The Montenegrin feature film “Hotel Boka,” directed by Marija Perović, has been awarded €62,000 by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre. This funding, designated for minority co-productions, marks the largest amount allocated in this category for the year. The support underscores the film’s potential impact and artistic merit within the regional cinematic landscape.
In its decision, the jury praised the screenplay for being “crafted with great skill and inspiration, akin to a saga or a bildungsroman.” They emphasized the film’s strong dramatic arc and well-developed protagonists, noting its significant identity role not only in the context of Montenegrin culture but also in the broader Mediterranean and Central European dialogue. The screenplay was co-written by Maja Todorović and Marija Perović, based on the play by Stevan Koprivica. Pavo Marinković, a Croatian author, is also credited as a co-writer.
A Deeply Personal Narrative
The project centers on the intimate story of Ana, tracing her life from childhood to death through the lens of the “Boka” hotel. This historic establishment, built in 1913 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Herceg Novi, was drastically affected by a devastating earthquake in 1979. The film aims to deliver a female perspective on the flaws of various ideologies throughout history, highlighting a humanitarian narrative about reconciliation and the importance of life transcending political divides.
The legends surrounding Hotel “Boka” place it at the heart of a romantic drama set between the two World Wars. The film introduces significant historical figures from the region, weaving a compelling story that promises to resonate with a wide audience.
The Croatian partner in this project is producer Sanja Šamanović from the production house Umjetnička organizacija Mitropa. In addition to this funding, “Hotel Boka” has received support from the Film Centre of Montenegro, which has allocated funds for long-feature films in 2021, and it has also been backed by the Film Centre of Serbia.
As “Hotel Boka” moves forward in its production journey, it stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of regional filmmakers and the vital role of funding in bringing significant cultural stories to the screen.
