Young Montenegrin actress Lidija Kordić, who recently gained international attention with her role in the Italian film “Diva Futura” premiered in the main competition program of the Venice Film Festival, has been selected to join the prestigious European Shooting Stars program at the upcoming Berlin International Film Festival. Kordić is the first actress from Montenegro to receive this significant recognition.
The four-day program, held as part of the Berlinale’s industry section, will present Kordić alongside nine other selected emerging acting talents from various European countries. The program is specifically designed to facilitate meetings between young talents and international journalists, casting directors, producers, and filmmakers. The European Shooting Stars Awards Ceremony will take place on February 17, 2025, at the Berlinale Palast, the festival’s main venue, where all selected actors will be individually honored.
Photo: Nebojša Nišić
The international jury particularly highlighted Kordić’s charismatic performance in the Italian drama “Diva Futura,” as well as her willingness to take on artistic challenges beyond her country’s borders. The jury especially praised her role in the movie “Working Class Goes to Hell,” where she demonstrated an exceptional ability to express a wide range of emotions solely through facial expressions, without speaking a single word. The jury’s statement also emphasized that she is a dedicated actress who possesses remarkable musical abilities.
The European Shooting Stars program, established in 1998 and organized by European Film Promotion (of which the Film Centre of Montenegro has been a member since 2018), has a history of launching significant acting careers. The program’s alumni include Oscar winners Rachel Weisz and Alicia Vikander, as well as international stars like Daniel Craig, known for his role as James Bond, Carey Mulligan, and Riz Ahmed, who have achieved remarkable success in Hollywood. Kordić’s selection into this prestigious group represents a significant recognition for Montenegrin actors and cinematography.
Photo: Groenlandia , Piper Film & Rai Cine
Besides acting, Kordić actively pursues music, which she considers her first love. Born in Kotor in 1995, she began her acting education after two years of attempting to enroll in acting studies in Montenegro, eventually finding her path at the Sarajevo Academy of Performing Arts. The young Montenegrin actress’s filmography already includes notable roles in several significant regional and international projects. In addition to the recently premiered “Diva Futura” and the successful TV series “Atatürk 1881-1919,” Kordić has performed in films such as “Working Class Goes to Hell,” “Sirin,” and “The Elegy of Laurel.” Television audiences know her from the series “The Swamp,” further confirming her versatile acting talent and ability to adapt to different genres and production requirements.