Festival Opening Met with Protests as Culture Minister Speaks

The inaugural edition of the International Festival of Direction, named after renowned director Jagoš Marković, commenced on December 1, 2023, at the Cultural Centre “Budo Tomović” in Montenegro. Despite the festival’s significance, the opening ceremony was marred by audible discontent from the audience, who greeted Tamara Vujović, the Minister of Culture and Media, with boos and whistles.

The festival is set to run until December 6, 2023, showcasing six performances from Montenegro and the surrounding region, highlighting the works of Marković, one of the most influential directors in the area. During her speech, Minister Vujović faced significant backlash, as attendees expressed their dissatisfaction not only with her address but also directed their protests towards other officials present at the event.

Among the notable figures in attendance were Jakov Milatović, the Vice President, along with Saša Mujović, the Mayor of Tivat, and Jelena Borovinić Bojović, the President of the Assembly of the Capital. The Deputy Mayor, Nađa Ljiljanić, was also present, underscoring the event’s political significance.

The festival’s opening night featured the performance of “Ćelava pjevačica”, the last work directed by Jagoš Marković. Produced by the Cultural Centre of Tivat, this play aims to engage audiences with its artistic narrative while also contributing to the cultural dialogue in Montenegro.

Despite the initial protests, the festival represents a crucial platform for artists and directors to present their work, fostering a deeper connection between culture and the community. As the festival continues, it will be interesting to see whether the initial discord translates into a broader discussion on cultural priorities and public sentiment in Montenegro.

As the performances unfold over the coming days, the focus will remain on not only the artistry showcased but also the reactions from the audience and the implications for cultural policy in the region.