The long-feature film “Hotel Boka,” directed by Marija Perović and produced by the Podgorica-based company Kino, has received significant backing from the Croatian Audiovisual Centre. The funding amounts to €62,000, marking the largest grant awarded in the minority co-production category for this year.
The decision was announced following a thorough evaluation by the jury, which praised the film’s narrative. They described it as “crafted with great skill and inspiration, akin to a saga or bildungsroman.” The jury highlighted the film’s strong dramatic arc and compelling protagonists, suggesting that it could play a vital role in shaping identity not only within the context of Montenegrin culture but also in the broader Mediterranean and Central European landscape.
The screenplay for “Hotel Boka” was co-written by Maja Todorović and Marija Perović, based on a play by Stevan Koprivica. Alongside Perović and Todorović, Croatian author Pavo Marinković also contributed as a co-screenwriter. The film’s production team includes producers Marija Perović and Peđa Bjelac.
Exploring Historical Narratives Through Film
“Hotel Boka” tells the intimate story of Ana, tracing her life from childhood to death, intertwined with the history of the “Boka” hotel. Built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1913 in Herceg Novi, the hotel faces destruction in a devastating earthquake in 1979. The narrative provides a unique female perspective on the flaws of various ideologies throughout history, offering a humane tale of reconciliation and the essential value of life beyond politics.
The project weaves in the rich legends surrounding the “Boka” hotel and positions it at the heart of a romantic drama set between the two World Wars. By introducing significant historical figures from the region, the film promises to deliver a powerful narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
The Croatian partner in the project, producer Sanja Šamanović from the production house Umjetnička organizacija Mitropa, adds further credibility to the collaboration. “Hotel Boka” has also received support from the Film Centre of Montenegro in its funding competition for feature films in 2021, along with backing from the Film Centre of Serbia.
As the production moves forward, “Hotel Boka” looks set to not only entertain but also provoke thought about identity and history, making it a significant contribution to contemporary cinema from the region.
