Stefan Jugović has the pleasure of teaching at the only program in Novi Sad secondary schools that includes art. Performing, audio, and visual arts attract an increasing number of students every year, which confirms that this has been a necessary innovation in formal education in the country. The famous Laza Kostić Grammar School, which has long been known for its theatre and related activities, recently introduced Performing, Audio, and Visual Arts orientation in the regular school program.

The actor Stefan Jugović talks about the experience of working with high school students who can be good role models and an example of true artistic practice for older generations, too, with their creativity and the way they approach it. We will get to know Jugović more closely at the upcoming Novi Sad Film Festival as a selector within the competitive selection of high school films.On this occasion, we talked with him about the importance of new school approaches and events like the upcoming festival, which opens the way for young people to international exchange of knowledge and experiences with colleagues from different parts of the world.

The "Laza Kostić" Grammar School is the only one in Novi Sad that offers a program oriented to performing, audio and visual arts. How many students apply each year, and how challenging is it to work with high school students?

The number of new students is getting higher and higher every year. I am glad the program and the school have a good reputation. I hope we continue on that path. Working with high school students is new for me, considering I started a year ago. The students are cheerful and enthusiastic about work and are always ready for a good conversation. The most challenging part is the generation gap, which is noticeable, but if you speak the "same language," you can overcome any barrier.

Why is such a step forward in the formal education system significant for Novi Sad? In your opinion, is it necessary to extend such initiatives to other schools as well?

Novi Sad has always represented a city of diversity, variety, and cultural initiatives, so it is natural that it also offers innovations in education. The program for high school students with special abilities for performing and audio-visual arts certainly broadens young people's horizons. Such a program currently exists in several cities in Serbia. I believe it should first be expanded in other towns throughout the country, and only then in other schools in cities where it has already taken root.

You will find yourself in the role of a high school film selector at the Novi Sad Film Festival . What do you notice as a characteristic of the creativity of their age, what topics occupy high school students, and is there anything in their work that could be a role model for older colleagues?

The most precious thing I noticed in their work is freedom. Freedom of expression, without prejudice, without divisions... I think that is what could be a role model for everyone. The topics that occupy them are those that interest them individually, so there are no universal ones. In working with my students - so this is the conclusion based on a small sample - I can see that perhaps they are most intrigued by what is intangible, foreign to them. I would say that is a characteristic of high school age.

The Novi Sad Film Festival is dedicated to international cooperation and the exchange of experiences at the international level, and young directors from all over the world make up a significant part of the program. What are directors' biggest problems at the beginning of their careers, and to what extent are events such as this festival important to them?

I think this festival is a space where young directors can show us and the world their talent and craft. A space where they will get a chance. Regarding the difficulties they face, I can say that festivals like The Novi Sad Film Festival are the right solution because everyone can experience their five minutes and get an insight into the experiences and practices from other countries.