The first edition of the International Festival of Ethnological Films took place in 1992 in Belgrade. Initially, its program was dominated by national TV productions about folklore and Balkan customs. However, the festival began to open up to international productions over time. This year, a total of 30 films from around the world were invited to the main competition and 6 films to the student competition. Viewers also had the opportunity to watch films in non-competitive segments and during a special program.
This year, the main award went to Maciej Cuske for his The Whale from Lorino. The winning film tells the story of people who live in one of the most inaccessible and hostile places on Earth – the Chukchi Peninsula. Separated from Alaska by a narrow strait, the Peninsula lies at the north-eastern tip of Eurasia, bordered by the Chukchi Sea and the Bering Sea. It is currently inhabited by Russians, Chukchi, and the Eskimo. The film shows how the ancient tradition of whale hunting brings together various members of the local community.
You can find out more about the festival here.