FULL PROGRAM OF THE “IMPERATIV” FESTIVAL UNVEILED

The Banski Dvor Cultural Centre in Banja Luka will once again become the epicenter of the region’s literary scene from May 30 to June 3, 2026, as it hosts the ninth regional literature festival “Imperativ.”

PHOTO: Imperativ

The festival will bring together a number of prominent writers, poets, and critics, offering a rich program that includes book promotions, author talks, and a book fair segment.

IMPERATIV INTRO

As a prelude to the main event, the “Imperativ Intro” program begins in late April. From April 24 to 26, a workshop led by playwrights Katarina Mitrović and Vida Davidović will focus on adapting prose into drama and screenplay formats.

The May program will feature a poetry evening with Tanja Stupar Trifunović on May 19, followed by a conversation with North Macedonian author Rumena Bužarovska on May 27.

BOOK FAIR AND AUTHOR TALKS

The official opening of the ninth “Imperativ” is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 5 PM, marking the start of the Book Fair. On the first evening, the audience will have the opportunity to engage with Darko Tuševljaković, the current recipient of the NIN Award.

As part of the “Notes and Letters” program, Snježana Banović, Miljenko Jergović, and Petar Janjatović will discuss the cultural legacy of the 1980s.

On Sunday, May 31, visitors can meet Srđan Valjarević at noon, while the evening sessions will feature Vesna Goldsworthy and a late-night conversation with Monika Herceg.

LITERATURE FOR ALL GENERATIONS

The program continues on Monday, June 1, with “Bajkovnica,” hosted by Marina Jovanović, followed by evenings dedicated to Slađana Nina Perković and Oto Horvat.

A special highlight is the segment dedicated to music icon Frank Zappa, presented by Ivan Sršen.

On Tuesday, June 2, the festival will host Enes Halilović, while the “9th Dimension” program will present the comic book edition “Led Zeppelin in Comics,” inspired by the legendary band Led Zeppelin.

The festival will close on Wednesday, June 3, with renowned authors Damir Karakaš and Fedor Marjanović.

ART CINEMA AND POETIC PERFORMANCES

In addition to literary events, visitors will be able to watch documentary films about Aleksa Šantić and Đuro Damjanović. The festival will also feature staged poetry performances, including works by Milkica Marjanović, while a satirical touch will be brought by Ena Rajić with her show “Without a Filter.”

The ninth edition of “Imperativ” is organized with the support of the Office of the President of Republika Srpska and the City of Banja Luka, reaffirming its status as one of the most significant literary events in this part of Europe.