Though they have great respect for their cinematography and are very proud of their contribution to the European and worldwide cinema, the Germans call attention to a Serb as a figure that has left an everlasting mark on the screen. It is therefore not surprising that the book ‘1000 Most Important Foreigners in the History of Germany’ includes the biography of a Serbian actor born in the village of Strojkovce near Leskovac.
An impressive acting biography of Gojko Mitic consists of 30 feature films, 25 TV films and series, significant stage roles such as the character of Spartacus, Rinaldo, Robin Hood, and Zorba the Greek. He played the role of Vinetou on stage for 1024 times, and that was a major role in his acting career.
Extract from the winner’s speech:
‘I have recently read, I believe it was in the Ilustrovana Politika, a translated interview with me taken from the Stern, and titled ‘Where has Gojko Mitic disappeared?', and guess who found me? It was the Karic Foundation! I am very happy and honoured to receive this award in my country of origin, in my Serbia. I wish to express my gratitude to the Karic family, the Foundation and the jury that has selected me as a laureate.’