RESPONSE

As the Minister of Culture and Media of Montenegro, I consider it my responsibility to answer numerous journalistic questions and to truthfully inform the public about the circumstances surrounding the decision to open the Herceg Novi Film Festival. All artists are welcome in Montenegro, in Herceg Novi. However, our hospitality also expects respect. Political struggles and disagreements outside Montenegro's borders simply cannot and should 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, creates, and implements its policies, and as its representatives, we have a duty to act accordingly. FFHN is one of the most significant cultural events not only in Montenegro but also in the region, and its importance transcends daily political disputes and divisions. It is sad that instead of supporting quality films, other things, especially politics, are being promoted. The only politics at FFHN has been and will remain – the politics of quality film. I cannot and will not allow political battles unrelated to Montenegro to be fought on the Montenegrin film stage, as Montenegro is not anyone's political megaphone or a place to export internal political relations. I wish all neighbors to resolve their problems, or even better, not have them at all, but please allow Montenegro, its peace, progress, and reputation in Europe, to remain our top priorities.