The 12th edition of European Heritage Days in Montenegro got off to a flying start on Monday. The 2019 programme, organised under the common theme “Arts and Entertainment” is dedicated to the Montenegrin film industry. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first film production company in Montenegro – the “Lovćen Film” cultural festival will explore the development of Montenegrin cinematography as one of the most important art forms in the country.

History of film in Montenegro

From 23 to 30 September, European Heritage Days events in Montenegro will present documentary and feature films dating back to 1949. The first Montenegrin feature film,  "The Fake Emperor" directed by Velimir Stojanovic in 1955, is a highlight of the programme this week. 

More than 30 free events will be presented in Budva, Cetinje, Kotor, Kolašin, Nikšić, Podgorica, Rožaje, Tivat, Herceg Novi and Ulcinj. Exhibitions, presentations, concerts and guided tours of cultural heritage sites will be available to visitors throughout the festival with an aim to celebrate local cultural heritage. Children will get a better understanding of the history that surrounds them through a series of art workshops, educational competitions and lectures organised in Podgorica, Cetinje, Tivat and Nikšić.

Opening ceremony of European Heritage Days in Montenegro

The opening event of the festival took place in the “Radosav Ljumović” Library in the capital Podgorica, launching this year’s celebrations and introducing some of the most important masterpieces in Montenegrin cinematography. Following the opening event, the capital will for the rest of this week host a number of events dedicated to the promotion of local cultural heritage. The Library for the Blind will present an interactive performance for library users to join, while an event titled “European Writers, Montenegrin Actors” demonstrates the connection between the Montenegrin and European cultural heritage.

The exhibition “Time Travel” in the National Library “Njegoš” in Cetinje will provide an insight into the period of the late 19th and early 20th century in Europe through the collection of newspapers and miniature books. In addition to this, the programme “Kultart- Guardians of Tradition” inspires visitors to travel through time and explore the connections between Italy and Montenegro through different historical periods.

Events in Kolašin will celebrate the role of women as the bearers of intangible heritage and tradition, while visitors in Herceg Novi will take part in the centenary celebration of the founding of the municipality of Đenovići. 

On 19 September, there will be organised The Fig Festival, celebrating this Mediterranean fruit that is an important part of Montenegrin culture. 

Heritage through the eyes of children

Each year, European Heritage Days in Montenegro provide a rich and exciting programme for children. Aiming to inspire heritage activism from an early age, “Heritage through the Eyes of Children” in Tivat has for 2019 organised several guided tours of local cultural institutions guided and curated by children. A photography workshop for children in Podgorica and a creative workshop "Meme me" in the National Museum in Cetinje are some of this year’s other special events for children and families.

In Tivat National library there will be organised a day dedicated to the famous Montenegreen writer Ante Stanicic. 

As the largest cultural festival in Montenegro, European Heritage Days are visited by thousands of local and international guests each year. The festival is organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with local and regional cultural institutions and groups.

The full list of events can be downloaded  here.