Kornél Mundruczó Honored at the Opening of the 33rd European Film Festival Palić

The 33rd European Film Festival Palić officially opened on July 18, 2026, at the Summer Stage in Palić, with acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Kornél Mundruczó receiving the prestigious Aleksandar Lifka Award for his outstanding contribution to European cinema.

The opening ceremony of the European Film Festival Palić brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, festival guests and audiences at one of Serbia’s most important summer cultural events.

The Aleksandar Lifka Award in the category of international filmmakers was presented to Kornél Mundruczó by Nikolaj Nikitin, selector of the festival’s Main Competition Program.

Kornél Mundruczó honored for his contribution to European cinema

During the ceremony, Nikolaj Nikitin emphasized the artistic range, international recognition and extensive body of work that have made Mundruczó one of the most important contemporary European filmmakers.

Nikitin noted that Mundruczó’s films have been presented and awarded at leading international festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Locarno and Oberhausen.

He explained that although Mundruczó may appear relatively young for a lifetime-style distinction, the filmmaker’s artistic achievements, creative diversity and international influence fully justify the award.

Recognition for producer Viktória Petrányi

Nikitin also highlighted the major role of producer Viktória Petrányi, Mundruczó’s longtime creative partner, who was warmly applauded by the audience.

Mundruczó and Petrányi met while studying film and later developed many of the projects that defined his career through their production company Proton Cinema.

Their collaboration is widely regarded as one of the most significant creative partnerships in contemporary European cinema.

Mundruczó: Palić is more than a film festival

Accepting the award, Kornél Mundruczó said that the recognition held special personal importance because his relationship with the Palić festival began early in his career.

He recalled that some of his first films were screened at Palić and that he had visited the festival many times over the years.

Mundruczó described the festival as a place where audiences can rediscover the importance of European cinema and the need for film language to take risks, explore new territories and reflect contemporary reality honestly.

He also thanked Viktória Petrányi, stressing that none of his films would have been made without her contribution.

Main Competition opens with international premieres

Following the ceremony, the Main Competition Program opened with the German film Oh, This Emptiness, This Terrible Emptiness, directed by Simon Verhoeven.

The film follows Joachim, a young man attempting to find his place in the world while navigating unusual challenges at acting school and the eccentric rituals of his hosts.

The opening evening also included The Good Daughter, directed by Júlia de Paz from Spain. The film focuses on three generations of women confronting difficult realities and making decisions about their future.

Festival program for July 19

The Main Competition continues on Sunday, July 19, at the Summer Stage in Palić.

At 21:00, audiences will be able to watch Like Home by Hungarian director Gábor Holtai. At 23:00, the program continues with Nino in Paradise by Belgian director Laurent Micheli.

In the Parallels and Encounters selection at the Abazija Cinema in Palić, the program includes Milk Teeth by Mihai Mincan at 18:00 and Dirty Money for White Nights, directed by Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov, at 20:00.

A broad program of European films

The July 19 program also features screenings in the New Hungarian Film, Germany in Focus, Eco Dox, New European Documentary Film and EFA Shorts selections.

Additional programs include a tribute to the recipient of the Aleksandar Lifka Award, guest selections from the Gornji Milanovac Film Festival and the Skopje Film Festival, as well as special screenings.

Through its wide-ranging program, the European Film Festival Palić continues to provide a platform for established filmmakers, emerging authors, independent productions and new cinematic voices from across Europe.

One of Serbia’s leading international film events

The European Film Festival Palić is traditionally supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the Provincial Secretariat for Culture, Public Information and Relations with Religious Communities, the City of Subotica and the European Union through the Creative Europe MEDIA program.

The festival is also supported by numerous partners, sponsors and media organizations.

Gorki List has been a long-term friend and sponsor of the festival for more than 20 years. The company also supports audience participation through the Gorki List Audience Award.

With major European filmmakers, international competition titles and screenings across Palić and Subotica, the 33rd European Film Festival Palić reinforces northern Serbia’s position as an important regional center of film and culture.

Photo: Damir Vujković
Information: European Film Festival Palić / KomunikArt