With the ceremonial academy and promotion of the monograph at the “Bora Stanković” Theater, ŠAF in Vranje marked a great jubilee – 35 years of existence and work. Congratulating the jubilee on behalf of the leadership of the city of Vranje, the president of the Assembly, Dr. Dejan Tričković, said that the vision and enthusiasm of the members of Film Art Lovers’ Club in 1987, and above all the president of the club, Dr. Vukašin Antić and Miroslav Simonović, gave birth to the ŠAF – School animated film that has become a synonym for animation not only in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia, but also in the world. “That is confirmed by the production, the number of participants, the organization of the “Golden Snail” with the World Animation Film Festival and the International Workshop, as well as a large number of recognitions and awards. A great love for animation, continuity in work, commitment and topicality in the branch they are engaged in have singled out the Vranje Šafovci as top animators. That’s how it’s been all these years, and I honestly believe that it will be like that in the future. The city of Vranje is proud of its School of Animated Film and is ready, as before, to support all its activities,” said President Tričković. Jasmina Stojanović, the Director of the School of Animated Films at the JU School of Animation, while welcoming the dignitaries and guests, pointed out that ŠAF will soon enter its 350th film in its filmography. 350 films in 35 years. “It is also interesting that we actually have another anniversary this year. ŠAF has existed for 35 years, but exactly 25 years have passed since the organization of the first workshop and the beginning of organizing international events in the field of animated film in our city. We are talking about animated films, but ŠAF is not only drawing and making films, but a place where much broader knowledge and life experiences are acquired. This is a job that is also extremely responsible, because through working with children, we take part in their growth and education. In a way, we shape their personalities, influence their occupations and form the angles from which they look at the world of art and film, but also at the world in general,” said Director Stojanović.

The author Nela Ćurčija spoke about the monograph, which was published on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of ŠAF’s existence and work. She emphasized that it was not easy to single out the most important moments of the past 35 years and place them on 250 pages. “For us, everything is important. Every drawing, every caricature, song, text, congratulation, award…” said Nela Ćurćija, among other things. Serbian animator and director Stevica Živkov also shared his impressions and experiences in cooperation with Šaf from Vranje. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Information, which always listens to the numerous projects and endeavors of the Vranje School of Animated Film, Alma Rizvanović, special advisor of the line ministry, addressed the gathering, stressing that the Vranje ŠAF is a unique animation school in Serbia and that as such it will always have support departmental ministry.

On the occasion of the jubilee, the City of Vranje and the Ministry of Culture and Information received certificates of appreciation for selfless help in the work of the Public Institution “School of Anonymized Film”. Stevica Živkov, Božidar Zečević and Miroslav Simonović were announced as honorary members of ŠAF, who thanked them on behalf of the awardees. The commemoration of the jubilee ended with the opening of an exhibition from the rich archive of ŠAF.