Several minutes of applause, standing ovations, pride, joy and supreme energy erupted last night at the preview of the eagerly awaited film "Alive and Healthy" by Montenegrin director Ivan Marinović, in the "Park" hall in Herceg Novi. Novljanin properly presented his new work - after the prestigious world festival - to his audience, who, judging by the reactions, recognized it and loudly, sincerely and enthusiastically greeted the director on the gift, as well as the entire film crew who attended the event.
The formal premiere of the film in Podgorica was announced for today in the cinema "Cineplexx" within the Shopping Center "Big Fashion" at 20, i.e. 20.30:XNUMX p.m., followed by screenings in other Montenegrin cities, the formal premiere in Serbia on February XNUMX, and from February XNUMX and distribution.
In anticipation of the premiere, director Marinović told Vijest that "the audience can expect a very intense and exciting comedy, which also touches on significant topics that deal with our mentality, family relationships, marriage, customs..." and added:
"Also, a lot of dynamite, literal and metaphorical, slapstick and stunts, and some provocation," he said.
In addition to all that, the film hides many other layers as we wait to see "what will happen at the craziest wedding of the season"...
"I think that the film is also romantic in relation to the characters in the story, as well as to the coastal homeland that it covers. I expect it to be recognized and I hope that people will embrace the film and share recommendations that it is worth watching," says Marinović.
Praise and compliments for the young and already prominent Montenegrin director have already arrived from the film's crew, and actress Tihana Lazović additionally emphasizes his talent, dedication, but also clear and subtle leadership to Vijesti. Although it doesn't happen often, Lazović has gained absolute trust in Marinović, she says.
"When I first read the script, I was completely blown away! I read it like a book, absorbed all the wonderful and crazy characters and immediately fell in love with them and the story. Ivan is a really fantastic screenwriter. From the first meeting with Ivan, I felt that the process and recording of this project would be a special journey, and I was right. Ivan is a gentle, intelligent, empathetic director. I had complete trust in him and I completely 'surrendered' even though I am normally a control freak and a perfectionist and it is not often that I have unreserved trust in directors as was the case with Ivan. I certainly hope that this is not our last collaboration", says the popular Croatian actress.
She portrays the character of a bride who suddenly, on the eve of her wedding, gives up on marriage...
"The dynamic and complicated relationship between the bride, who suddenly refuses to marry, and the groom, who is forced to do so at the insistence of his father, turn the wedding into a farce with a series of unexpected twists and turns. The exciting situation is spiced up with drinks and dynamite, just as tradition and customs dictate," the synopsis reads.
In the role of the groom, Goran Slavić reveals how he experienced his role.
"I play the character of Momir - a groom, an obedient and good-natured guy who wants to please everyone in order not to disturb the harmony of his easy life so far. He runs into a problem when his beloved Dragana decides she doesn't want to be a part of such a life. Momir then starts to think for himself for the first time, and starts to look like a man", says Slavić and says:
"Men, let women make men out of you."
Actress Dragana Dabović recalled that "Alive and Healthy" brings a unique and authentic Bokesh mentality, but at the same time it talks about close, ordinary people and their lives, that is, ours...
"This is a story about ordinary people from the people, therefore very recognizable for any part of the world, colored by the Boke mentality, which in itself is different from any other, and universal because of that genuine humor and way of life," said Dabović.
Herzegnov's landscape, like a quiet character, contributes to the special atmosphere and spirit of the story that pampered everyone present at the preview, while interest throughout the country is only growing.
"Wedding, tradition, the clash of new and old, but also the beautiful surroundings of Herceg Novi and the coast of Montenegro, are the framework for a moving and explosive comedy from Novljan Ivan Marinović, in which the roles are played by famous actors and actresses from Montenegro and the region," the production company announced earlier. "Adriatic Western" house.
Just as the director announced to Vijestima, a real party, vivid, Bokesh, took place and started from Herceg Novi and continues through Montenegro, and then beyond.
The roles in the film are played by: Tihana Lazović, Goran Slavić, Momo Pićurić, Mirjana Joković, Goran Bogdan, Dragana Dabović, Snježana Sinovčić Šiškov, Dejan Đonović, Miloš Pejović, Sejdo Alijaj, Nikola Ristanovski, Omar Bajramspahić, Lara Dragović, Filip Klicov, Zoro Martinetti ...
The mostly Montenegrin film, "Alive and Healthy" was co-produced with five other countries. The partners are: Adriatic Western from Montenegro, Sense Production from Serbia, Analog Vision from the Czech Republic, Kinorama from Croatia, Krug Film from North Macedonia and Spok Film from Slovenia. The film received significant support, and thus a recommendation, from the renowned Eurimages fund of the Council of Europe, as well as the See Cinema Network and Kreativna Evropa MEDIA programs. In addition, the project won two important awards during its development, namely the "Krzysztof Kieslowski" award for the best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival and the Excellence Award at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
In addition, the film was supported by: Film Center of Montenegro, Radio Television of Montenegro as co-producer, Municipality of Herceg Novi, Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi, Portonovi Resort, Film Center of Serbia, Czech Film Fund, Croatian Audiovisual Center, Film Agency of North Macedonia, Slovenian Film center...
The charm of tradition that ironically mixes with social norms
The world premiere of Marinović's second film "Alive and Healthy" took place in November 2023 in the main competition program of the international film festival "A" category "Black Nights" in Tallinn.
On that occasion, festival selector Edvinas Pukšta said that it was a moving and explosive Montenegrin comedy.
“The film is not only about a wedding, but also evokes the charm of tradition that ironically mixes with strict social rules, authentic local songs and crazy customs during family gatherings. Concealed resentment, hidden desires, as well as well-known flaws, fuel fierce conflict in a family that does not love each other. "Ivan Marinović is probably the only Montenegrin who is capable of making an incredible and hilarious story out of misfortune, misery, selfishness, envy, illness, alcoholism and depravity," stated Pukšta.
Bonus video:
