In celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day, the Ministry of European Affairs, in collaboration with the Montenegrin Cinematheque and Europe House, hosted a four-day European film showcase under the motto “European Values Through Film.” The event was supported by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme and aimed to promote Interreg cooperation while highlighting European values through cinematic storytelling.
Over the course of four evenings, audiences enjoyed a selection of European films, including Luxembourg, Luxembourg (Ukraine), Petit paysan (France), Suffragette (UK) and Scusate se esisto (Italy). Beyond being a celebration of European territorial cooperation, the event was also an opportunity to engage the public on important social and cultural issues through film.
The mini film festival kicked off with opening remarks from Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, alongside Yngve Engström, Head of the Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation to Montenegro. The audience was then treated to Luxembourg, Luxembourg, a critically acclaimed Ukrainian film directed by Antonio Lukich.
The second evening featured the French film Petit paysan, which tells the story of a dairy farmer’s desperate attempts to protect his herd from a deadly epidemic. The screening was introduced by an engaging talk with film critic Vuk Perović, who shared his insights on the European cinema landscape.
The third evening saw the screening of Suffragette, a British historical drama that portrays the struggle for women’s right to vote in early 20th-century Britain. To engage the audience, the film was preceded by a discussion with Maja Raičević of the Centre for Women’s Rights, who offered insightful perspectives on women’s suffrage and political participation in Montenegro.
The festival concluded with Scusate se esisto, an Italian film that delves into cultural prejudice and gender stereotypes. The evening began with remarks from H. E. Andreina Marsella, the Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro, who introduced the film. The closing night also included the screening of short documentaries produced as part of the RECON project (RE-valuation of Cultural Heritage, Knowledge, and Opportunity Network), funded by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy – Albania – Montenegro 2014–2020 programme.
This film showcase marked the conclusion of Interreg Day 2024 celebrations in Montenegro, which also included events in Herceg Novi. The series of events highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and the shared values that strengthen European unity, demonstrating that we are stronger when we act together.