TWO MAJOR CULTURAL EVENTS TO TAKE PLACE IN GRADIŠKA THIS YEAR

The cultural scene in Gradiška is set to flourish this year with two major and highly anticipated festivals. While the theater festival “Ljubica” is preparing for its fourth edition in May, September will bring an entirely new international film project dedicated to the legendary film editor Koviljka Bačvić.

PHOTO: Milan Vujić / Glas Srpske

According to official announcements, the fourth Theatre Festival of Republika Srpska “Ljubica” will be held from May 16 to 21. Festival selector Nataša Ivančević emphasized that despite a smaller overall theater production in Republika Srpska last year, the quality of selected performances remains outstanding

“The audience will have the opportunity to experience compelling texts and truly authentic acting. The repertoire offers the best of our stage—from the warm story of alienation ‘Behind Those Eyes’ by Banja Luka’s Jazavac Theatre, through the imaginative demystification of myth in ‘Odysseus – The Making of a Hero’ by Bijeljina’s Semberija Theatre, to the anthology piece ‘Mrs. Olga,’ a co-production of the national theatres from Banja Luka and Belgrade,” Ivančević said.

The selection concludes with the domestic play “Everything We Could Not Say” by Marko Dukić, performed by Prijedor Theatre.

Gradiška City Manager Bojan Vujinović highlighted that the festival is a tribute to Ljubica Stefanović, the first professional actress in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Ljubica is the foundation upon which we are building a modern stage. Our idea is clear: once a year, to summarize the creative potential of our artists and support domestic playwrights so their texts can come to life on the stage,” Vujinović stated.

Tanja Đaković, Assistant Minister for Culture in the Government of Republika Srpska, confirmed strong institutional support, noting that the festival fulfills key strategic goals: promoting local talent, educating audiences through masterclasses, and ensuring cultural decentralization.

“This year, performances will also be staged in cultural centers in rural areas, because culture must be accessible to every citizen. The festival rightfully ranks among the highest-quality cultural projects,” Đaković concluded.

She added that she is particularly pleased that the play “Everything We Could Not Say” by Marko Dukić is included in the competition program, as it was selected through the Ministry’s competition for the best unpublished drama text—demonstrating strong cooperation between institutions in developing domestic art.

In addition to theatrical magic, Gradiška is opening a new chapter in film this year. From September 10 to 13, the first International Film Festival “Kova” will be held.

The festival is dedicated to one of the most prominent figures of Yugoslav cinematography from the region—film editor Koviljka Bačvić from Podgradci.

The program will be structured in three segments: student films, short feature films, and full-length feature films.