Film art has a special place in the history of Podgorica... Since the middle of the last century, cinemas have been an indispensable part of the city's cultural identity. Among them, a special place was occupied by Kino Kultura, an institution that, in addition to being a space for showing the most important film works, also represented a kind of symbol of the city's spirit, a space for gathering, dialogue and the cultural rhythm of generations.
Thus, recalling the importance and foundations of film distribution, the director of the Cultural and Information Center (KIC) "Budo Tomović" Aida Batilović, greeted those present in the institution's large hall on Monday evening. The event was held to mark the successful completion of the digitalization of the KIC hall, which represents the introduction of state-of-the-art cinema digital equipment, as well as the improvement of the institution's technical film sector.
"When we talk about the digitalization of the KIC 'Budo Tomović' cinema hall, we are not just talking about technical modernization. We are talking about a heritage that we want to preserve and improve. Our institution, as the central cultural institution of the Capital City, continuously nurtures this tradition through a carefully designed and diverse film program. By digitalizing this hall, we are opening a new chapter. We are enabling the audience to receive film content in accordance with modern technical standards, but we are also creating new conditions for education, presentation of domestic works and international cooperation. Our ambition is for the KIC cinema program to continue to be a space of film expression that inspires, educates and encourages developmental ideas," said Batilović.
A prerequisite for audience development and networking
The completion of digitization marked the beginning of a new process, and so KIC welcomed numerous guests to the digitized hall where they all gathered together to "celebrate everything that is yet to happen here," as the director of the Film Center of Montenegro emphasized in her address. Aleksandra Božović.
"This theater is the result of joint work and long-term reflection. The cinema digitization project that we launched in 2019 developed gradually with the support of the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, local governments, the Film Center and people on the ground who believed that investing in film culture is an investment in society. Thanks to joint efforts, we managed to digitize ten cinema halls across Montenegro, thus creating the basis for the development of a high-quality and accessible screening network," said Božović.
Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović She said that the digitalization project represents both an investment in the future of Montenegrin film, but also an investment in the audience that needs to watch modern film in modern conditions.
"The Ministry of Culture and Media, together with the Film Center and local governments, have recognized the importance of cinema infrastructure as one of the important prerequisites for a stable, high-quality and balanced cultural life. I would like to remind you that since December last year, cinema halls in Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Bar and Tuzi have been entering a new chapter in their existence. Our goal is for every municipality in Montenegro to have its own hall ready for modern film challenges. So far, 10 cinemas that started operating within cultural centers have been digitized. It is through digitization projects, as well as through strategic documents and amendments to the Cinematography Law that follow, that we are not only building technical capacities, but also creating conditions for audience development, employee education, networking and standardization of the cinema network," emphasized Vujović.
Mediterranean idyll and internal unrest
After the opening ceremony of the digitalized KIC hall, the audience had the opportunity to watch the film "After the Summer", a comedy drama by the Bosnian Oscar winner Danis Tanović, where the actress excelled in the lead role Anja Matkovic who is also a co-screenwriter.
The emotional and humorous story, although seemingly simple in its plot, delves deeply into issues of identity, family heritage, and inner peace, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
The film follows Maja, a young woman who arrives on a remote Mediterranean island to resolve a family inheritance issue. However, her arrival triggers much more than a mere administrative procedure, confronting her with her past, neglected emotions, and questions she was not prepared to answer. Through a series of unforeseen, often humorous situations, Maja enters a process of self-discovery, where the search for material possessions turns into a search for identity, forgiveness, and emotional reconciliation with herself.
"The film is relevant because in these dark times it can take us back to a beautiful, idyllic Mediterranean island, and make us forget our dark present for a couple of hours and dive into a fun, humorous, yet life story with elements of drama. It's always challenging to make a comedy, because making people laugh is the hardest thing," said Matković.
Although a somewhat lighter film, Tanović maintains his thoughtful approach filled with gentle humor and Mediterranean cheerfulness, complemented by strong dialogues of colorful characters, which subtly reminds the film of the importance of family roots and the importance of facing the past. The cast adds additional charm to all this, while the visual segment awakens the authentic spirit of the Mediterranean landscape and mentality, which enhances the impression of idyll, but also the contrast between the inner turmoil of the main character and the tranquility of the island, giving viewers time to feel the atmosphere. The strength of the film lies in its sincerity, warmth and ability to provoke laughter, and then leave the viewer to silently reflect on their own emotions, belonging, and connection to their roots.
"This is an international story that connects all the countries of the former Yugoslavia. I think that's the direction our cinematography should go in, because we all speak the same language and I think we have to support each other, especially in the art segment, which has always been a kind of bridge connecting different states," said the actor. Luka Juricic.
Simultaneously local and universal, intimate and communicative, funny and moving, the story of the film "After the Summer" reminds us that personal paths are often the most important, often the most interesting adventures an individual goes through.
The film was Bosnia and Herzegovina's candidate for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, and stars: Anja Matković, Uliks Fehmiu, Goran Navojec, Mario Knezović, Marija Škaričić, Mirela Brekalo, Snježana Sinovčić, Luka Juricic, Boris Ler, Ivana Roscic, Jadranka Matkovic. It was produced by Propeler Film from Croatia and in co-production with Tangaj Production (Romania), Obala Art Center (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Baš Čelik (Serbia) and Tramal Films (Slovenia).
A place for domestic and European film
Božović pointed out that the KIC hall is "ready to receive an audience eager for good films, conversations, encounters and emotions", and that it has all the conditions to become an important place for film art in Podgorica.
"It is especially important to us that with this project we are creating a space for domestic and European film. The audience in Montenegro has the right to content that maintains and reflects our reality, our sensibilities and our dilemmas," said Božović, emphasizing that the Film Center will continue to work to ensure that these films reach people, not only in Podgorica, but also throughout the country.
"Our task is to make this place truly come to life - not through a few premieres a year, but through a regular and high-quality film program, through content that will attract both young and old, both connoisseurs and the curious, and those who have yet to discover the beauty of watching a film together. Not every film will be spectacular, but each one can be important, sometimes because of the story, sometimes because of the acting, sometimes just because of the feeling that we are not alone in what we are watching," said Božović.
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