Herceg Novi: Uncertain showing of films in the Summer Cinema

If JUK Herceg Fest does not provide equipment for showing films using digital technology, the cinema at Forte Mare fortress will not work this summer.

This would mean that after more than 60 years, the only remaining of the four open-air cinemas on the Herzegovinian Riviera will be shut down.

Films have been "rolling" at that fortress since 1952. Many believe that it is one of the most beautiful and oldest summer cinemas in Montenegro.

In the past, film screenings were organized in Igalo, Meljina and Bijela. The reduced interest of the spectators shut down the stages on the Riviera.

The current cinema equipment is in a very bad condition, so JUK Herceg Fest hopes to get a new one in cooperation with the Municipality, which has promised help, or with the new tenant of the fortress.

It is a relatively modest figure of often seven thousand euros, but with great effects for the film audience and the tourist offer of the city. In summer, cinema visits are several times higher than in the rest of the year.

In July and August alone, 70 percent of annual viewership is achieved in Herceg Novi. A quarter of a century ago, the last projection at the fortress was shown on November 4, which means that the summer cinema season lasted a full 5 months.

Bisokops in the world, including Herzegovinian, in front of the onslaught of new technologies, cassettes, home cinema and the Internet, are recording a drop in the number of visitors.

In some of the better times for film and cinema, there used to be 500 spectators at the fortress of Forte Mare for one hall - like when the movie Shark was shown.

In addition to the chairs, the stairs leading to the "terrace" were filled, and every corner would be used to place an auxiliary chair.