Thursday, 21st August at Culture Club Tarantino
The Debut Film Festival, which for ten years has brought together film enthusiasts, passers-by, and lovers of the unique atmosphere of Džada Film Fest will take place from September 1st to 7th. As in previous years, the streets of Podgorica will transform into open-air cinemas, offering all visitors free access to a carefully curated program featuring a total of 34 films.
Festival director Nina Lončaremphasized that this year’s edition marks a major milestone and expressed gratitude to all long-term partners and sponsors, including the EU Delegation to Montenegro and the Ministry of Tourism, who joined this year. "The festival began in 2015 as an open-air cinema, gradually growing to present a wide range of artists. This year, we’re proud to introduce a new competition section dedicated to debut short films. Over these ten years, the festival has also promoted environmental awareness, urban mobility, and features a special segment dedicated to children's programming, as well as music. The 10th edition will include two concerts. Another highlight of this anniversary year is the exhibition 'Ten Through the Lens', a tribute to ten years of Džada Film Fest," said Lončar.
Selector for debut feature films Nemanja Bečanović noted that making this year’s selection was not easy due to the high number of quality submissions. "Audiences in Podgorica will get to experience the work of remarkable young filmmakers. I believe this year’s selection is a perfect snapshot of both the festival’s 10-year journey and what lies ahead," said Bečanović.
Selector for debut short films Sara Stijović pointed out that the capital had long lacked a festival that welcomed short fiction films. "It’s wonderful that the 10th edition brings a new category. This year’s competition includes 22 short films from 18 countries across the globe, showcasing true diversity," said Stijović. She also mentioned that the festival’s opening night will feature the short film "Lavež" (Bark) by director Branislav Milatović, starring Momo Pićurić, a beloved Montenegrin actor who sadly passed away in June. “That will make this Podgorica night even more meaningful, more tender—and perhaps a little more painful.”
Secretary for Culture Snežana Tomanović, emphasized that Džada Film Fest is a story about creating a new cultural space and bringing art closer to people:
"The Secretariat for Culture of the Capital City wholeheartedly supports this event because it shows that culture belongs to everyone and should be shared in urban spaces where people actually live.
That kind of energy is what keeps our city vibrant and open. I believe that in the next ten years, Džada Film Fest will bring even more quality films and attract even bigger audiences." She also thanked the festival organizers for their persistence and creativity, as well as all the sponsors who support the event.
Petar Kovačević, representing the Ministry of Culture and Media, said that the festival should become a long-standing tradition with even greater influence in Montenegro’s cultural and artistic scene. "This year, the Ministry allocated over 1.6 million euros for cultural events and festivals, with almost 70% of that budget going toward initiatives like this. The concept of Džada Film Fest has proven to be very successful—it provides space for young creators and supports the public interest in culture and the promotion of contemporary Montenegrin film,” said Kovačević.
The Ministry of Tourism, a new partner this year, recognized the festival’s significance in both cultural and promotional tourism. Sandra Bojanić speaking on behalf of the ministry, expressed satisfaction that the ministry could support the festival in this anniversary year. “This support is part of our broader commitment to strengthen not just cinema and filmmaking, but also cultural and event-based tourism—key factors in overcoming seasonality and developing a year-round tourism offering. We’re happy that events like this help our capital become increasingly recognized as a city of culture, art, and entertainment. I’m confident you’ll continue to have strong support from the Ministry of Tourism in the years ahead,” Bojanić said.
Representing the Embassy of France and the French Institute, Bertran Boše praised Džada Film Fest as a now traditional cultural event with a unique role in the region. "Over the past decade, the festival has consistently enriched its program, opening doors for emerging filmmakers. Its support extends beyond the screen to community initiatives and institutional cooperation. This is exemplified by two agreements signed during the last two Cannes Film Festivals between France’s CNC and its Montenegrin counterpart, aimed at encouraging co-productions between our two countries,” said Bosse, thanking Džada Film Fest for giving audiences access to films that bring our cultures together. "We are especially proud to continue supporting this important festival in Montenegro, along with the EU Delegation. Happy 10th anniversary — and here’s to many more!" Bosse concluded.
Representing Universal Capital Bank Ozana Popović said they were proud to continue their partnership with Džada Film Fest, one of Podgorica’s most recognizable cultural events.
“For Universal Capital Bank, supporting Džada Film Fest is more than a partnership — it’s a confirmation of our vision to build a community based on culture, creativity, and connection. We’ve been part of this story since the beginning, and we believe that events like this contribute to the development of our community and create spaces to share knowledge, art, and emotion,” said Popović. She added that the festival’s consistency, content quality, and the unique energy of the team and audience have exceeded expectations and raised the bar for cultural events in the city.
We invite all citizens, visitors, and film lovers to join us from September 1st to 7th for another unforgettable journey through film in Podgorica.