The festival will open on November 6 with a double Palme d'Or from the 77th Cannes – for short and feature film – Anora by Sean Baker and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent directed by Nebojša Slijepčević.

The program also includes films awarded in Venice, Berlin, Sarajevo, and Pula, as well as notable works by regional and Serbian authors.

The festival will close on November 11 with an award ceremony and a screening of the family drama There’s Always Tomorrow by Paola Cortellesi.

Since 2020, part of the festival has been accessible to audiences across Serbia through the online platform KinoKauch.

The festival selectors are Rajko Petrović, Branka Pavlović, and Ivan Bakrač. Founded in 2005, the Free Zone’s mission is to present socially engaged feature and documentary films with strong authors' voices. The festival focuses on subjects that highlight marginalized, oppressed, and the most vulnerable segments of society, often overlooked social issues, pressing regional and global issues, and stories that re-examine conventions and deeply rooted prejudices.

In addition to the official film selection, a significant part of the Free Zone are its side programs, most notably panel called Compass, which traditionally sparks discussions on the most important and/or controversial topics raised by specific films.

A great deal of attention is devoted to young audiences. In addition to a special selection for school children aged 8 to 18, the side program Sonar showcases the latest trends among young filmmakers.

More information is available on the official website: www.slobodnazona.rs