The importance of the 38th edition of the Film Festival in Herceg Novi (FFHN) is confirmed by the numerous applications of films, a rich and varied program, as well as a number of novelties that include a selection of series, a focus on female authors, as well as workshops for young filmmakers, which further strengthens the role of the festival as a key platform for the promotion of regional cinematography and the development of the film industry in Montenegro.This was said by the president of the FFHN Council, Aleksandra Božović, in an interview for the PR Center.
She assessed that the importance of the Herceg Novi Film Festival for film art, both in Montenegro and in the region, is very great.
“This confirms its long-standing existence, the festival is being held this year for the 38th time. The number of films registered in all three selections: the competition for feature films, for student films and for documentaries, testifies to the results of work and investment. Also, the audience that comes with great joy and enthusiasm every year to Canli Tower, Forte Mare and this year to Park Hall, confirms that we are going in the right direction,” said Božović.
According to her, although some editions of the festival were better, some were just satisfactory, the common enthusiasm does not abate, stating that expectations for the 38th edition are high.
“The festival contributed to the recognition of Montenegrin film, just as Montenegrin film contributes to the recognition of the festival. They follow each other. In the last 5-6 years, Montenegrin film has been more and more noticed at festivals in the region and Europe, which coincides with the establishment of the Film Center of Montenegro, which has continuously co-financed film production for eight years. The results are extremely visible, this year eight films of majority or minority Montenegrin production will be screened at the Kanli Kula,” said Božović.
She pointed out that this year’s edition of the festival brings numerous novelties.
“For the first time, the so-called TV niche has been introduced – the presentation of series from the region through the screening of one episode at a time in the Park Hall, with discussions about the series. This initiative follows last year’s competition of the Film Center for the co-financing of the development of scripts and projects of feature-length cinematographic works. In addition to the presentation of regional television series, we will also have the presentation of Montenegrin projects that were supported at last year’s competition in front of the audience and the jury, and the Radio-television of Montenegro will award the best of them,” she said. Bozovic.
She pointed out that another novelty is the screening of student films in the Old Town, as well as the presentation of documentaries in Andrić’s house.
“A special segment of the festival will be dedicated to women filmmakers. At the initiative of the Film Center of Montenegro and within the framework of the UNICA Foundation for Southeast Europe, discussions on this topic will be organized, with the guest appearance of director Ida Begić. She will share her experiences with the audience about the challenges and motivation of women in the film industry,” said Božović.
She said that, in addition to all of the above, the Film Center of Montenegro will cooperate with Yorkshire Screening, within which workshops will be organized.
“On this occasion, I invite interested young people to join and participate in workshops where they will have the opportunity to learn how to work on film, what film careers are and how they can contribute to the development of film culture among the youth. Our goal is for young people to be not only active viewers of films, but also future members of film crews, to create films and actively participate in the development of Montenegrin cinematography,” said Božović.
She also pointed out that, through the presentation of the MEDIA program of Creative Europe, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro and the Film Center, it will be explained how filmmakers can apply for European competitions.
Speaking about the second edition of the Montenegro Film Rendezvous, which is held as part of the Hercegnov Film Festival, Božović clarified that this segment represents an important platform for networking film professionals.
“We will have the opportunity to host over 40 foreign film experts from all over Europe and the world and present Montenegrin projects to them. This is extremely significant and important for Montenegrin film art,” Božović pointed out.
She pointed out that the special importance of this year’s event is also reflected in the fact that for the first time representatives of the French Film Fund, the largest European film fund, will be present in one place.
“They are coming in honor of the signing of the first bilateral co-production agreement between Montenegro and France in the field of cinematography. In addition to them, French producers will be staying in Herceg Novi, who will have the opportunity to get acquainted with Montenegrin projects and to start cooperation with Montenegrin film workers, with the aim of joint development of projects and applications to French film funds,” said Božović.
She announced that representatives of the British Film Institute, one of the leading film funds in Europe, will attend the event for the first time.
“With the support of the British Council, we will have the opportunity to hear how Montenegrin producers and authors can apply to the competitions of this prestigious institute,” explained Božović.
The arrival of guests from one of the world’s largest post-production houses – Framestore – is a great pleasure and honor, she added.
“The festival will host their creative director Mike McGee and the director in charge of managing their companies around the world, who will share with the attendees their experiences on how to get the highest honors in the industry, including more than five Oscars,” said Božović.
She also emphasized the importance of the presence of directors of film centers from Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Serbia, Luxembourg and other countries of the region and Europe, who responded to the invitation to come and learn about Montenegrin cinematography.
“I consider it a great success, because tomorrow we will have the opportunity for our films to be known to the selectors of prestigious festivals, such as Tribeca and Berlinale, whose representatives are coming as our guests,” said Božović.
She assessed that the Film Festival in Herceg-Novi not only follows Montenegrin cinematography, but also significantly contributes to it.
“What we are doing now is a great joint victory for all of us: the Hercegnov Film Festival and its founders, in the first place the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Municipality of Herceg Novi, the Film Center of Montenegro as a public institution, as well as the Montenegrin Cinematheque. The continuous growth and development of Montenegrin cinematography shows its results, and where better to show them than at a festival of national importance such as the Hercegnov Film Festival,” Božović concluded.
The 38th Film Festival Herceg Novi – Montenegro Film Festival will be held from August 23 to 29, and the most important film event of the summer brings to the audience more than 60 productions in three competitive selections and review programs, under the slogan “All the colors of the film”.
The patrons of the 38th Film Festival Herceg Novi – Montenegro film festival are the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro and the Municipality of Herceg Novi, and the executive producer is the Public Institution of Culture “Herceg-fest”.
