PIFF 2026: Serbian Director Goran Radovanovic urges independent filmmakers to go local
In a powerful masterclass that challenged the traditional "festival-first" mindset of independent cinema, Serbian director Goran Radovanovic urged filmmakers to abandon the pursuit of grand themes and major awards in favour of intimate, regional stories.
Speaking at the 24th Pune International Film Festival, Radovanovic delivered a lecture titled “How European and Independent Cinema Competes with Big American Cinema: Lessons for Regional Cinema.” Alongside Festival Director Dr. Jabbar Patel, Radovanovic suggested that the future of meaningful cinema lies not in Hollywood-style budgets, but in hyper-local narratives that resonate with the human experience.
Key insights: The future of Independent film
The power of "small" cinema
Radovanovic’s primary advice was for directors to find creative satisfaction in the stories surrounding them. He argued that independent cinema often loses its soul when it tries to mimic the scale of commercial productions.
"Instead of pursuing grand themes and big-budget productions, create small films focusing on local issues and stories from your own regions. That is where the future lies. Do not run after awards."
He encouraged filmmakers to build their own ecosystems by utilizing small artistic festivals and digital platforms, noting that emerging markets like BRICS nations are currently leading the charge in creating alternative spaces for cinema promotion.
The festival paradox
The director painted a sobering picture of the current European film landscape. He noted that while funding exists for co-productions, the mindset remains stubbornly commercial.
Distribution gap: Many films are produced through European Union grants but lack effective distribution systems.
The "Major" gatekeepers: Gaining entry into top-tier festivals like Cannes or Venice remains nearly impossible without a "big name" or major distributor attached.
Political scrutiny: Radovanovic observed that even artistic selections are often influenced by the political stances of the creators.
A Loss of the collective experience
Delving into cinema history, the director lamented the shift in movie-going culture. He noted that after World War II, cinema was a central part of life in Europe, with movements like the French New Wave and Italian Neo-realism acting as cultural launchpads. However, the rise of American pop culture and the relocation of cinemas into shopping malls has eroded the artistic film culture, replacing a shared intellectual experience with a commodified one.
Praise for Indian sensitivity
Radovanovic reserved special praise for the Indian film industry, describing Indian audiences as "highly educated and sensitive." He highlighted the 2014 Indian film Court as a prime example of his philosophy, noting that its success at small European festivals proved that local judicial issues could have a universal artistic impact.
