Geographical Equality and Treatment of Balkan Region
This panel dives into the underrepresentation and tired stereotypes of South East European (SEE) artists in global media. Despite the EU’s ideals of inclusion, the Balkans—with over 55 million people—are often absent or misrepresented on Europe’s main stages. SEE artists face narrow portrayals that fail to reflect the region’s dynamic music scene.
Hollywood’s latest film, Wolfs, only reinforced this: Albanians and Croatians shown as mobsters, stuck in cliched, circle-dancing tropes. This narrative doesn’t just miss the mark; it alienates SEE cultures, casting them as “other.” Such exclusion risks amplifying nationalist divides, as seen in recent backlash against cultural events in Bulgaria.
The solution? Europe’s festivals and streaming platforms need to walk the talk on inclusion, giving SEE artists equal opportunities and local curators who truly understand the culture. If Europe wants a unified cultural scene, it’s time to move past old stereotypes and make room for authentic SEE voices.
Moderator: Ruth Koleva (SoAlive Conference, Sofia Live Festival | BG)
Speakers:
Frane Tomašić (We Move Music Croatia, SHIP Music Conference | HR)
30.11 | FROSINA HALL | 12:00 – 13:00