INTERNATIONAL STARS GATHER AT "KESTENBURG" FESTIVAL

BANJA LUKA – The sixth International Festival "Kestenburg" has officially opened in Banja Luka, bringing together actors from across Europe, Asia, and North America. The festival, which will run until March 8, will take place in six cities across Republika Srpska.

The grand opening was marked by the presence of two-time Olympic taekwondo champion Milica Mandić and renowned handball player Mladen Bojinović, as announced by the Banja Luka Student Theater.

During the opening ceremony, Mandić referred to "Kestenburg" as a "theatrical Olympiad" and wished all participants great success. Bojinović expressed his honor in being part of the festival once again.

Festival director Aleksandar Pejaković revealed that the competitive segment of the program will feature ten performances, while an additional 50 events will be included in the accompanying program. One of the highlights is the performance of "The Book of Milutin" by Zvezdara Theatre from Belgrade.

The official statement also announced that the festival’s expert jury consists of Nenad Jezdić from Serbia, Kayoko Yamasaki from Japan, and Ahmed El Rahim from Sudan.

Alongside the prestigious "Golden Chestnut" award, the festival will also present the "Silver Chestnut" and "Bronze Chestnut" awards, as well as special prizes from the festival’s management.

"Kestenburg" is organized for the sixth time by the Banja Luka Student Theater, with media and technical support from the Representative Office of Republika Srpska in Serbia.