With the desire for Montenegro to become and be the leading film destination of the Balkans through culture and film, the 8th Forteca International Film Festival (FIFFP) 2024 was opened last night in Perast.
"This festival represents the main link between the state of Montenegro and the Nordic countries. It has also become an important platform for the affirmation of young filmmakers from the region," said Aleksa Petrović at the opening, on behalf of the organizer of the Fortec festival.
On the main square of Peraš, Pjaci Sv. Nikola, this year's festival program was opened, in front of a large domestic and foreign audience led by the youngest.
What is the special charm of the Forteca festival, and which was also evident at the opening, is the ambiance and space under a clear, starry sky, with a movie screen on an old church building in the middle of Perast, which intrigues even casual passers-by and makes them stop, and most often stay. at the screenings.
This was also the case last night when there was a screening of the Croatian film "Traces" by Dubravka Turić with Marija Škaričić in the lead role.
A large number of seats on the square were filled, while others found their place on nearby benches or even on the sidewalk itself.
The romance of the city and the peace of the night annulled the rather strong and dramatic, as it were difficult or anxious, achievement from 2022, but at the same time contributed to the entry into the life and world of the heroine who, in search of professional and scientific explanations of her anthropological research, fate redirects to the search after yourself and questioning yourself.
Škaričić performed the demanding role convincingly, bravely and powerfully, with a minimum of verbal means, leaving a strong emotional charge and a well-rounded impression, so much so that one can already sense that she is one of the serious contenders for the award.
Thus, "Tragovi" left a strong mark on those present and ensured at least equal attendance at the festival tonight, with great expectations that will certainly be justified by the announced title.
Tonight, there will be a screening of the film "Mamula all inclusive" directed by Aleksandar Reljić, who talks through an intimate and personal story about what Mamula used to be and what it has become today.
The film had its Montenegrin premiere at the Human Rights Film Festival "Ubrzaj" at the end of 2023, which has traditionally been organized by the Center for Civic Education of Montenegro for years, and after that it had a tour of several cities in the country and abroad.
Reljić's journalistic and activist expression this time also contributes to his artistic handwriting and the overall impression of the film and the very reality he recorded, which the audience can see for themselves tonight from 21 p.m., which will be followed by a conversation with the author.
One of the things that is particularly important is the English translation, which makes it possible for all tourists to use the content unhindered and complete their time with a quality selection signed by the festival organizer Jelena Mila.
The festival will last five nights, until July 30, and during that period the latest works from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland will be shown, as well as from the region, from North Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro.
The festival, in addition to the traditional selection of short and feature films, offers educational content through panel discussions with festival guests and film artists.
This year's selection consists of ten of the latest international fiction and documentary feature films that will be shown on the Square, while a part of the documentaries will be shown in the gate of the Temple, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary above Perast, and there are also two short feature films for children and young adults, as well as a thematic workshop for the youngest.
This year's jury of the Festival consists of director Nikola Vukčević (president), actress Jelena Simić and photographer Una Jovović.
They will evaluate selected films in the traditional categories for best film, best female screenplay, and special prizes will be awarded in three selection categories - feature, documentary and short film.
"This year, the audience award and the Council of the Youngest Award for the best film for children will be a special award," Petrović reminded.
He added that tomorrow, July 28, the Forteca festival will also host the ambassador of Finland for Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, Niklas Lindkvist, who will address the audience on St. Nicholas in Perast, at 21 p.m.
Bonus video:
