The Serbian Film Week was held in China from February 3rd to February 9th, hosted by one of the most popular Chinese actors, Zhang Songwen. During the festival, the films Russian Consul, Frost, First Class – Full Throttle and As If You Are Walking were shown, while a special segment was dedicated to the legendary actor Velimir Bata Živojinović and the cult film Walter defends Sarajevo, followed by an exhibition about his life and career. During the ceremony, Miroslav Lekić, director and president of the Board of Directors of Film Center Serbia, presented the FCS plaque to the host of the festival, Zhang Songwen, as a sign of gratitude for his hospitality and contribution to the promotion of Serbian film in China.
The festival was held in the picturesque city of Lujiang and caused great media interest and emotional reactions from the audience. “The Serbian film showed us that our peoples, although geographically distant, are spiritual twins. The ability to preserve pride and history in difficult times is what connects us,” said Zhang Songwen.
Chinese film critics assessed that today Serbian cinematography is no longer just “Walter”, but one of the most interesting European cinematography – brave, emotionally layered and ready to explore deep human traumas and complex emotional themes.
The Sina News portal described the event with the title “Friends are the fruits of time”, while Serbian Film Week 2026 was remembered as “an 8,000-kilometer film bridge”. For Serbian cinematography, this represents an opportunity for placement on Chinese streaming platforms, and for China, proof that top culture can flourish outside of Beijing and Shanghai.
Photo/FB Miroslav Lekić