Film Centre of Montenegro joins the “Female Filmmakers Support Programme”

The Film Centre of Montenegro and the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation have signed an agreement to join the "Female Filmmakers Support Programme" at a press conference held in Podgorica. The program titled the "Female Filmmakers Support Programme" was launched by the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation in collaboration with the Sarajevo Film Festival and Slano Film Days. Through this partnership, the Film Centre of Montenegro provides additional support to female filmmakers in the region, providing them with better conditions for the development and realization of their projects.

The program supports and empowers women in film from six countries where UNIQA operates in Southeast Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Montenegro. Its goal is to increase the representation of women in the regional film industry and provide them with financial and professional support through the CineLink Industry Days Training and Skills Program.

The "Female Filmmakers Support Programme" has a total value of 150,000 euros for 2025 and has also been approved for the next two years.

"We are very happy and proud to have launched this very important and commendable project, the "Female Filmmakers Support Programme", together with the Sarajevo Film Festival and Slano Film Days. This program fully aligns with the values of the UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation. With the additional encouragement from the Film Centre of Montenegro, which has also recognized the importance of this special project, I am certain that we will collectively enable talented female filmmakers to showcase their talent and passion for making new films. Both in the film industry and the business sector, we promote and advocate for diversity and equality, and by supporting this project, we want to provide talented female filmmakers with the opportunity to reach their full potential and positively impact the entire community. We are excited to see 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 significant partnership, which will provide Montenegrin female filmmakers with concrete career development support, expert mentoring and professional development, as well as the opportunity to compete for funding for production and post-production, the Film Centre of Montenegro has also decided, for the first time this year, to open a call for co-financing script development and project development specifically for women-led projects. This will ensure continuity in film production while also increasing the quantity and quality of films by female filmmakers," said Aleksandra Božović, Director of the Film Centre of Montenegro.

"The great interest in the "Female Filmmakers Support Programme" confirms how much such an initiative has been needed in the regional film industry. The joining of the Film Centre of Montenegro further strengthens this platform, allowing even more talented female filmmakers access to financial support, professional development, and networking opportunities. This program not only provides essential financial support but also opens doors to international opportunities, skill development, and career advancement for female filmmakers from Southeast Europe. Through initiatives like this, we collectively build a more inclusive and diverse film scene, enabling authentic voices to share their stories, reach

audiences, and leave a lasting mark through art," said Mirsad Purivatra, Founder and Director of Slano Film Days.

This partnership further strengthens the network of support for female filmmakers in the region, ensuring them better visibility, education, and access to the resources needed for making and distributing films. More information can be found on the website of The UNIQA SEE FUTURE Foundation - Female Filmmakers Support Programme.