Eighth Kustendorf opens with unusual performance

MECAVNIK, - The eighth international festival Kustendorf opened with an unusual performance and fireworks in Drvengrad (Timber Town) in the tourist center Mecavnik in the nature park Mokra Gora.

The founder and director of the festival, renowned Serbian film director Emir Kusturica, welcomed distinguished guests of the festival with bread, salt and slivovitz (plum brandy).

The "star" of the performance was George The Wolf who "accompanied" Kusturica for a stroll down the red carpet. George The Wolf arrived in Drvengrad two years ago, running away from a fire on Mt.

Tara, in which he suffered burns. Kusturica gave him shelter and nurtured him back to health. In the unusual performance that followed, the wolf confronted and stopped the black train coming from the opposite direction, thus sending a clear message to the industry of profit, pollution, making it clear that this machine is on the wrong track.

Serbian Culture Minister Ivan Tasovac declared the festival open, noting that "if film is larger than life" than "Kustendorf is larger than film".

"This is a completely enchanting, unique place, where young, talented people at the beginning of their careers can meet with the greats of their profession, and the big names of the movie industry can treat themselves with a sentimental journey into the future of the cinema," Tasovac said.

Kusturica did not go much into the concept of this year's festival.

"Over 70 years have passed since our victory over fascism and we celebrate the triumph with our hearts full, together with our guests," said the Serbian movie director.

In reply to journalists' remark that this is the only festival in the world that serves as a meeting point between true stars and...