RETURN TO EUROPE
MONTENEGRO – WILD BEAUTY

DOCUMENTARY / A 2008 / HD CAM / 52 & 45 MINUTES
directed by Claudia Pöchlauer

Synopsis

With its rugged mountains and turbulent history, Montenegro is like a miniature version of the entire Balkan region. For centuries, the catholic, orthodox and Islamic cultures have come together in this country, which was known throughout Europe for its wild tribes and blood feuds. When Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia in summer 2006, many feared that the new state would collapse due to internal conflicts. But the former republic state of Yugoslavia – the only one that managed to avoid any kind of violent conflict on its territory after 1989 – now presents itself as a stable minor state with a flourishing economy and major tourist potential.
The documentary traces the development of the Montenegrin state and shows how the country is increasingly recognising its multi-ethnic diversity as part of its identity. The film takes us on a journey from the coastal region with its holiday resorts and impressive old towns, such as the UNESCO- protected former Venetian city of Kotor, via the capital of the former Kingdom of Montenegro, Cetinje, to the villages of the Durmitor National Park, which is often cut off from the outside world for six months in winter, where some of the traditional ways of life continue to survive. Images of breath-taking natural scenery and the personal stories of Montenegrins and Serbs, Croats, Bosnians and Albanians complete the portrait of a country, whose tourism slogan is – not without reason – “wild beauty”.

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