Serbian Movies & Films Resources
The first Serbian movie was screened on June 6, 1896. This movie was screened in Belgrade in a on Terazije. Some of the first frame shots of Serbia were the "Kalemegdan Promenade", the "Tramway Station at Terazije" and "Workers Coming out of the Tobacco Factory". This was probably the very first opportunity for the citizens of Belgrade to see their own city on the screen. Unfortunately These first few shots of the city have not been preserved.
In the years that followed a number of travelling cinematographers passed through Serbia and Belgrade. These cinematographers showed their films in rented halls or under tent-stalls. Some of these cinematographers also made local films. But again, none of those shootings have been preserved. Stojan Nanic from Zajecar owned the first Serbian Movie Hall. This Movie Hall from 1900 showed films in Belgrade and in the towns of Serbia. It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that movies became the favourite means of mass entertainment in Serbia.
One of the oldest preserved film that has been shot in the territory of Serbia is to be credited to the Englishmen Arnold M. Wilson. He was the honorary Serbian consul in Sheffield. The movie is also to be credited to his cameraman Frank Mottershow. They shot this movie in September 1904 in Belgrade. Some of the owners of the permanent movie halls ended up producing the first few Serbian Movies. The outbreak of World War I caused an abrupt cut in the development of the domestic Serbian Movie Industry.
During World War II that lasted between 1941 and 1945 there was considerable film activity in Serbia. The production of newsreels and documentaries in Serbia has been a continuous process since the end of World War II (1945).
In 1951, the social structure of cinematography was reorganized in Serbia. Although the state protection of production expenses through subsidies continued, the film producers were expected to run their business more profitably. The basic system of filmmaking in Serbia underwent a sea of changes. Though this new system caused a few organizational and financial glitches initially, the new system was stimulating.
The next phase that lasted between 1962 and 1991 can best be described as the constant advancement of movies in Serbia. During these 30 years more that 300 feature films were shot in Serbia.
In the middle of the 1970s, a new generation of movie directors appeared on Serbian movie scene. This new generation of directors consisted of young, talented and ambitious authors who were educated in Prague and Belgrade. These new directors gave a large contribution to the growth of film and cinematic art in Serbia.
Documentary, short and animated films have also developed alongside the feature films in Serbia.
In spite of the multitude of the blockade and sanctions that were imposed on the Serbian Movies, during 1992 and 1993 Serbian films were presented at many international film festivals. The Serbian Movies also managed to win several significant awards and acknowledgments. This clearly demonstrates the great vigour and vitality of culture and cinematic art in the Serbian