The recently concluded fourth edition of the ReActing as a Star program has once again confirmed that it is not just a networking and educational event, but a true creative laboratory. Through three intensive days, the program has proven itself as a space for growth, visibility and a strong bridge to international opportunities for actors from the region.

“We have outstanding talent in our region, and casting directors and agents were truly delighted to discover them. We are proud to offer actors a safe and supportive environment where they can be seen, heard and inspired to take the next step in their careers,” said Tina Hayon, director of the program, after its conclusion.

The fourth edition of the international industry program ReActing as a Star was held from June 13th to 15th in Kranj, organized by the production houses Pari Pikule and Secret Arts Cinema, with the support of Film Center of Serbia, Slovenian Film Center, Croatian Audiovisual Center, Film Center of Montenegro and the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA).

Under the motto “Play Locally, Act Internationally”, the program brought together 12 carefully selected actors from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia and Slovenia, to participate in three dynamic days of talent presentations, workshops and professional exchanges.

The program started with the presentation of the participants – clips from their work accompanied by interviews were moderated by the writer and journalist Srđan Sandić. Among the selected actors were: Milica Janevski and Joakim Tasić (Serbia); Admir Šehović and Helena Vuković (BiH); Marina Redžepović and Janko Popović Volarić (Croatia); Vesna Kuzmic, Jurij Drevenšek and Alen Kermac (Slovenia); Vule Marković and Lidija Kordić (Montenegro); and Ana Stojanovska (North Macedonia).

On the second day, casting director Cassandra Han led the workshop “Mastering the Art of Self-Taping”, emphasizing that for her participation was an opportunity to meet exceptional talents from the Balkans: “Actors from this program can now be considered for casting with full confidence because I know their work and they come from an extremely high-quality film environment,” said Han.

The actors also had individual meetings with leading European casting directors, such as Anders Nygaard (Denmark), Laura Muccino (Italy) and Sien Josephine Teijssen (Belgium), where they received personalized advice and feedback on further career development.

“I probably would never have had the opportunity to meet them in person, but after this program, these actors are on my mind and in my database,” Nygaard stated.

The panel discussion “Play Locally, Act Internationally” brought together agents from Zona Talents, Slavic Artists Management and Fidelis, as well as American agent Lara Abul Failat (Los Angeles), who connects European and Middle Eastern actors with Hollywood productions. The panel offered concrete insights on building an international career and long-term cooperation with foreign agents.

Since its launch in 2022, ReActing as a Star has introduced more than 60 actors from Southeast Europe to international casting professionals, with more than 20 of them having gone on to be signed with international agencies, and every year at least one actor gets a role in a European production outside of their national cinema.

The program stands as proof that regional cooperation and commitment to talent visibility bring real, tangible results.

Photos and materials from the fourth edition are available at www.reactingstar.com.

Foto: Samo Paušer