Slobodan Perović

Actor

Serbia / Yugoslavia

Birth : 6 May 1926 (Kragujevac, Yugoslavia - now Serbia)

Death : 2 May 1978

Career : 23 years

Age : 51 years

Slobodan “Cica” Perović (1926–1978) was an iconic Serbian actor of Yugoslav theater, film, and television. Known for his profound and nuanced performances, he made his mark in major works such as “Leptirica“, “Paviljon 6“, and “The Bridge“.

Appreciated for his artistic sensitivity and his commitment to freedom of expression, he left an indelible mark on the film culture of his country.

PRESENCES AT THE JURY

Biography

Born on May 6, 1926, in Kragujevac, Slobodan Perović, nicknamed “Cica” because of his habit of calling people “cico,” began his theater career in the 1950s. He quickly joined prestigious institutions such as the Belgrade Drama Theater and Atelje 212, where he shone in complex roles, including the internationally acclaimed George in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

In film, he has appeared in over 70 productions, portraying a variety of often tormented characters. Notable performances include “Leptirica” (1973), considered the first true Yugoslav horror film, and “Paviljon 6” (1978), an adaptation of Chekhov’s novella, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

A committed artist, Perović often expressed his desire for artistic freedom, even if it meant living in precarious conditions. He left institutional theater to become an independent artist, refusing to conform to society’s material expectations. Despite financial difficulties, he remained true to his principles until his untimely death on May 2, 1978, in Belgrade.

Photos

Filmography

🎬 Movies

1978 – Paviljon 6
Rôle : Dr. Andrej Jefimič Ragin
Synopsis : Adapted from Chekhov’s short story, this drama explores the fine line between sanity and madness in a psychiatric hospital.
1973 – Leptirica
Rôle : Živan
Synopsis : The first Yugoslav horror film, it tells the story of a village terrorized by a supernatural creature.
1969 – The Bridge
Rôle : The engineer
Synopsis : During World War II, Yugoslav partisans attempted to destroy a strategic bridge to halt the German advance.
1965 – Three
Rôle : Photographer accused
Synopsis : The film explores death through three perspectives: witness, victim and executioner.
1963 – Men
Rôle : Žika
Synopsis : A dramatic comedy about human relationships and the challenges of everyday life.
1960 – Fourteenth Day
Rôle : Pavle Malbaški
Synopsis : A former doctor sentenced to eight years in prison is granted 14 days’ leave, offering a glimpse of his reintegration into society.
1957 – Priest Cira and Priest Spira
Rôle : Petar Petrović, teacher
Synopsis : A humorous adaptation of a classic novel, depicting the rivalries between two priests in a Serbian village.