# Herceg Novi Montenegro Film Festival Progress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/herceg-novi-montenegro-film-festival > Updated: 2026-08-26T06:30:02.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 5. The 39th Herceg Novi–Montenegro Film Festival and the Montenegro Film Rendezvous have commenced, marked by the festival receiving official accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Opening ceremonies honored actor Bogdan Diklić with the ‘Milan Žmukić’ award and director Asghar Farhadi with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Farhadi, who presented his film ‘Parallel Tales’, emphasized that cinema helps bridge cultural differences. Hollywood actor John Savage also participated, presenting his authorized biography. Marijana Janković’s film ‘Dom’ (Home) opened the festival at Kanli Kula. Janković described the film, which explores migration and identity, as a way to transform a difficult family history of displacement into a story of pride, calling her parents ‘silent heroes’. Other screenings include Amerissa Basta’s ‘Life in a beat’ (Život u ritmu), a co-production exploring autonomy and uncertainty through the story of a young woman in Athens. During the Montenegro Film Rendezvous, producers from the European Producers Club addressed the financial challenges facing independent filmmaking in Europe, specifically the need for better legal protections and timely funding for Balkan creators. Controversy emerged regarding Serbian actor Dragan Mićanović, who reportedly declined to open the event as scheduled. Reports suggest he was prevented from delivering a speech critical of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić; Mićanović indicated he would address the matter after the festival to avoid overshadowing the creators. Reflecting on the industry's growth, the Film Center of Montenegro presented the monograph ‘Sovereign View: Two Decades of Montenegrin Cinematography (2006–2026)’. Sanja Jovanović of the FCCG noted that the center’s establishment provided the budget and networking necessary to evolve the local industry into a structured field. ## Claims - Director Marijana Janković intended to transform the difficult experience of migration and sacrifice into a story of pride through her film ‘Dom’ (Home). (corroborated by 2 sources) - The film ‘Dom’ premiered at the 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The documentary film ‘Živjet ćemo zajedno’ (We Will Live Together) had its world premiere at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival. (single source) - The film ‘Živjet ćemo zajedno’ is a Croatian-Bosnian co-production supported by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC). (single source) - The documentary portrays the family drama caused by the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent wars. (single source) - The film is competing for the ‘Heart of Sarajevo’ award for best documentary. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Montenegrin film monograph presented at Herceg Novi Film Festival The monograph ‘Sovereign View: Two Decades of Montenegrin Cinematography (2006–2026)’ was unveiled at the Herceg Novi Montenegro Film Festival, documenting the industry's growth since 2006. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegrin-film-monograph-presented-at-herceg-novi-film-festival ### 2026-08-23: Herceg Novi-Montenegro Film Festival screens ‘Life in a beat’ Director Amerissa Basta’s film ‘Life in a beat’ is screening at the 39th Herceg Novi-Montenegro Film Festival, exploring themes of independence and motherhood in Athens. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herceg-novi-montenegro-film-festival-screens-life-in-a-beat ### 2026-08-23: Marijana Janković’s film ‘Dom’ opens Montenegro Film Festival Marijana Janković’s film ‘Dom’ opened the 39th Montenegro Film Festival, exploring themes of migration and family sacrifice through a story inspired by her own move from Montenegro to Denmark. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-film-festivals-host-premieres-of-dom-and-ivjet-emo-zajedno ### 2026-08-23: Herceg Novi Film Festival opens with international stars The 39th Herceg Novi Montenegro Film Festival has opened, featuring Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi and receiving official FIAPF accreditation. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herceg-novi-montenegro-film-festival-opens-with-award-for-bogdan-dikli ### 2026-08-14: Montenegro Film Festival to host industry rendezvous in Herceg Novi The 39th Montenegro Film Festival and Montenegro Film Rendezvous will convene in Herceg Novi starting August 22, featuring international masterclasses and industry networking. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herceg-novi-film-festival-hosts-international-industry-event --- Cite as: Herceg Novi Montenegro Film Festival Progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/herceg-novi-montenegro-film-festival