Hungarian cinematography, with its rich tradition - from the famous Oscar winner Istvan Saba, over Country's troubles i Miklos Janca, to new generations of directors who conquer festivals around the world - brings stories that everyone understands, regardless of where they come from, assessed the director of the Film Center of Montenegro (FCCG), Aleksandra Božović, opening the event "Days of Hungarian Film in Montenegro" on Saturday.
Organized by FCCG, in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary in Podgorica, the Hungarian National Film Institute, the Cultural and Information Center (KIC) "Budo Tomović" and the Montenegrin Film Archive, the event affirms the idea that exchange in the field of culture represents a living communication and an opportunity to get to know the spirit, history and sensibility of a people through art, but also to deepen ties between countries, through mutual understanding and appreciation of cultural values.
"Days of Hungarian Film in Montenegro" opened at the KIC "Budo Tomović" with a screening of the film "Semmelweiss" (2023) by the award-winning director Lajosa Koltaija. The program lasts until tomorrow, admission is free, and screenings will be held at the Montenegrin Cinematheque, at 20 p.m. Tonight, the audience will also have the opportunity to watch the 2018 film "Treasure" directed by Peter Bergendy, a historical drama about the 1956 revolution. The event closes tomorrow with the 2017 film “Whiskey Bandit,” by renowned Hungarian-American director Nimrod Antala about a notorious robber, and is based on a true story.
Božović points out that Montenegro and Hungary share much more than the map suggests, highlighting "European values and respect for tradition, but also a look forward."
"Perhaps what connects us most is the belief that culture and art can build bridges where others sometimes stop," she said, emphasizing that European film is proof that art has the strength to survive in a world that is getting faster and louder.
Ambassador of Hungary to Montenegro Jozef Nedjesi He said that film has always been much more than just entertainment, stating that it builds bridges between cultures, initiates dialogue and provides an opportunity to get to know different worldviews.
"In today's fast-paced and changing world, it is perhaps more important than ever that we listen to each other and share our stories. Film has the power to convey emotions, values, and shared human experiences," Neđeši pointed out.
He also said that on this occasion the audience had the opportunity to watch four exceptional Hungarian films belonging to different genres and styles. However, what connects the selected works is sincerity, emotionality and high artistic quality in depicting Hungarian reality, consciousness, the present and, perhaps, some images of the future, stated Neđeši.
"I believe that these films will not only entertain the audience, but also inspire thought and conversation, and perhaps contribute to bringing us, Hungarians and Montenegrins, even closer to each other," said Neđeši.
At the opening of the event, the director of KIC "Budo Tomović" Aida Batilović reminded of the power of film art to connect people, erase boundaries, and create space for deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Representative of the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) Ognjen Damjanović said that the "Days of Hungarian Film in Montenegro" are not just a review, but also a film dialogue between cultures, spaces, meetings of authors, ideas and visions that transcend language and geography.
"By organizing this event, we are jointly affirming the idea that cultural exchange is not just a presentation of the artistic values of one country to another, but a living communication, an opportunity to get to know the spirit, history and sensibility of a friendly people through art," said Damjanović.
He also emphasized that MKM recognizes the importance of such and similar initiatives that contribute to the development of the film industry, strengthening international functional ties, and creating space for young authors and audiences.
"May this film festival be an inspiration and motivation to continue developing cooperation, to create and nurture friendship, because in every great shot, in every honest story, we recognize both ourselves and others," said Damjanović.
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