The Montenegrin human rights film festival "UBRZAJ" is more than a film festival, said the Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education (CEO) Daliborka Uljarević at the opening ceremony of the jubilee, 15th edition of the event, emphasizing that with each film and each story, it reminds of the importance, understanding and defense of human rights.
The festival was opened last night in Podgorica, in the large hall of the Cultural and Information Center "Budo Tomović", and on that occasion, in addition to Uljarević, the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Montenegro, Johan Satler, addressed those present. and the award for the affirmation of human rights and civil activism was presented, which was followed by the screening of the film "Novosadsko žeženje" by Aleksandar Reljić, with an address by the author at the end.
"The UBRZAJ festival is not only an opportunity to watch films, it is an invitation to reflection, to dialogue, but also to action - to be the voice of those who do not have one and to defend the rights of all, regardless of borders, language, religion or origin", he said. Milatović is the President of Montenegro.
He added that the festival, which is traditionally held on International Human Rights Day, has become a symbol of collective commitment to the promotion and protection of basic human rights.
"Human rights are not abstract concepts or a privilege that belongs to a few. They are the essence of our humanity, inalienable and universal, and the responsibility to protect them belongs to each of us. The responsibility becomes even more important in a world where basic rights are often threatened by conflicts, injustice, indifference In such a world, cultural events like this festival play a key role, reminding us of the importance of human dignity and encouraging us to actively advocate for a better society for all that, the film has a unique power. It overcomes the boundaries of language, culture and identity, opening the door to empathy and better understanding," said Milatović.
Dealing with stories that are not visible at first glance
Asking the question "Why are human rights our fault?", Uljarević said that it is because they may be "putting up a mirror to society, confronting us with questions that we should not run away from".
"Through the Ubrzaj festival, we insisted on this confrontation in order to shed light on the mists of injustice in which we live... We are celebrating 15 years of perseverance, vigilance, principles, sobriety, combativeness and dedicated work to draw attention to what often remains below the surface. On this anniversary is woven into our mission, to strengthen awareness, inspire change and be a constant reminder of the importance of the fight for justice, dignity and human rights "Beneath the surface" also invites us to face the stories that are not visible at first glance, with those quiet neglected voices that cry out for truth and justice illuminate those of your own, to encourage reflection, to disturb, to arouse empathy and to encourage us to action," she said.
Satler pointed out that he was very pleased by the invitation to attend a festival that talks about human rights, for which the European Union also fights, although this is sometimes forgotten.
"Sometimes people think that the European Union is basically an economic project, that it is about the standard of living, about income, about taxes... It is not. It is very important to know, and I am happy that it is understood here in Montenegro, that The European Union is a peace project. It is a peace project built on a promise, on the ruins of the Second World War, on horrors, on crimes, on a rally, on that "never again" and I think that all this is something that we must never forget if we think progress," he said.
Satler referred to the current circumstances in the world and said that "there is no reason at all to be satisfied when we have a large-scale war on the European continent, another large one in the Middle East, in Gaza and numerous other conflicts, and reminded that it is important not to lose from he sees all those terrible violations of human rights, and what should be dealt with.
"Art has a very important role in preserving human rights. And that is what we are celebrating here tonight and what is important to pay attention to," said the head of the EU Delegation in Montenegro.
Bar women are an inspiration to everyone
Before the screening itself, awards for the affirmation of human rights and civic activism awarded by the Center for Civic Education were presented. The following were greeted with thunderous applause and some tears of pride: Liljana, Marija, Bogdana, Snežana, Sonja, Ranka, Jovana, Nadežda and Aleksandra, exceptional women from the non-governmental organization "Women of the Bar" who won the award for the affirmation of human rights and civic activism in the category organization.
"They have been working steadfastly with the most vulnerable in our society for seven years, presenting examples of empathy and selfless commitment. Through their kitchen, they feed more than 250 citizens, including children, most vulnerable to poverty... These women don't just provide a meal, they bring hope, dignity and a sense of community Despite difficult circumstances and a constant struggle for survival, they manage to maintain this vital service, balancing on the edge of self-sustainability, but never giving up the mission to help those most in need. These women bring not only food, but also pleasure, dignity and reflection on the common society. Freed from difficult circumstances and constant struggle for survival, they come to this vital work, fighting for self-sustainability, but never giving up on the mission to help people who need them very much. Their fight for human rights and the dignity of every individual is an inspiration to all of us," said Uljarević.
A long and loud applause with standing ovation from the attendees was the soundtrack to receiving the award.
"See you on Friday in front of the Gymnasium!"
Ljiljana Raičević, an activist and founder of the non-governmental organization "Safe Women's House", a pioneer in the fight for women's human rights in Montenegro, also won the award as an individual.
"She felt the "Accelerate" festival as her own, looked forward to every edition and was an indispensable part of its creative spirit. She raised important and unpleasant topics, laid the foundations for institutional support for women victims of violence and provided shelter, hope and strength to hundreds of women and children in Her struggle goes beyond the boundaries of one organization. solidarity protests for everything that happened to us in different periods in order to restore the country, but also to bring it closer to the best democratic practices. Her smile and infectious energy motivated us all, and her "can" is a word that would change what others considered impossible , and which remains a strong message even today," explained Uljarević.
Ljiljana Raičević was not able to receive the award, but her granddaughter Hana did it on her behalf, with a strong emotional but also fighting message sent by the brave and talented girl.
"We are infinitely proud of everything you have achieved, and most of all, that you are the same fighter we all know," Hana said, among other things, on behalf of everyone, provoking sighs, applause, tears, pride, but also certainty that she will grow into a young woman who will continue the fight for a better society.
"Grandma, thank you on behalf of all women and girls! And that's why, both on your behalf and on my own, I say - let's continue in your footsteps and see you on Friday in front of the Gymnasium," said Hana.
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