Abstract

In order to support cultural dialogue in the territory of West Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegov- ina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) the EC has extended the rules on aid for film production until the end of 2012, financing only films with peace-making topics. A number of filmmakers took advantage of this situation and financed their films. As a result of this type of commissioning, we are witnessing the surge of “socially responsible filmmaking” in the region. Although many of the authors were recognized filmmakers that received praise and international awards for their past work, none of their “commissioned” films succeeded artistically and in the box office. As a matter of fact they were either ignored or became an object of public ridicule, failing miserably with topics that were supposed to enlighten Balkan nations. Most recently, the Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister, Cameron and President, Sarkozy in their public statements pronounced the death of multiculturalism in the EU. Although when those three delivered these provocative statements, they were most likely not having film on their minds. However, one can not ignore the parallel between commissioning Balkan cinema and failure of its “socially responsible filmmaking.” By careful analysis of the most prominent EC funded film productions this paper will attempt to find an answer to this dilemma.