Montenegrin Film “15 and a Half” Captivates with Raw Authenticity

The debut feature film “15 and a Half“, directed by Montenegrin filmmaker Milivoje Miša Obradović, has garnered attention for its authentic storytelling and minimalist production approach. Premiering in August 2023 at the 38th Film Festival in Herceg Novi, the film was awarded a special jury recognition for its creative and introspective narrative style.

Created under nearly guerrilla filmmaking conditions, “15 and a Half” demonstrates that a heartfelt story can resonate beyond the constraints of larger production frameworks. The film is subtitled as “a film for the sensitive,” and it revolves around the character Niko, an actor trapped in the monotony of life who becomes a filmmaker and the subject of his own work. The autobiographical elements of the narrative reflect Obradović’s own artistic journey.

Obradović spoke to Pobjeda about the lengthy process of bringing his debut to fruition, the challenges he faced while working under limited resources, and the importance of sensitivity in storytelling.

Challenges of Creation and Personal Reflection

When asked about the greatest challenge over the nearly decade-long development of his film, Obradović noted, “The biggest challenge was preserving the idea as I evolved as a person. However, my fundamental love for filmmaking served as a driving force to carry that idea forward.” The initial sketch of the story was conceived ten years ago, but it took six years of focused development through various phases of funding applications from the Filmski centar Crne Gore before the film was realized.

Recognition at the Herceg Novi festival holds significant meaning for Obradović, especially considering the major budget disparities. “For us, as a small film, receiving an award amidst competitors with five to ten times our budget feels like a validation of the idea that a good film is not solely dependent on financial resources,” he commented.

A Film for Everyone

Obradović describes the film as intended for anyone willing to acknowledge their sensitivity. “In essence, we are all sensitive; it’s just a matter of who admits it,” he explained. He hopes the film resonates with viewers seeking to thaw the frozen emotions within themselves.

The narrative’s autobiographical elements are evident, with Obradović believing that viewers may find reflections of their own experiences in the characters. He acknowledged that while personal crises as a creator were not prevalent for him, the dilemmas faced by the characters are universal and relatable.

The film’s title, “15 and a Half“, draws an unconscious connection to Federico Fellini’s classic “8½“, which Obradović regards as his favorite film. This realization influenced his relationship with his work, as he recognized the thematic parallels of creative crises shared by both films.

Obradović’s depiction of the Montenegrin acting scene is both a celebration and a critique of the current state of filmmaking in the region. He emphasized the need for genuine storytelling rather than the formulaic approach prevalent in many productions. “Most films fall into the category of what is now termed ‘funding films’—they are crafted to meet specific funding criteria rather than express authentic narratives,” he remarked.

The challenges of filmmaking in Montenegro are substantial, with finances being the primary hurdle. “Film professionals in Montenegro unfortunately cannot sustain themselves solely through filmmaking. There is a pressing need for greater investment in the film industry,” he stated.

Despite the financial constraints, Obradović believes that Montenegro has the potential to produce quality films independently. “It is vital for creators here to know that we can produce films on our own. This is crucial for authors who do not aspire to large productions but wish to express themselves more frequently.”

In a landscape often dominated by larger productions, “15 and a Half” stands as a testament to the power of personal storytelling and the resilience of local filmmakers. As Montenegrin cinema continues to evolve, films like this serve as a reminder of the richness that authentic, homegrown narratives can bring to the global film community.