22 Jun REPORT FROM THE FIRST NIGHT OF THE KROKODIL FESTIVAL 2024
On the night of June 21st, lovers of culture and literature had the opportunity to attend the official opening of the sixteenth annual KROKODIL regional festival, which this year carries the slogan “Gimme Shelter.” The festival took place in the amphitheater of the Museum of Yugoslavia, where a large audience welcomed the first guests. Once again, those loyal to the festival, as well as new attendees, were greeted by the well-known duo Daško Milinović and Mima Simić, who succinctly announced what to expect over the next three days of the festival.
The first evening began with readings by renowned literary authors from the region. The first to join on stage was the young screenwriter and writer Nađa Petrović. The audience warmly greeted her, and the conversation highlighted how beloved and accepted she is by the audience, as well as her gratitude for the position she holds early in her career on the domestic literary scene. Petrović shared an anecdote about her first book purchase and her surprise at seeing unfamiliar faces regularly attending her literary events. Today, it’s expected!
She then read excerpts from her first novel, much to the audience’s delight, including parts from the book “Meduze žive sve dok ih ne uhvate” (“Jellyfish Live Until They Are Caught”). Nađa was followed on stage by the unique Marko Tomaš. Undoubtedly the biggest regional star of contemporary poetry and prose, he walked onto the stage relaxed and with few words, once again proving his popularity due to his authenticity and naturalness. With the moderators, Mima and Daško, he spoke almost exclusively with witty remarks, encapsulating everything in a few words – Mostar and Yugoslavia, what remains of them, poetry, and art, and what they have become. He revealed that he is working on a series dedicated to his generation, how he continually returns to Mostar, and how he always supports unity and brotherhood.
After the memorable atmosphere on stage and a conversation filled with laughter from both the moderators and the audience, Tomaš began reading an excerpt from his latest prose work “Knjiga za Maju” (“Book for Maja”). Each pause was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, as Tomaš sat characteristically on the amphitheater stage, enjoying the audience’s reactions to the emotions conveyed from his book. He didn’t stop at his latest novel but delighted poetry lovers with “Pjesma za Suzu” (“Song for Tear”) and “Bog ne zalazi u moju mahalu” (“God Doesn’t Enter My Neighborhood”) from his poetry collection “Skratimo priču za glavu” (“Let’s Shorten the Story by a Head”). Before reading the second poem, he loudly exclaimed “For my neighborhood,” greeting the supportive audience.
Marko then gave the stage to the festival coordinator, Milena Berić, who presented the long-standing festival project “Why Do You Say Love When You Mean War?” Initially, we saw KROKODIL’s video highlighting the pervasive acceptance of violence at various levels in our society. Milena thoroughly explained the significance and history of the project and the impact of the Slap Back Fund, which supports those fighting against such promotion of violence. The discussion was joined by activist Aida Ćorović, who shared with the audience several instances of institutional struggles due to her libertarian and civic views. The participants then discussed institutional problems in Serbia, with Berić announcing a panel dedicated to this project to be held at the festival on June 22nd.
After a short break, there was a conversation with one of the eagerly anticipated writers at this year’s KROKODIL, French author Mathias Énard. This writer has written about the Balkans, France, and the Arab world, winning many awards that have placed him high on the map of great writers. Énard’s status as a European literary star is gradually becoming known to the domestic audience, and the conversation aimed to showcase his literary and biographical opus through key segments of his life and work.
Mathias Énard read excerpts from his novel “The Annual Banquet of the Gravediggers’ Guild.” The literary circle of the first festival evening was closed by the well-known Bosnian writer Faruk Šehić, who read excerpts from his latest novel “Cinnamon Letters, Diamond Creatures.” Besides the readings and conversations, the audience enjoyed a twenty-minute break with actress Julija Petković, known as Duda Buržujka, and guitarist Ekstra Neca, who provided an unforgettable experience with their music, enhancing the festival’s positive energy. The daily festival program, including documentary film screenings, presentations of the “Why Do You Say Love When You Mean War?” project, writer discussions, and various activities and workshops for children, was also announced.
The diversity of the KROKODIL festival is proven by the fact that the first guest for the sofa interview was Brian Rašić, a world-renowned photographer who has photographed over 8,000 concerts and was the official photographer for the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, David Gilmour, and Amy Winehouse. For Brian, Belgrade was a global music hub, and he shared his views on the changes in Belgrade over the years, the significance of Yugoslavia, and the role of money as a confirmation of work. His intriguing photographic biography and extensive creative output enriched the artistic spirit of the festival and captivated the audience, which remained numerous until the end of the evening. The first festival night successfully concluded with applause from a satisfied audience, who saw off the festival participants in high spirits and good cheer.
KROKODIL journalists for the day, Božidar Milovac and Anđela Bulajić
Photographer: Alex Dmitrović
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