“Dražen Triumphs at Budva Sports and Arts Film Festival”

The film Dražen, directed by Danilo Šerbedžija and Ljubo Zdjelarević, has garnered significant acclaim by winning the Grand Prix at the Budva Sports and Arts Film Festival (BSAFF). This festival, which focuses on documentaries and feature films with sports themes, took place in Budva, Montenegro, and highlighted the life of the legendary Croatian basketball player Dražen Petrović.

A Celebration of Sport and Film

The festival showcased a diverse array of films, with a total of 25 competitive entries. Among the notable winners, the award for Best Short Film went to Indian Exit, directed by Dutch filmmaker Bass de Kloet. The Best Medium-Length Film honor was awarded to Bulevar, directed by Muhamed Bikić, while the jury recognized Moca, directed by Aleksandar Paunović, as the best long documentary film.

In the feature film category, First Class Full Throttle, directed by Vladimir Popović, emerged victorious. Additionally, Butterflies Without Wings, under the direction of Anel Džanković, received accolades for having the highest educational potential. The award for Best Direction was given to Dragon from Kozesa, directed by Marko Pirca.

Looking Ahead to Milan

Founded by Miloš Todorović, the Budva festival serves as an important platform for sports-related cinematic art. Following the festival, Todorović announced that the award-winning films will be showcased at the upcoming Sport Movies & TV 2025 – 43rd Milano International Ficts Fest, scheduled to take place from October 7 to 11, 2025, in Milan.

The recognition of Dražen and other films at BSAFF underscores the growing intersection of sports and cinema, celebrating not only the athletes’ achievements but also the artistic storytelling that brings their journeys to life. As the festival continues to gain international attention, it aims to inspire future filmmakers and audiences alike.