The digitalized summer stage of the "Vladimir Popovic Španac" Cultural Center was officially opened last night as a permanent summer cinema, the first in Montenegro and the only one of its kind in the region. This space will provide new opportunities for outdoor screenings not only for film screenings, but also for theatrical creations and high-production events.
This was announced by the Municipality of Bar, adding that this space is modern and carefully equipped.
The project was implemented by the local government in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Film Center of Montenegro and the Cultural Center of Bar. Over 492 euros were allocated from the local budget for the adaptation of the summer stage itself, which includes 110.000 new seats, while an additional 80.000 euros supported the project of digitizing this facility and equipping it with the most modern audio-visual equipment.
Support for the Summer Scene digitalization project was provided by the Film Center of Montenegro with 87.000 euros and the Ministry of Culture and Media with an additional 30.000 euros.
"This is more than a modernized cinema, this is a return to tradition, but with an eye towards the future because as of tonight, Bar has the first permanent summer cinema in Montenegro and the only one of its kind in the region, equipped with modern audio-visual technology that will provide an unforgettable experience to everyone who visits this open-air scene," said the Mayor of Bar, Dušan Raičević.
He said that this is the result of their sincere understanding that cultural infrastructure is not a luxury, but the foundation of a community's identity.
The ceremony was attended by Ognjen Damjanović, advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Media for film and theater activities, Aleksandra Božović, director of the Film Center of Montenegro, Aleksandra Nikezić-Grabež, director of the Bar Cultural Center, numerous artists, representatives of the diplomatic corps, media and citizens.
"By opening this scene, Bar confirms its long cinema tradition, which has lasted since 1946, but also its clear commitment to the culture of the future," said the Municipality of Bar.
The ceremony closed with the screening of the film "An Ordinary Incident", directed by Jafar Panahi, winner of the Palme d'Or in Cannes in 2024, as part of its premiere outside the festival.
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