The second edition of Montenegro Film Rendezvous, an industry event held as part of the 38th Herceg Novi Film Festival, has successfully concluded, bringing together Montenegrin and international filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, producers, and film industry experts.
The three-day program focused on Montenegrin film projects in development and post-production stages, which were presented to leading European film funds, festivals, and producers through pitching sessions. Additionally, six regional projects selected through collaboration with the French Embassy and the French Institute in Podgorica were presented.
“The best proof of this program’s success is the fact that this year’s festival is screening three films that were presented at last year’s Montenegro Film Rendezvous,” stated Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro. “This confirms that our filmmakers, with the right support, are finding their way to partners, financing, and ultimately – to audiences.”
“We can already say that Montenegro Film Rendezvous has met expectations and, in its second edition, has grown into a significant platform for collaboration and connecting our filmmakers with European producers and film industry experts, right here on home ground, as part of the Herceg Novi Film Festival. The Film Centre of Montenegro continues its mission of promoting domestic cinema and filmmakers, and we eagerly anticipate their future successes on the international scene.”
Minister of Culture and Media Dr. Tamara Vujović emphasized that Montenegro Film Rendezvous has become an excellent platform for Montenegrin filmmakers to present their ideas and receive support from international film industry experts, who came in large numbers this year. “What particularly pleased me is the message from our foreign guests that we have now gained recognition at all major film markets and festivals, that everyone simply knows about the Film Centre of Montenegro and Montenegrin creators. This is truly encouraging, considering our country is not large, yet demonstrates such great potential in creative talent. Such praise from relevant representatives of the film industry across Europe shows we are on the right track.”
Aleksandra Božović and Dr. Tamara Vujović with EFAD Representatives
The program included numerous panels, including one on film festivals moderated by Vuk Perović, featuring Edvinas Pukšta, selector of Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Frederic Boyer, Artistic Director of Tribeca Film Festival & Les Arcs Film Festival, and Anna Hoffmann, Program Manager of Berlinale Forum, who discussed selection criteria and future changes in their festivals and programs.
The panel “European Film Distribution: Strategic Alliances Across Different Markets,” moderated by Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro, provided an opportunity to present strategies in various approaches to financing and selecting European film projects. Participants included Sevara Irgacheva from EFAD – European Film Agency Directors, Julien Ezanno, representative of the French National Centre of Cinema (CNC), and Nataša Bučar, Director of the Slovenian Film Centre.
Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro, with film centre directors from Southeast Europe
Alex Traila presented the Council of Europe’s new program dedicated to television series development. Thanks to long-standing cooperation with the British Council, participants had the opportunity to hear from Agnieszka Moody of the British Film Institute (BFI), who presented new British initiatives and co-production opportunities with the United Kingdom, while Caroline Cooper Charles introduced financing opportunities through the regional fund Screen Yorkshire.
Special attention was drawn to the presentation by Framestore studio from London, winner of 6 Oscars, presented by Creative Director Mike McGee and Alison Turner, who discussed the latest technological approaches in animation, visual effects, and post-production.
Through carefully curated programming and direct meetings between filmmakers and international partners, Montenegro Film Rendezvous continues to position itself as a key meeting point for Montenegrin cinema with the European film market.
This event was organized by the Film Centre of Montenegro in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Municipality of Herceg Novi, and JUK Herceg Fest. The sponsors of this year’s Montenegro Film Rendezvous are Uniqa Insurance and Nescafé.
