Dimitrije Nikolic Wins Top Prize at Poetry Festival in Kolasin

The sixth edition of the “Dani Mila Boškovića” festival culminated in an award ceremony that celebrated outstanding contributions to contemporary poetry. Held in Kolasin, the event featured a traditional poetry competition, where the jury awarded the top prize to Dimitrije Nikolic from Zajecar for his poem “Rastanak.” Following an evaluation of 142 submissions, the jury, consisting of Tatjana Đurišić (president), Vidak Maslovarić, and Nataša Peković, unanimously decided on the winners.

The second prize went to Tino Deželič from Zagreb for his poem “Pjesma za starog,” while Milan Todorović from Smederevo secured the third prize for his entry “Na Mediteranu.” The awards reflect a growing appreciation for poetic expression in the region, with a notable participation from young poets.

According to Danijela Đukić, a librarian at the Narodne biblioteke “Ljubo Anđelić,” submissions were accepted from September 5 to October 5, 2023. Over the past six years, the competition has attracted more than 700 authors, cementing Kolasin and the “Dani Mila Boškovića” festival as significant landmarks in the landscape of contemporary poetry and culture.

Highlighting Regional Poetry

A key aspect of the festival was the publication of the poetry collection “Tamo kuda se misli sele,” which features the works of 17 authors each year. This anthology serves as a lasting testament to the vibrant voices in modern regional poetry, as emphasized by Đukić during the event.

In addition to the awards, the evening included a literary discussion dedicated to Milo Bošković, focusing on his book “Obnova Tivaide.” Nataša Peković, a professor, highlighted the significance of Bošković’s work, noting that it represents his handwritten legacy, published by the Narodne biblioteke “Radosav Ljumović.”

Peković described Bošković as a poet who transcends genres, stating, “Milo Bošković is a poet even when writing prose.” She pointed to his novels “Tivaida” and “Obnova kruga,” which are unified under the title “Obnova Tivaide.” This collection merges narrative storytelling with postmodern literary expression, featuring a lyrical quality that connects both forms.

The festival not only honors established poets but also nurtures emerging talent, fostering a rich cultural dialogue within the literary community. As the event continues to grow, it reinforces Kolasin’s place on the map of contemporary poetry and literature, promising to inspire future generations of poets.