The Ministry of Culture, the Montenegrin Cinematheque and the Film Center are demanding that those responsible for the interruption of the film screening be prosecuted.

We are surprised and concerned about the unfortunate event in Zabjelo, where the screening of the film "Roda", directed by Isa Ćosja, as part of the Džada Film Fest, was interrupted, said the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM), the Montenegrin Cinematheque and the Film Center of Montenegro. The joint statement emphasizes that art, especially film, has always been and must remain a space for dialogue, freedom of expression and facing the issues and challenges of the society in which we live.

"After a successful world premiere and the opening of last year's PriFest, the film Roda had its Podgorica premiere on December 3, 2024, in a packed hall of the Music Center of Montenegro, followed by distribution in all digitalized cinemas in Montenegro. Film festivals are one of the most important ways to present these topics to the public. This is evidenced by this year's 38th Film Festival in Herceg Novi, where 'Roda' was screened and welcomed with great attention and warm reactions from the audience," the statement said.

The Ministry, the Montenegrin Cinematheque and the Film Center said that they are particularly proud of the fact that the film "Roda" is a Montenegrin production.

"It is precisely the languages ​​used in the film that reflect what Montenegro is - the wealth of languages ​​and authentic stories that only a multi-confessional environment can produce. We are particularly proud of that. That is precisely why it is unacceptable that in the host country of one of the most important regional film meetings, and in a country that creates conditions for the strongest possible international cooperation and co-productions, the broadcasting (screening) of the film is interrupted in this way," said those institutions.

They added that they welcome the quick response of the police and expect the prosecutor's office to prosecute those responsible, in order to send a clear message that there is no place in Montenegro for threats, intolerance, and the denial of citizens' rights to participate in the cultural life of the community.

"In that spirit, Džada Film Fest must continue to bring such valuable processes to our streets, because it is through them that Podgorica and Montenegro confirm their openness and cultural vitality. We express our support to the organizers by offering additional screenings in our cultural institutions, and to the film 'Roda' a successful festival life around the world," the statement concludes.