Andricgrad, a cultural and tourist complex in Visegrad, has officially cut ties with filmmaker Emir Kusturica’s comments about the Serbian government.
Kusturica recently told Sputnik that President Aleksandar Vucic surrounds himself with “clowns” and has dismantled Serbia‘s national intellectual elite. He also accused Vucic of creating two Serbias: one loyal to him, and another made up of NGOs and activists.
Andricgrad’s management, which is owned by the Government of Bosnia‘s Republika Srpska entity, released a statement distancing itself from Kusturica’s views. They said his comments are personal and do not reflect the complex’s opinions.
The statement was signed by Nedeljko Elek, a representative of Andricgrad. He credited the project’s success to President Milorad Dodik and the RS Government, who invested 15 million Bosnian marks (around €7 million).
Elek criticized Kusturica for supporting those who claim genocide occurred in Srebrenica and label Serbs as “Saint Sava’s cattle”. He called these views personal and not supported by Andricgrad.
The statement concluded with full support for Vucic and his efforts to preserve a free Serbia. However, Elek has been involved in controversy himself. Videos on social media show him trying to break through student protests in Belgrade, where he clashed physically with demonstrators.
Andricgrad’s management is now taking a clear stance against Kusturica’s views, while also backing the Serbian government.