The 15th Film Campus – Student Program, organized by the Cinematheque of Republika Srpska, opened at the Cultural Center in Pale with a screening of the documentary The Seal of the Ljubavić Brothers, directed by Slobodan Simojlović and Snježan Lalović.
Speaking to reporters, Simojlović said the documentary, dedicated to the 500-year history of the Goražde Printing House, had been particularly challenging to produce.
“Only four books produced by the printers of Goražde have survived from that period. Everything else might have been presented through animation, but what motivated us was the desire to highlight a different kind of hero in our time,” Simojlović said.
He emphasized that establishing and operating a printing house under the circumstances of the 16th century represented an extraordinary achievement that helped secure the Serb people’s place in European cultural history.
Simojlović also expressed hope that the subject might eventually inspire a feature film.
Discussing the Film Campus, he explained that its primary purpose is to bring young filmmakers together and help them establish professional connections.
“Someone from Pale might meet a cinematographer from Cetinje or Banja Luka, and they could eventually make a film together in Belgrade,” he said.
“I believe the connections established at the campus will produce results, not only in terms of friendships but also through creative collaboration,” Simojlović added.
A documentary celebrating five centuries of Serbian printing
The Seal of the Ljubavić Brothers explores the historical legacy of the Ljubavić family and the Goražde Printing House, one of the most significant early Serbian printing institutions during Ottoman rule.
The documentary was inspired by the five-century history of the printing house, established after the Cetinje Printing House, which marked an important early chapter in Serbian printing and literary culture.
The film recounts the efforts of Božidar Ljubavić’s sons, Đurađ and Teodor, a hieromonk from Mileševa Monastery, who undertook the demanding task of transferring printing equipment from Venice to the Sopotnica Monastery.
Their work helped preserve religious literature, cultural identity and historical heritage during a period of considerable political and social challenges.
The documentary highlights the beginnings of printing among Serbs and the determination to preserve national and spiritual traditions.
It was produced jointly by the Cinematheque of Republika Srpska and Radio Television of Republika Srpska to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the Goražde Printing House.
Film Campus brings together students and renowned filmmakers
Bojan Čvoro, Director of the Cinematheque of Republika Srpska, said the Film Campus brings together young filmmakers from different countries alongside distinguished lecturers, established directors and experienced film professionals.
The student program runs from October 13 to 16, with activities scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Film screenings begin at 7:30 p.m., while lectures by filmmakers and experienced educators are open to the public.
Among the participating lecturers is acclaimed film director Lordan Zafranović.
According to the Cinematheque, the campus will welcome students from Republika Srpska, Serbia, Montenegro and Russia, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation and academic exchange among young filmmakers.
The program includes film screenings, masterclasses, presentations of student projects and visits to the Cinematheque’s archival collections and museum exhibits.
Ten prominent film professionals from BiH, Serbia and Croatia will participate in the educational program, working with more than 30 selected students while also engaging with the wider public during the festival’s accompanying events.
Among those sharing their professional knowledge and experience are Aleksandar Erdeljanović, Darko Đogo, Dubravko Badalić, Katarina Radivojević, Ilija Gajica, Saša Hajduković, Slobodan Simojlović, Slobodan Ivetić and Uroš Đurić.
The 15th Film Campus in Pale is supported by the Republika Srpska Ministry of Education and Culture, the Municipality of Pale and the Pale Cultural and Sports Center.
Source: RTRS
