“Dražen Triumphs at Budva Sports and Arts Film Festival”

The film Dražen, directed by Danilo Šerbedžija and Ljubo Zdjelarević, has won the Grand Prix at the Budva Sports and Arts Film Festival (BSAFF). This international festival, held in Budva, Montenegro, showcases films with a sporting theme, celebrating the intersection of sports and art. Dražen offers an intimate portrayal of the life of legendary Croatian basketball player Dražen Petrović, bringing his story to the forefront of cinematic exploration.

In addition to the Grand Prix, several other films received accolades at this year’s festival. The award for Best Short Film was bestowed upon Indian Exit, directed by Dutch filmmaker Bas de Kloet. The Best Mid-Length Film award went to Bulevar, directed by Muhamed Bikić, while the jury recognized Moca, directed by Aleksandar Paunović, as the Best Feature Documentary. The title of Best Feature Film was awarded to Prva klasa pun gasa, directed by Vladimir Popović, and the film recognized for its educational potential was Leptiri bez krila, directed by Anel Džanković.

The award for Best Direction was given to Zmaj iz Kozesa, directed by Marko Pirca. These recognitions highlight the diverse talents showcased at the festival, which featured 25 competitive films focused on sports themes.

The festival, founded by Miloš Todorović, not only celebrates film but also promotes the cultural significance of sports narratives. Todorović announced that the award-winning films would be screened at the upcoming “Sport Movies & TV 2025 – 43rd Milano International FICTS Fest,” scheduled to take place from October 7 to October 11, 2025, in Milan. This opportunity provides a global platform for the filmmakers and their stories, further amplifying the impact of their work.

The Budva Sports and Arts Film Festival has established itself as a significant event in the film calendar, attracting filmmakers and audiences interested in the dynamic relationship between sports and storytelling. The success of Dražen and other award-winning films underscores the importance of this festival in promoting sports narratives in cinema.