The European Film Festival opened in Podgorica with a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, a Czech-Danish co-production directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin.
As Manja Babić from Europe House stated, it is a particular pleasure that this film caravan is beginning its journey in Podgorica.
As part of the festival, European films will visit all 25 municipalities of Montenegro, bringing audiences some of the most significant works of contemporary European cinema.
“The film you will watch tonight has attracted the attention of audiences and critics around the world thanks to its powerful, timely and courageous storytelling,” Babić added before handing over to Bernard Brunet, Head of the Cooperation Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro.
“Tonight, under the open sky, we are celebrating something that lies at the heart of the European Union – culture. A culture that connects people across borders, languages and generations; a culture that helps us understand one another better, encourages dialogue and reminds us of our shared humanity,” said Brunet.
He added that the EUD is proud to launch the festival with Mr Nobody Against Putin, “a powerful film that reminds us of the importance of truth, critical thinking and the courage of individuals to remain faithful to their convictions. These are values that resonate deeply within the European Union, and with anyone who believes in freedom, democracy and human dignity.”
Brunet emphasised that the EU is not only a political or economic project, but also a community of culture built on diversity, creativity and exchange.
“Through initiatives such as this festival, we seek to strengthen further the ties between the citizens of the European Union and Montenegro, while creating a space where ideas, perspectives and stories can be shared freely,” he said.
The festival was officially opened by Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro, who noted that European cinema today is “a conversation Europe is having with itself about its fears, hopes and the values that shape it”. She added that the forthcoming programme would showcase the richness and diversity of contemporary European filmmaking.
“The ability to speak from different languages and cultures while communicating through one universal language is what makes European cinema unique. Today, European cinema demonstrates that, despite all challenges, it remains vibrant, diverse and courageous. There is no shortage of talent among directors, actors and actresses, as well as among all those who create films behind the camera. Our task, both as institutions and as audiences, is to give that talent space to be seen and heard, and to ensure that culture and the arts do not remain on the margins when we need them most,” Božović emphasised.
The screening of the opening film, Mr Nobody Against Putin, was made possible thanks to the support of the Secretariat for Culture of the Capital City of Podgorica.
The European Film Festival, which will run until 18 August, will give audiences across all 25 municipalities of Montenegro the opportunity to watch the latest and finest achievements of European cinema. The festival is organised by the Delegation of the European Union through Europe House, with the support of the Cineuropa platform and in partnership with the Film Centre of Montenegro and the Montenegro Cinema Exhibitors Network. Admission to all screenings is free, and films will be shown in their original language with subtitles provided in the local language and English.
(DAN)