Montenegro Film Festival faces censorship row over actor's speech

The Montenegro Film Festival in Herceg Novi has become the center of a controversy regarding artistic freedom and censorship. Serbian actor Dragan Mićanović was barred from delivering his scheduled opening speech because the Ministry of Culture and Media determined his remarks contained political messages that were “not appropriate for the ceremonial opening of the festival.”

Minister of Culture Tamara Vujović defended the decision, stating that the festival is a state-level cultural event that should focus on film and art rather than importing political conflicts from other countries. She emphasized that Montenegro is a mature state that protects its own interests and does not wish to be a “political megaphone” for external disputes.

However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from film directors, activists, and political figures. Critics, including former festival selector Sead Šabotić and various NGOs, have condemned the move as a “classic example of censorship” and an attempt to suppress critical voices. They argue that public institutions should encourage diversity of thought rather than enforcing political conformity. The debate has also sparked discussions in the Montenegrin Parliament regarding the independence of cultural institutions and the role of the public service broadcaster, RTCG, in reporting the incident.