Montenegrin Film Takeover at Pula: Four Films, One Arena, and a Ton of Questions!
Welcome to Montenegro’s film galaxy that’s decided to stop hiding! The 72nd Pula Film Festival will showcase four Montenegrin films, with one opening the festival – and it’s a world premiere! Is this the sign that Montenegrin cinema is finally waking up?
World Premiere of the Comedy “Južina” – Is Laughter Finally on Our Side?
The festival kicks off with the comedy “Južina,” directed by Ante Marin. Yes, you read that right – a comedy! Amidst a sea of serious films, Montenegro’s “Južina” brings freshness and laughs to the Arena on July 10. Will this film be a hit or just another attempt? Time will tell.
Documentaries That Tell Stories of Legacy and Search
The “Vremeplov” selection features the documentary “Vude, ti pobijedio” by director Senad Šahmanović. The film follows Dušan Vukotić, the first Oscar winner outside the USA and founder of the Zagreb School of Animation. This film is not just a success story but also reflects the fate of the former Yugoslavia. Premiered recently at the Underhill Fest in Podgorica, this documentary is a treat for history and animation lovers.
Another documentary in the “Vremeplov” selection is “Funk Yu” by Frank Dujmić, a minority Montenegrin co-production. It follows a vinyl collector’s adventure across former Yugoslavia searching for the single “Ulica jorgovana zlatokosa.” Is this just a quest for music or a search for lost pieces of the past?
Power Games and Journeys to the Past – “Otapanje vladara”
In a minority co-production, there’s also the feature film “Otapanje vladara” by Ivan Salatić. Set in the 19th century, it follows a poet and lord of the Morlaks’ hills who, terminally ill, embarks on a journey to the southern Mediterranean in search of a cure. Accompanied by his servant Đuko, the journey is filled with feelings of duty, longing for home, and jealousy. Will this film remind us of forgotten parts of our history or is it just another artistic tale?
Regional Pride – “Pontonovo srce”
The regional program will also feature the Montenegrin feature film “Pontonovo srce” by Senad Šahmanović, produced by Radio Television of Montenegro. Another proof that Montenegrin cinema is not standing still.
Support from the Montenegrin Film Center – Is It Enough?
All three projects were previously supported by the Montenegrin Film Center, showing that the state invests in film art. But is it enough for Montenegro to break through on the international scene, or is this just a drop in the ocean?
Conclusion – Montenegrin Film Revolution or Just a Storm in a Teacup?
Four films at one of the most important regional festivals are definitely a reason to celebrate. But is this the start of something bigger or just a fleeting flash? Pula is the arena where it all happens, and we’ll be watching and commenting. Who knows, maybe next time Montenegrin films will be the main topic at world festivals.
So, what about you? Which of these films sounds like a must-watch? Or do you think this is just another attempt to grab attention? Drop a comment, spark a debate, or just share which Montenegrin film really blew you away. Don’t stay silent – the film scene is alive and waiting for us to light it up!
