The 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival, currently underway in Montenegro, has seen the premiere of two notable films, “Crna truba” and “17”, both of which were met with enthusiastic applause from audiences. The festival, known for its focus on regional cinema, provided a platform for these films to debut in the competition for the prestigious Golden Mimosa award at the Kanli Kula venue.
“Crna truba”, directed by Bojan Stijović, is a Montenegro-Serbia co-production that delves into the moral complexities faced by its protagonist, a successful writer returning to his hometown. The film, which previously premiered at international festivals such as the Biškek International Film Festival in Kyrgyzstan and the Pula Film Festival, had its national premiere at Herceg Novi. Director Stijović, during a press conference, shared his fascination with the situations where individuals find themselves losing control over their lives, highlighting the film’s exploration of moral guilt and the consequences of one’s principles becoming tangible and costly.
The film stars Momčilo Otašević as the protagonist, Maksim Grahovac, who returns to his native Grahovo after years spent abroad. Otašević noted the parallels between his own life and that of his character, emphasizing the blurred lines between fiction and reality. He described the character’s journey as one that ultimately leads to self-confrontation. Marko Janketić, who plays Maksim’s brother, Niko, remarked on the film’s portrayal of the contrasting life paths of the two brothers and the tension that arises from societal envy towards those who have achieved success elsewhere.
Screenwriter and co-producer Stefan Bošković, who also appears in the film, discussed the collaborative process with Stijović, emphasizing the deep personal connections that informed the film’s development. Bošković’s involvement extended beyond the screenplay, as he concurrently worked on a novel that complements the film’s narrative.
The second film, “17”, directed by Kosara Mitić, is a coming-of-age drama that also received a warm reception. It had its world premiere in Berlin as part of the Berlinale Perspectives competition and has already garnered multiple awards at the Sarajevo Film Festival. Mitić explained that the film was inspired by a news story from 2017, which highlighted societal issues rather than individual failings, reflecting a broader collective unconsciousness.
The Herceg Novi Film Festival continues to serve as an important cultural event in the region, showcasing the artistic contributions of filmmakers from the Balkans. The festival’s role in promoting regional cinema is underscored by its diverse program, which includes not only feature films but also documentaries, student films, and professional industry events. This year’s festival, running until August 28, is supported by the Montenegrin Ministry of Culture and features a range of films from Slovenia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Croatia, and Montenegro, highlighting the vibrant cinematic landscape of the region.
