Montenegro Picks 'To Hold a Mountain' for Oscar Race
The documentary, directed by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić, opens in an updated version at New York's Film Forum on December 16.
Montenegro has selected To Hold a Mountain as its official submission for the international feature Oscar, according to IndieWire. The documentary is directed by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić.
An updated version of the film, featuring a new conclusion, will open at New York's Film Forum on December 16. The theatrical run comes after the film won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for documentary at Sundance.
The selection follows a long campaign by Sinjajevina locals. In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO and had planned to turn the Sinjajevina pastures into a military training ground. In July 2023, the filmmakers screened the film for shepherds in the Montenegrin highlands using a tent, a generator, and a DCP. That same month, the government canceled the plan to convert Sinjajevina into a military training ground.
By 2025, a different government was in power following years of organizing by Sinjajevina locals. At a shepherd's screening a year after filming wrapped, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the film reinforced his view that canceling the plan had been the right call. The crew logged more than 230 shooting days.
Quick answers
When does To Hold a Mountain open at Film Forum?
The updated version opens at New York's Film Forum on December 16.
Who directed To Hold a Mountain?
Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazić co-directed the film.
What award did To Hold a Mountain win at Sundance?
It won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for documentary.