ĐOGO: CINEMA HAS POTENTIAL TO CONVEY CHRISTIAN MESSAGE

PALE, OCTOBER 13 /SRNA/ - Cinema has the potential to convey a Christian message, but it is important that it should not do so in a primitive manner, said Darko Đogo, Dean of the St. Basil of Ostrog Orthodox Theological Faculty in Foča.

Đogo delivered a lecture entitled "Film Through the Eyes of a Theologian" as part of the 15th "Film Campus - Student Programme" in Pale, highlighting the importance of national and religious perspectives in cinema.

"Film should not merely document the decadence that exists, but should also criticize it. It seems to me that the task of film is, nevertheless, to lead people towards the light," Đogo told reporters.

Đogo stressed that cinema still has considerable potential to convey a Christian message, recalling works that have succeeded in developing a powerful artistic expression grounded in a Christian worldview.

As he pointed out, it is very important that the Christian message should not be conveyed in a primitive manner, but that a poetic language should be developed within which a Christian vision of the world can be convincing.

Đogo expressed his pleasure at participating in the Film Campus, describing it as a good opportunity to introduce young people who will work in film and the arts in the future to different perspectives, and perhaps help them become renowned figures one day, like directors Emir Kusturica or Lordan Zafranović.

Biljana Lazić, a student at the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka, said she was glad to be taking part in the Campus so that she could discover and learn something new, particularly from distinguished lecturers.

The Film Campus - Student Programme opened last night and will run until Friday, October 16. Its lecturers include acclaimed filmmakers such as Lordan Zafranović.

The student programme is scheduled from 9:00 to 14:00, while film screenings will begin at 19:30. The multi-day lectures delivered by filmmakers and experienced educators are open to the public.

The Republika Srpska Cinematheque, the event's organizer, announced that the Campus would bring together students from Republika Srpska, Serbia, Montenegro and Russia. Its aim is to build connections that will help strengthen international cooperation and academic exchange among young people.

The programme includes a wide range of activities, including film screenings, masterclasses and presentations of student works. Visits to the Cinematheque's archival collections and museum holdings are also planned.

Ten prominent film professionals from BiH, Serbia and Croatia will take part in the educational programme. In addition to working with more than 30 selected students, they will also be available to the wider public during the Campus’s accompanying programme.

The Film Campus in Pale is supported by the Republika Srpska Ministry of Education and Culture, the Municipality of Pale and the Pale Cultural and Sports Centre.