50 Years Award is given to the people who have dedicated more than half a century of their life to film. For the first time, Motovun Film Festival will present the award to a screenwriter, the acclaimed novelist Mirko Kovač.

Born inMontenegro, Mirko Kovač is one of the most important screenwriters of Yugoslav cinema. He enrolled in the Belgrade Academy of Theater, Film and Television but had to emigrate toCroatiain the late 1980s. There he becomes one of the most relevant Croatian writers. Having written his award-winning novelThe Scaffold, he leaves his studies at the academy. The authorities often accuse him for "presenting the world too gloomy".Biography of Malvina Trifković,Vrata od utrobeandCrystal Barsare his best known novels. He also wrote scripts forLittle Soldiers,Handcuffs,Occupation In 26 Pictures,The Fall Of Italy,Tattooand many TV and radio dramas. Mirko Kovač has been living inRovinj,Croatiasince 1991. Still active, he is contributing to Croatian culture and art.

As a warm-up for the sixteenth edition of the festival, Klasik TV and MFF present a cycle of films written by Mirko Kovač. The viewers of Klasik TV will have a chance to see these films everymidnightfrom 23-26 July. The four most important films of this acclaimed writer will be aired:Little Soldiers,Handcuffs,HeatandEvening Bells. In his honor,Little Soldierswill also be shown at the festival.