Ministry confirms Mićanović was barred from opening HNFF because of his speech: „The event should be dedicated to film and art, not political messages“

The Ministry of Culture and Media, headed by Tamara Vujović of the Democrats, has officially confirmed that Serbian actor Dragan Mićanović was not allowed to open the Herceg Novi Film Festival because his speech contained political messages.

In response to questions from „Vijesti“, the Ministry assessed that those messages „were not appropriate for the festival’s ceremonial opening“ and that the decision was made „solely because of the character and significance of the festival“.

- Herceg Novi Film Festival is a cultural event of national significance, and we believe that its opening should be dedicated to film and art, rather than political messages - the Ministry said.

Vujović had previously said briefly, in an informal telephone conversation with Television E, that the matter concerned „unforeseen circumstances“.

Asked by Vijesti what message Montenegro sends if such speeches are censored, the Ministry now said that „it is clear that this is not censorship, but rather the organisers’ responsibility towards the character of the event“.

- Montenegro is open to all artists and to freedom of artistic expression, but it does not want its cultural events to become a space for importing political conflicts from other countries. Political struggles and disagreements that exist beyond Montenegro’s borders simply cannot and must not be imported into our country, regardless of where they come from or whose interests they represent. Montenegro is a mature, responsible state that independently protects its interests and creates and implements its policies, and we, as its representatives, have a responsibility to act accordingly. HNFF is one of the most significant cultural events, not only in Montenegro but also in the region, and its significance goes beyond daily political confrontations and divisions - the Ministry said.

They also pointed out that the Festival Council chose renowned Serbian actor Bogdan Diklić as this year’s recipient of an award - a figure who has publicly declared himself an opponent of the current authorities in Serbia.

- The criterion was clear - quality and the level of artistic contribution. In other words, artistic contribution comes first, as the sole criterion. The same standard applies to speaker Dragan Mićanović. His political views do not influence us, nor are they a factor in our attitude towards him. We value his body of acting work, but we believe that the formal ceremonial part of the Film Festival is not a place for political speeches and messages - the Ministry of Culture and Media said.