Nikola Vukčević’s Award-Winning Film 'OBRAZ' Set for Highly Anticipated Belgrade Premiere

The cinematic landscape of the Balkans is bracing for a significant event as 'OBRAZ,' the latest feature from director Nikola Vukčević, prepares for its Belgrade premiere on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This historical drama, a collaborative effort between Montenegro, Croatia, Germany, and Serbia, arrives in the Serbian capital following a triumphant international run. Since its world debut in Cottbus on November 7, 2024, the film has been featured in over 27 global film forums and has secured 17 prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix in Morocco. Set against the turbulent backdrop of early World War II, the narrative follows a persecuted Orthodox boy who finds refuge with an Albanian Muslim family, exploring how universal human values can transcend the most dangerous of circumstances.

Scheduled to take place at the Cineplexx Ušće Shopping Center, the premiere has already seen a surge in ticket sales, reflecting the public's keen interest in this poignant story. Nikola Vukčević, who serves as a professor of film directing and heads the Department of Film and Media at the National University of Montenegro, views 'OBRAZ' as both a personal and artistic mission. The screenplay draws inspiration from an anthology by Academician Zuvdija Hodžić, presenting a profound moral dilemma. It centers on a family patriarch who must decide whether to surrender a child to his pursuers or risk his own family's safety to protect a stranger, thereby upholding the sacred 'obraz'—the honor and integrity of his lineage.

Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with the renowned publication Variety describing the film as a powerful and unsettling portrayal that remains deeply relevant today. Critics have lauded it as a 'strong historical drama where humane values triumph over violence.' The production features a stellar ensemble of regional and international talent, most notably the award-winning actor Edon Rizvanolli, who delivers a compelling performance in a pivotal role. The film's resonance with global audiences was further cemented by its selection for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, marking its success far beyond the borders of the Balkans.

Following the Belgrade event, the regional theatrical release of 'OBRAZ' is slated for February 19, 2026, transitioning from its successful festival circuit to the general public. With a production budget estimated at 1,000,000 euros, the film showcases the stunning landscapes of Old Bar, Crmnica, and the Mrtvica Canyon, captured through the lens of cinematographer Đorđe Stojiljković. While accepting the Best Screenplay award at the Zaragoza Film Festival, Vukčević spoke about the necessity of stories featuring 'superheroes'—ordinary individuals who overcome trivial differences. This perspective is deeply rooted in the director's own experiences living through the conflict zones of the 1990s.

The international journey of 'OBRAZ' has been marked by appearances at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Cairo International Film Festival, one of only 15 Category 'A' festivals accredited by FIAPF. Its accolades span the globe, from the i-Fest in Calabria, Italy, to the 'Altyn Minbar' festival in Kazan, Russia. These honors underscore the film's ability to communicate a universal message of morality and human imperatives. Ultimately, the success of 'OBRAZ' serves as a testament to how artistic dedication can bridge the gap between local narratives and global themes, even when cultural projects in Montenegro face limited institutional support.