To start with, a short background story: the bankrupt Beograd Film company, at the time owning 14 cinemas in total, was sold in 2007 under doubtful conditions, while most of its cinemas ended up closing. "Zvezda" was among them, until in November 2014 a group of young filmmakers occupied (or rather: liberated) one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the city center. From then on, this space has been open, mostly showing films and at times bringing people together on various events.
In 2018, the movie "Occupied Cinema" (dir. Senka Domanović) premiered in Belgrade and brought the story about breaking into private property back to life: nevertheless, the enthusiasm about Zvezda is not as strong as it used to be, and a small group of people is now enthusiastically running the place. The quality of screenings is not impressive, but the choice of films can be interesting (although usually there are no English subtitles).
During winter, the cinema's empty corridors and its dilapidated interior remind you of how recklessly this palace had been left to rot, while it can get pretty cold and humid in the screening room. During summer, the screenings are held on the rooftop between buildings, which can be a great experience. On Novi Bioskop Zvezda's (meaning New Zvezda Cinema) Facebook page you can check the program for the forthcoming week. Once you get there, chances are you will meet someone who will eagerly tell you all he knows about the place and take you on a short tour.
Explore Belgrade like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Belgrade guide.
"Tuk Tuk" in Belgrade is riding the wave of new South-East Asian restaurants in the city. If you're hungry for some good Thai, look no further...
By
"Galerija čokolade Premier" in Belgrade is owned by people who really try hard to please chocolate lovers. My favourite is the milk chocolate raspberries.
By
"Stari šlep" is the perfect restaurant for the summer days/daze in Belgrade. Its name means 'the old barge' - I'd recommend a fish soup and salad here.
By
"Radecki club/restaurant" on Belgrade's Zemun quay: a true local oasis - no espresso here, just plain good old 'domestic' Turkish coffee. Lots to see here.
By
"Balkan Ekspres restaurant" is in Belgrade's Zemun, a city of its own. This place is worth visiting if only just for the views from inside the train car...
By
"Illegal Cinema" in Belgrade is a very special institution. Everyone can suggest a film for screening, if they start a discussion about it at the end...
By
The daily menu can, for example, include pumpkin with leek and poppy seeds, Thai curry with dried banana, chutney and raita. Or the good old veggie burger.
By
The Residence of Princess Ljubica in Belgrade is one of the few buildings that date to early the 19th c. Discover the bourgeois Serbia of the past!
By
Sinnerman Jazz Club in Belgrade hosts great jazz bands of course, but I really like their terrace with the great city views and its dark beer on tap!
By
After 40 years of providing the people of Belgrade with the best steaks, "Morava Butcher Shop" is now the first Meat Concept Store in town...
By
The "Stefan Nemanja Monument" in Belgrade is the city's largest - it always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings...
By
197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters