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By:
Shaban Maxharraj
- June 10, 2025 23:09
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"Despite the increase in the overall budget for culture, the amount allocated to 'DokuFest' has decreased by almost 30 percent compared to last year, thus constituting less than 9 percent of the festival's overall budget. This is the second time in a row that the Municipality has chosen to cut off support for a festival that for 24 years has been the main cultural axis of the city and one of the most important cultural events in Southeast Europe," reads the reaction of "DokuFest" regarding the budgetary allocations of the Municipality of Prizren, which has decided to allocate more budget to events at their beginnings.
The international reputation of the documentary and short film festival “DokuFest” has long been established. The organization, which this year takes place in Prizren for the 24th time, is associated with the most important film events in the world. In addition to the “Oscar” award, this year four films were nominated, which were screened and competed at the previous “DokuFest”. The festival is a partner of the Cannes Film Festival, which is also known as the festival of festivals. Kosovo initially began to be recognized in the world of film through “DokuFest”.
The list of substantive epithets for this organization is long and occupies a place in the most prestigious media in the world. But for the Municipality of Prizren, this festival does not deserve even half of the financial support of the amounts that have supported organizations, which have an incomparably smaller resonance and whose fame often does not reach beyond Kosovo and even beyond Prizren.
“DokuFest” was supported with 51 thousand euros this year. The “Rock&Blues” festival, which is in its third edition this year, was supported with 119 thousand euros. The international open-air theater festival “Prizren Fest” was supported with 90 thousand euros for its fourth edition, while the “Zambaku i Prizrenit” festival was supported with 60 thousand euros for its 36th edition. The list of subsidy winners is long. Among the biggest winners are relatives of those who are connected to the current management of the Municipality.
And "DokuFest" has not remained silent in the face of this reality.
"An underestimation of culture, community and Prizren", is the title of the reaction of this organization, which in addition to a festival also has several programs through which young cinematographers are shaped.
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The international documentary and short film festival "DokuFest" has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the decision of the Directorate for Culture, Youth and Sports of the Municipality of Prizren to again significantly reduce financial support for this year's edition of the festival.
"Despite the increase in the overall budget for culture, the amount allocated to 'DokuFest' has decreased by almost 30 percent compared to last year, thus constituting less than 9 percent of the festival's overall budget. This is the second time in a row that the Municipality has chosen to cut support for a festival that for 24 years has been the main cultural axis of the city and one of the most important cultural events in Southeast Europe," the reaction reads.
According to the organizers, it is not just a matter of budget. The total budget of "DokuFest" last year, including donations, was 861 thousand euros. The Municipality of Prizren supported it with 70 thousand euros, the same as in 2023.
"We believe that this is not just a budgetary issue, but a decision that strikes at the cultural foundations of our city and is contrary to everything we have built together for nearly a quarter of a century. Every year in August, 'DokuFest' has promoted Prizren by transforming it into an international cultural space, with film screenings, performances, workshops, exhibitions and debates," the reaction reads.
According to the organizers, this symbolic transformation is accompanied by measurable economic and social effects. They have provided data that explains that more than 16 visitors participated in last year's edition, of which about 700 were international.
"According to ATK and the GAP Institute, visitors spent nearly 4.1 million euros during the Festival; The turnover of Prizren businesses increased by 29 percent in August compared to July; For every 1 euro invested from public funds, 'DokuFest' has returned 22.8 euros to the economy; The Festival generates over 100 seasonal jobs for young people and involves 120 volunteers who learn new, irreplaceable and essential skills for the Creative Economy in Kosovo," the reaction reads.
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It explains that for 24 years in a row, "DokuFest" has positioned Prizren on the world cultural map and has brought artists, tourists and professionals from over 60 countries around the world to the city, influencing the development of tourism, cinema and cultural diplomacy.
"However, the Municipality's decision not to treat 'DokuFest' as a strategic cultural partner is meaningless and threatens to damage an ecosystem built with effort and dedication over the years," the reaction reads.
It invites the Municipality of Prizren to urgently reconsider this hasty decision and reaffirm its commitment to culture and its citizens.
"'DokuFest' is not just an event, but it is an investment in the cultural and economic future of the city. The festival will continue its mission, but we call on all our partners: artists, citizens, institutions, donors and culture lovers to stay with us. Culture is not a luxury. It is identity. It is the voice of the city!", it is written at the end of the reaction.
On Tuesday, KOHA asked the mayor of Prizren, Shaqir Totaj, why events that lack substance and do not have the name of "DokuFest" have received much more support, but he did not answer.
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This year's "DokuFest" will transform Prizren into a city of several cinemas, including many in an open-air environment from August 1 to 9. It will turn it into the center of cinematography, as it does every year.
