Nikola Vukčević, film director
Nikola Vukčević on cinema as a compass of humanity and moral choice
Montenegrin director and professor of film directing Nikola Vukčević, in his latest feature “The Tower of Strength” (Obraz), presents a powerful and universal story about humanity, moral choice and the strength of the individual in a time of social breakdown. Set against the complex historical backdrop of the Second World War at the tri border area of Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the film explores questions of moral integrity and ethical courage, while remaining grounded in an artistic interpretation that reaches far beyond the local context.
“The Tower of Strength” (Obraz) has achieved remarkable international recognition. It won the Audience Award at the San Diego International Film Festival, accompanied by praise from film critics and festival selectors. The lead actor, Edon Rizvanoli, received the Best Actor Award at a film festival in Iraq, while the film is scheduled to appear at six international festivals worldwide in November. In total, it has been selected for 25 international festivals, including two A list events, and the highlight of its festival journey will be its participation in the main program of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is one of the most significant and influential festivals in the United States.
In a significant new achievement, at the recently concluded 30 th International Festival of Authors Film in Rabat, Morocco, the film “Obraz” was awarded the Grand Prix Hasan II for Best Film in the main competition, and Edon Rizvanoli won Best Actor for his portrayal of Nur Doka.
Vukčević, who is in charge of the academic program Film andMedia at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje, is recognized for making films that combine the author’s vision and universal ethical messages. His approach combines the experience of a director and an educator, and The Tower of Strength (Obraz) reaffirms his commitment to the idea that film can serve as a space for dialogue, understanding and a reminder of fundamental human values that go beyond the boundaries of language, nationality and religion.
Your latest film, The Tower of Strength (Obraz), is set within the highly complex historical context of the Second World War in the tri border area of Montenegro, Serbia and Albania. How did you approach the process of shaping this framework? What were your key starting points, and how did you balance historical accuracy with artistic interpretation?
The focus is on an individual trying to preserve his moral compass as the social order collapses. The historical setting provides a cultural and ethical landscape, but the choices made by the main character, protecting a child of a different faith and nationality, are universal. Working closely with the screenwriters, authors and actors made the dilemma feel real and tangible, while authenticity was reinforced through research, rehearsals, linguistic work, set design and costumes. Yet the core of the film remains humanity and moral choice in moments of crisis.
As an author who works simultaneously in the film industry and the academic sphere, you are a professor and head of the Film and Media Program at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje, in what ways does working with students influence your artistic expression, and how does your directing experience shape your approach to teaching?
Working with students encourages a creative reflection and a deeper consideration of the storytelling process, which enriches my own directorial expression. At the same time, my directing experience brings a practical perspective into the classroom, it shows students how theory operates in real production, from preparation to the final cut, including work in co productions and the challenges of international collaboration.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for Montenegro’s film industry when it comes to international visibility and cooperation?
The biggest challenges are stable funding, continuous production and access to international festivals and co productions. Audience education and the promotion of film culture are also essential, as well as improving distribution and targeting the right audiences and partners. Through cooperation with the Film Centre of Montenegro, these areas are steadily developing, which helps ensure a sustainable presence of Montenegrin films on the international scene.
When choosing a theme that grows from an intimate story into a universal message, what guides you in that selection? And is there a moment from the filming process that stands out as particularly significant for you?
The story of Nuredin Doka illustrates the courage of an individual standing up to the rule of the stronger. The focus is on moral choice and humanity, which allows audiences around the world to identify with the character’s dilemmas. A key moment for me was working with actors from across the region to make the character’s inner struggle tangible, so that the protagonist’s decision, to protect a child of a different faith, would be universally understood and felt. The film also explores the “grey zone” of war, but without ambiguous moral messaging; the dramaturgy clearly defines what is right and wrong through universal ethical norms.
Looking ahead, what do you see as your mission in the coming years within the regional film landscape, and what advice would you offer to young filmmakers in Montenegro?
The goal is to strengthen Montenegrin cinema through continuous production, regional cooperation and a steady presence at international festivals. The film “Obraz” promotes universal values and dialogue, and the most important support comes from the audience who connect with the film. My advice to young authors: stay true to your vision, explore human dilemmas, and believe in the power of honest stories that bring people together, regardless of language, nationality or religion.