someone Else’s), marks the debut of Artistic Director Nikita Milivojević.
The program features a selection of nine performances, including both domestic and international productions. The festival’s tradition begins with an out-of-competition “Prologue” performance, offering an epic experience with Frank Castorf’s five-hour rendition of “The Divine Comedy.” The festival’s grand opening presents “Children of the Sun,” an adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s work, directed by Slovenian director Mateja Koležnik.
From captivating dramas to contemporary opera, BITEF 2023 promises a diverse array of theatrical experiences that will immerse audiences in the world of theater.
Website: https://festival.bitef.rs/rs
4. Sustainable Architecture Conference
Date: October 6 – October 8, 2023
The 6th International Congress on Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficiency will take place from October 6 to October 8, 2023, at the Yugoslav Film Archive. This congress will explore the significance of sustainable, ecological, and energy-efficient approaches in architecture, emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources, appropriate materials, modern technologies, and construction systems.
Renowned architect Vladimir Lovrić, the founder of the congress, states that the time of the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to fundamentally change humanity’s relationship with nature and life. This shift towards sustainable, socially responsible, and ecologically integrated practices underscores the importance of ecological consciousness.
The congress will feature lectures by prominent architects from around the world, an exhibition of sponsor technologies and products related to eco-friendly and sustainable architecture, as well as workshops on architectural photography. Additionally, an international architectural competition, “Micro Eco House 2023,” for young architects, designers, and landscape architects under 30 years old, will be showcased.
5. Ethnographic Movies at Kinoteka
Date: September 29 – October 3, 2023
The Ethnographic Museum, in collaboration with the Yugoslav Film Archive (Kinoteka), proudly presents the 32nd International Festival of Ethnographic Film, the oldest festival of its kind in the region. This year’s event showcases the most significant cinematic achievements of authors from 26 countries.
The International Festival of Ethnographic Film aims to affirm successful visual explorations of traditional and contemporary cultures worldwide. It also contributes to raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage for the development of human communities.
The festival, curated by acclaimed filmmaker and TV director Vladimir Perović, includes 47 films categorized into three selections: Main Competition, Student Competition, and Panorama. Special programs will also focus on the works of Bojan Dakic and classic Serbian films rooted in ethnological heritage.
The festival opens with the film “In Search of Enok” by Dutch director Dorna van Rouveroij, which explores the long-term consequences of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia.
The festival’s jury, consisting of distinguished professionals in the field, will award the Grand Prix and other prizes, recognizing outstanding contributions to ethnographic cinema.
Don’t miss these enriching cultural events in Belgrade this fall, where art, theater, architecture, and ethnography converge to offer a captivating journey through various aspects of human expression and creativity. Tickets and program details can be found on the official festival websites and venues.
Website: https://www.etnofilm.org/index.php/rs/
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
