The fourth day of the UBRZAJ Festival, organized by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), highlights the visit of director Željko Stanetić with his film Milena in Podgorica, and the screening of Stanić, A Century by Andro Martinović in Kotor, alongside other remarkable films.
The programme at the Montenegrin Cinematheque starts at 17h00 with the Czech-Slovak-Ukrainian film Photophobia. Directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, the film follows 12-year-old Niki and 11-year-old Vika, who are sheltered in a metro station in Kharkiv amidst the war. Daylight signifies mortal danger, and they live under the perpetual glare of neon lights, with no escape.
At 18:30, the programme continues with the short feature film Milena directed by Željko Stanetić. With the arrival of journalist Jelena, Milena and Stevan begin recalling the year 1995, when they were forced to leave their home in Croatia. Jelena has heard many refugee stories before, but she could never have imagined how different this one would be. After numerous festivals and accolades, this film, which addresses some of the most intriguing aspects of our recent history, comes to Podgorica. Following the screening, there will be a discussion with director Željko Stanetić.
The evening at the Montenegrin Cinematheque concludes at 19:30 with Julia Keeps Quiet. Leonardo Van Dijl, making his directorial debut with this feature film, masterfully portrays the inner world of the quiet teenager Julie, who is grappling with a problem. He captures the small details we often fail to notice and seemingly innocent questions that, in fact, provide answers. Above all, the film highlights the trust and time children need to open up. We all have inner demons, but sometimes a child’s can be larger than life itself.
Simultaneously, the Kotor edition begins at 18:30 at the “Boka” Cinema with the premiere of the documentary film Stanić, a Century, directed by Andro Martinović. The film is conceived as a unique sublimation of the work of one of Montenegro’s greatest painters, Vojo Stanić. It takes us on a journey through his art, filled with fantasy and spirit, guided by Stanić himself: his reflections on everyday life, art and kitsch, life in small towns, modernity in painting, television, and more. Each selected observation from interviews spanning over half a century is interwoven with documentary material and his paintings—serving both as commentary and artistic transposition, blending the real and the imagined. A special segment features testimonials from Stanić’s friends and admirers. Sharing why Vojo’s paintings are close and meaningful to them, the film includes contributions from Đorđe Kadijević, Rade Šerbedžija, Emir Kusturica, Radmila Vojvodić, Duško Vujošević, and Branko Baletić.
Following the premiere, Photophobia will be screened at 7:00 PM, followed by Black Box Diaries at 8:15 PM.
Admission to all screenings is free, and more information is available at https://ubrzaj.me/.
This year’s edition is financially supported by the EU Delegation to Montenegro, the Ministry of Public Administration and the Municipality of Kotor, with additional backing from KIC “Budo Tomović,” the Montenegrin Cinematheque, JU KC “Nikola Đurković,” and the Cultural Centre of Berane. UBRZAJ Festival partners include BELDOCS, Sarajevo Film Festival, and the Human Rights Film Network.
The festival also showcases a socially responsible approach with sponsorships from Hotel Cue, PG Taxi, Compania De Vinos Montenegro, and Metropolis. Media sponsors include RTCG television and portal, Nova M television, Gradska TV, Gradski radio and portal gradski.me, Prva TV, E TV, Antena M radio and portal, daily newspaper Pobjeda, portals CdMand Analitika, Radio Kotor, Radio Berane, Radio Tivat, Radio Titograd, as well as Elmag, El, Mag, and Arena radio stations.
Marlena Ivanović, Programme Associate