World-renowned French brand 1664 Blanc is one of the most eminent world manufacturers of premium beer, with more than a three and a half centuries long tradition. With a recognisable, sophisticated taste and packaging famous for its fine, aristocratic touch, Blanc is synonymous with quality and aesthetic, blended into a perfect synthesis. Still, what may be less known by the public is the high significance it places on culture and its popularisation. With this in mind, with 58Bitef24 arriving this fall and Blanc appearing as the general sponsor, we have been speaking to Simonida Šejat, brand specialist of the Carlsberg Serbia company.
What inspired 1664 Blanc to become the general sponsor of the Bitef festival this year?
To us 1664 Blanc is so much more than just a beer - it is a unique symbol of sophistication and innovation. When we got the opportunity to contribute to the values of the Bitef festival, we recognised a powerful connection between our brand and the festival values. Bitef stands out as an authentic cultural phenomenon that has been reaching for highest artistic achievements, creativity and innovation, kindred in spirit to what 1664 Blanc stands for. We have decided to become the general sponsor because we believe that this festival is the perfect opportunity to support and contribute to the development of artistic expression and cultural values.
What values or characteristics does 1664 Blanc share with Bitef?
1664 Blanc and Bitef share the same values when it comes to the dedication to quality and innovation. As a brand we try to provide an exceptional experience through our product, just as Bitef aims to provide an exceptional artistic experience. Also, we are equally dedicated to enabling our audience to experience something extraordinary and unique - whether through the richness of flavour our product offers, or through exquisite artistry at the festival.
Our friendship began during the previous festival. What do you have in store for this year's Bitef?
We are very excited about this collaboration and this year's edition of the Bitef festival. We are planning to contribute to the festival in an innovative manner, through special activities and exclusive content which will enhance the visitors' experience. Our goal is to create memorable moments that will complete the artistic programme and contribute to the unique atmosphere of the festival.
We have revealed all the details of this year's main programme. Does 1664 Blanc already have its favourites?
With the first insight into the programme we are already impressed with the variety of artistic expressions and performances this year's festival has to offer. We cannot wait to see which performances make the best impression on the audience, especially keeping in mind all of the great names of the theatre world that have announced their presence at 58Bitef24.
Breathtaking event, without a doubt, that will mark this year's Bitef will be the visit of the famous Comédie-Française, with the piece which premiered at the recent Avignon Theatre Festival, hallmark of the French and European contemporary theatre. Thus, the Belgrade audience will have an opportunity to be one of the first in the world to experience the highest artistic quality of Hecuba, Not Hecuba, brought on by this famous theatre troupe. This is great news, but, on the other hand, we are fully confident that each part of the programme will bring something special and that the audience will experience true catharsis in the classical sense of the word.
Do you believe that beauty will save the world? And, if not beauty, what might take its place?
Beauty definitely has the power to inspire and bring joy, but I think that, in order to create positive changes in the world, a wider combination of factors is needed. Empathy, kindness and togetherness are crucial to furthering society. Beauty can be a part of that process, yet it is very important that we focus on creating concrete actions and initiatives that will contribute to the welfare of people and communities.
This year's, 58 edition of Bitef will be taking place from 25 September - 4 October, under the slogan "Beauty Will (Not) Save the World". Under the watchful eye of the 1664 Blanc brand, the general sponsor of the festival, the Belgrade audience will be presented with performances in the main programme hailing from Germany, France, Switzerland, Bolivia, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.
