A new chapter in Montenegrin cinema has begun as the feature film “Hotel Boka,” directed by Marija Perovic, has received significant support from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre. The film, produced by the Podgorica-based company Kino, has been awarded €62,000 to assist in its production as a minority co-production, marking the highest amount granted in this category for the year.
The jury acknowledged the film’s compelling narrative, describing it as “very skillfully and inspiredly written, akin to a saga or a bildungsroman.” They highlighted its strong dramatic arc and well-developed protagonists, emphasizing that the project holds potential not just for Montenegrin culture but also for broader connections within the Mediterranean and Central European contexts.
The screenplay for “Hotel Boka” was co-written by Maja Todorovic and Marija Perovic, based on the play by Stevan Koprivica. Alongside Perovic and Todorovic, Croatian writer Pavo Marinkovic contributed as a co-screenwriter. Producers of the film include Marija Perovic and Peđa Bjelac.
An Intimate Story of Heritage and Resilience
“Hotel Boka” tells the intimate story of Ana, tracing her life from childhood to death through the lens of the hotel of the same name. Established during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1913 in Herceg Novi, the hotel faced devastation in the catastrophic earthquake of 1979. The film explores the historical significance of the hotel and its role in the romantic drama set between the two World Wars, featuring notable historical figures from the region.
The narrative presents a critical female perspective on the shortcomings of various ideologies throughout history. It aims to deliver a poignant message about reconciliation and the importance of life transcending political divides. The legends surrounding Hotel Boka enhance the film’s rich storytelling, promising to engage a wide audience.
The Croatian partner involved in the project is producer Sanja Šamanović from the production house Umjetnička organizacija Mitropa. Additionally, “Hotel Boka” has garnered support from the Film Centre of Montenegro, which provided funding for feature films in 2021, and the Film Centre of Serbia has also backed the project.
As “Hotel Boka” progresses, it stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of regional filmmaking and the importance of cultural narratives that resonate beyond borders.
