Montenegrin cinema has been shaped by its authors from the very beginning, and today, this continuity of strong artistic expression is accompanied by growing international recognition, the success of domestic films, a strengthening festival scene, improvements to the legislative framework, and the development of conditions for attracting foreign productions.

This was stated in an interview with PR Centar by Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro and President of the Council of the Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival.

“Montenegrin cinema has been defined, above all, by its filmmakers from the very beginning. This is not something that exists only today, but rather a continuity that dates back to the era of Yugoslav cinema, when the distinctive cinematic expression of Montenegrin filmmakers was something truly special,” Božović said.

As she pointed out, it is precisely this distinctive artistic expression that gives Montenegrin cinema a special place beyond the national framework.

“That is what continues to shape not only regional cinema, but European and world cinema as well, in the most profound way,” Božović said.

According to her, this continuity provides a strong foundation for institutions involved in the co-financing, development and promotion of domestic cinema, as well as for festivals that help make Montenegrin films and their creators visible to a wider audience.

“That gives not only those of us involved in the co-financing, development and promotion of Montenegrin cinema the opportunity to do so, but also the festival, which for 39 years has been a meeting place for regional cinema, to proudly showcase the distinctive artistic expression of Montenegrin filmmakers,” Božović said.

Speaking about the achievements of Montenegrin cinema this year, Božović said that they are the result of the continuous efforts of the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Film Centre of Montenegro.

“In this anniversary year, as Montenegro celebrates 20 years since the restoration of its statehood, Montenegrin cinema is achieving significant results as a result of the continuous work of the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Film Centre,” Božović emphasized.

“This year began with the fantastic success of the film ‘The Mountain’ at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary,” Božović said.

She noted that this was followed by further achievements that have contributed to the growing international and regional visibility of Montenegrin cinema.

“After that, the Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival received accreditation and was included in one of the most prestigious festival networks in the world,” Božović said.

She also highlighted the continued promotion of Montenegrin cinema throughout the region.

“We continued promoting Montenegrin cinema throughout the region, including the Days of Montenegrin Film in Slovenia. Montenegrin cinema was also in focus last month at the Cinehill Festival,” Božović said.

She also considers the international festival circuit for new Montenegrin films to be particularly important.

“What is particularly important is that the film ‘Crna truba’, which the Herceg Novi audience will have the opportunity to see, began its festival journey at a renowned international festival and subsequently had its premiere at a film festival in Poland,” Božović said.

According to her, the achievements so far represent only part of what is expected in the remainder of the year.

“All of these achievements are extremely important and mark only the first half of the year, while there are still many more developments ahead that we will have the opportunity to talk about,” Božović said.

She also identified the amendments to the Cinematography Law, as well as incentive measures aimed at attracting foreign productions and strengthening the film industry in the country, as an important segment of the development of Montenegrin cinema.

“The amendments to the Cinematography Law have created an even greater responsibility for all of us to work together to ensure the continued development of Montenegrin cinema,” Božović said.

She added that attracting foreign productions is not an end in itself, but rather part of a broader process of developing the domestic film industry.

“Attracting foreign productions and strengthening and developing the film industry through incentive measures within the country contribute to the further growth and development of Montenegrin auteur cinema,” Božović emphasized.

Herceg Novi Festival in Full Swing and at Full Strength

Speaking about the Herceg Novi Film Festival, she said that over nearly four decades, the event has established a distinctive position as a meeting place for filmmakers, audiences and film professionals.

“We are preparing to celebrate the festival’s 40th anniversary next year, and if we compare the festival to a person’s lifespan, it is now in its prime, at the height of its strength,” Božović said.

According to her, the Festival is no longer on its way to becoming a regional meeting place, but has held that role for a long time. She also emphasized that the Festival attracts the attention of the wider film community.

“There is great interest from the European and, I can freely say, global film community in following everything that is happening,” Božović said.

She added that the Festival also plays an important role in showcasing completed films, as well as projects that are still in development.

“The Festival has the opportunity to welcome filmmakers who come to showcase their completed projects at the beautiful fortresses of Kanli Kula and Forte Mare, as well as to present projects that are still in development,” Božović said.

Speaking about the 39th edition of the Festival, she said that the Festival Council, together with its founders and executive producer, is working to ensure that this year’s edition surpasses the very high standards set last year.

“The HNFF Council, together with the founders, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Municipality of Herceg Novi, as well as the executive producer, the Herceg Fest Public Institution, is working diligently to surpass last year’s phenomenal achievements,” Božović said.

As she pointed out, last year’s edition set a high bar, but the ambition is for this year’s Festival to offer audiences an even more compelling programme.

“Last year’s edition set the bar very high. We believe that this year’s 39th edition of the Herceg Novi Film Festival will bring a large number of films that audiences will have the opportunity to see in Herceg Novi for the first time, ahead of Belgrade, Ljubljana, Zagreb and other major cities,” Božović said.

For precisely this reason, she said, the Festival retains a special place in the regional film calendar: “The Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival is a place where audiences can discover what regional film production has to offer in 2026.”

“Last year’s edition featured a special showcase of television series, and this segment is also part of this year’s programme,” Božović said.

“There is great interest not only among production companies in discovering contemporary and new television series from the region, but also among financiers, primarily television broadcasters, who want to see what current productions have to offer,” Božović said. She believes that this is one of the most important effects of developing this new programme segment.

She added that the creators and production teams behind the series respond positively to the opportunity to present their projects to festival audiences for the first time: “All those who took part in creating the TV series that will have their premiere here, before being broadcast on television, are very happy to come and very happy to return.”

“I believe that the audience in Herceg Novi will once again have plenty to look forward to this year,” she added.

Speaking about the next five years, Božović emphasized that the key lies not only in individual achievements, but in the continued development of the entire system: “What has defined the previous years — continuous work — is our goal and mission, and we intend to continue this in the next five years.”

As she noted, the focus will remain on supporting domestic filmmakers and the development of Montenegrin cinema. The goal is to support the development of Montenegrin cinema and Montenegrin auteur film.

“We want to work towards making Montenegro not only recognized, but one of the leading countries in the region when it comes to attracting foreign investment and filming in Montenegro,” Božović said.

As she pointed out, one of Montenegro’s particular advantages is the diversity of locations that can meet the needs of different productions.

“Montenegro has fantastic locations, from the sea to the mountains, and in this way we can further develop the Montenegrin film industry,” she emphasized.

Božović concluded that building a sustainable system, supported by strong filmmakers, a developed film industry, international cooperation, and continued institutional support, is precisely the path towards achieving further success.

“That is our mission for the next five years, and I believe the results will follow, giving us plenty to be proud of and celebrate,” Božović said.

The Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival will be held from August 22 to 28. The 39th Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro and the Municipality of Herceg Novi, while the executive producer is the Public Cultural Institution Herceg-Fest, with the Film Centre of Montenegro as a partner.