Küstendorf Film and Music Festival

The Küstendorf Film Festival is an unmissable annual event set in the picturesque village of Drvengrad, located in Serbia’s scenic Mokra Gora region. Organized by acclaimed film director Emir Kusturica's company, Rasta International, this festival has been a celebration of the cinematic arts since 2008.

What sets Küstendorf apart? It provides a captivating mix of film screenings, interactive workshops, live musical performances, and a short film competition. The festival’s highest accolade, the Golden Egg, is awarded to the best short film, securing its place as a sought-after honor for up-and-coming filmmakers.

Each year, the festival draws prominent figures from the film industry, including directors, actors, and producers. These esteemed guests not only present their works but also lead insightful workshops and retrospectives. Over the years, notable luminaries such as Nikita Mikhalkov, Jim Jarmusch, Johnny Depp, Abbas Kiarostami, Kim Ki-duk, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and Zhang Yimou have graced the festival. This emphasis on auteur cinema, combined with its unique and charming setting, has garnered Küstendorf international acclaim.

Naturally, no festival is without its controversies. Küstendorf has attracted media attention with its film selections, guest appearances, and occasional political undertones. Yet, despite these challenges, it continues to attract filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.

The festival has evolved over the years, incorporating more musical performances and other exciting elements into its program. Its contributions to the film industry have not gone unnoticed, and with each new edition, Küstendorf solidifies its reputation as a distinctive and influential event on the global film festival circuit.