Serbian actor, Dragan Micanovic, has refused to comment, for now, on why he didn’t open the 39th Herceg Novi Film Festival despite being officially announced for the role.
Meanwhile, Montenegrin media have reported that Mr Micanovic was prevented from speaking because his prepared remarks included criticism of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, particularly over his approach to culture, democracy and freedom. Mr Micanovic neither confirmed nor denied those claims, telling Pobjeda daily he’d address the public after the festival ends.
ETV reported that the decision to remove him from the opening was made by the festival’s patrons, the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Municipality of Herceg Novi. Pobjeda’s sources confirmed those claims and reported that Mr Micanovic left Herceg Novi and returned to Belgrade after being told he would not speak.
The actor said he didn’t want the dispute to overshadow the films and filmmakers featured at the festival, arguing they deserved the public’s attention.
Organisers had announced a day before the festival that Mr Micanovic would officially open the event. Instead, Culture Minister, Tamara Vujovic, opened the festival on August 22 without prior notice.
