At a press conference held in Podgorica, the Montenegrin Film Center and the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation signed an agreement to join the Female Filmmakers Support Program. This program was launched by the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation in collaboration with the Sarajevo Film Festival and Slano Film Days. Through this initiative, the Montenegrin Film Center provides additional support to female filmmakers in the region, enabling them to develop and implement their projects under improved conditions.
The program aims to support and empower women in film from six countries where UNIQA operates in Southeastern Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Montenegro. Its primary goal is to increase female representation in the regional film industry and provide financial and professional support through the CineLink Industry Training and Skills Program.
The Female Filmmakers Support Program is valued at €150,000 for 2025, with funding secured for the next two years as well.
“We are very happy and proud to have launched this important and commendable Female Filmmakers project in collaboration with the Sarajevo Film Festival and Slano Film Days. This initiative fully aligns with the values of the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation. The Montenegrin Film Center has also recognized the significance of this program, and I am confident that, together, we will enable talented female filmmakers to showcase their skills and passion for creating new films.
In both the film industry and the business environment, we advocate for diversity and equality. By supporting this project, we want to provide opportunities for talented female filmmakers to reach their full potential and serve as positive role models for the entire community. We eagerly anticipate seeing where this project will lead us and what inspiring stories will be told,” said Petra Šolman, Manager of the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation.
“In support of this important partnership, which will provide Montenegrin female filmmakers with concrete career development opportunities, professional mentorship, and advanced training – as well as the chance to apply for funding for production and post-production – the Montenegrin Film Center has also decided, for the first time, to open a competition for the co-financing of screenplay and project development for women-led projects. This initiative will ensure continuity in production while increasing both the quantity and quality of projects created by female filmmakers,” stated Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Montenegrin Film Center.
“The strong interest in the Female Filmmakers Support Program proves how essential such an initiative is for the regional film industry. The Montenegrin Film Center’s participation further strengthens this platform, allowing an even greater number of talented female filmmakers to access financial support, professional training, and networking opportunities.
This program not only provides crucial financial assistance but also opens doors to international opportunities, skills development, and career advancement for female filmmakers in Southeastern Europe. Through initiatives like this, we are collectively building a more inclusive and diverse film industry, enabling authentic voices to share their stories, reach audiences, and leave a lasting impact through art,” said Mirsad Purivatra, Founder and Director of Slano Film Days.
Mirsad Purivatra with the participants of the press conference in Podgorica
