KUSTENDORF FILM FESTIVAL SNOW DOES NOT STOP THE ENTHUSIASM

Zhang Yimou: Raising the Red Lantern

KUSTENDORF

Kustendorf is one of the most enticing film festivals to go to. In a medieval mountain top, the wonderful, film director, winner of the Palmes d'or, the prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Emir Kusterica

reigns.  No amount of snow, or the four hour journey from Belgrade, stops the visiting celebrities from contributing to this feast of culture. Built lovingly with the money he made from films it is not above controversy.  The Guardian newspaper claimed it was built on the graves of the most violent war. This I think is not the point.  Emir wishes to be correct to all parties and despite supposedly being close to the Serbs knows he lives in a multi cultural society. His humorous look on life is compelling. Neither too black or too white, he shifts views.  I love the real life rustic feel to his movies.  They remind me in lots of ways of village life in my childhood, animals running on railways, cars falling to bits, archaic faces and thoughts, that exist to the full. From here he shows films that will enrich Yugoslavia and open imagination and hope for the future.
This year Zhang Yimou is honoured, a brilliant film director who made one of my favourite films, Raising the red lantern. The journey does not stop Audrey Tatou from dizzily going up the mountain range. Star of wonderful films like Amelie, and Dirty pretty things. This is one of my favourite films directed by Stephen Frears.
Ms Tatou arrived looking happy and bewildered.
Then there is also the brilliant, and very attractive violinist Nemanja 
Radulovic enhancing the first night. This place is made for fairy tales and is the bosom where culture and art give birth together. My hat goes off to you Mr Kusterica. I love anybody who encourages the arts and students.

AMANDA ELIASCH

EMIR KUSTERICA AND AUDREY TATOU

NEMANJA RADULOVIC

EMIR

MONICA BELLUCCI

With "Princes in her brain she is able to take on her roles" She received an award for what she will do in the future. She had the stamp of approval from Kustendorf.