A Serbian Film dropped from FrightFest

Organisers refuse to screen 'heavily cut' version of controversial horror.

by Amber Wilkinson

A Serbian Film
A Serbian Film

Controversial Serbian horror movie A Serbian Film (Srpski Film) has been dropped at the last minute from the Film4 Frightfest line-up.

The film - which has screened at other festivals including South By Southwest - concerns a former porn star forced out of retirement and who finds himself mired in depravity. Its taboo combination of graphic sex, brutal violence and young children has already apparently stirred up trouble at the BBFC.

In a statement, FrightFest co-director Alan Jones said: “Film4 FrightFest has decided not to show A Serbian Film in a heavily cut version because, as a festival with a global integrity, we think a film of this nature should be shown in its entirety as per the director’s intention. Several film festivals across the world have already done so.

"Unlike the I Spit On Your Grave remake, where we are showing the BBFC certified print, as requested by Westminster Council, the issues and time-line complexities surrounding A Serbian Film make it impossible for us to screen it.”

A release date for the film, which is due to be distributed in the UK by Revolver, has yet to be announced.

Read our coverage of FrightFest here

Share this with others on...
News

Unconventional families Milcho Manchevski on being blacklisted and making Sister Brother Manhole Cover

Expecting the unexpected Jordan Mark Windsor and Sean Wallace on Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant

Celluloid vampire Arthur Harari on Léa Seydoux, the mystery of ideas, and The Unknown

Family dynamics Sterling Macer Jr. on creating complex characters in Liz Here Now

Ode to joy Jorge Parra Jr, on his Oscar-qualifying student short film ¡Que Suene La Banda!

Awards season kicks off with the Gothams Full set of nominations announced

Walter Koenig dies at 90 Fans say farewell to science fiction star

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


Sundance Announces Legacy line-up of archive films


Frightfest Newcastle event announced for May 2027


French Film Festival UK Programme announced


Tallinn Black Nights Documentary line-up and Special Screenings announced


London Winners announced