Green Montenegro International Film Fest (GMIFF) is the only film festival dedicated to environmental protection that has been held regularly since 2015. It takes place for a full twelve years in one of the most beautiful natural areas in Europe, in Durmitor National Park, traditionally every year in late July or early August, by the Black Lake (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1980). GMIFF is the only festival in the country that has permission from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out its activities in the National Parks of Montenegro.
As part of the festival, in addition to screenings of feature and documentary films from Montenegro, the region, and around the world on topics such as environmental protection and biodiversity, sustainable development, green culture, and economy, the audience has the opportunity to see powerful screen adaptations of life stories told through dramas, blockbusters, and adventure films within the category “Ecology of the Soul.” The festival also includes silent parties, outdoor lectures, masterclasses, panel discussions, exhibitions, workshops, rafting tours, hiking, cycling tours, lake kayaking, clean-up actions, and more.
The festival was founded in 2015 and over the years has become a center of Montenegro’s ecological identity.
The festival lasts for 3 evenings, outdoors, at night, in a pine forest by the lake, under the starry peaks of Durmitor.
The festival is educational, non-commercial, and competitive. Admission is free.
GMIFF has been included in the international “Green Film Network,” positioning it among the 31 best environmental festivals in the world.
On average, the festival features around 50 films per year, with an audience of 600–900 viewers.
The festival initiates concrete actions aimed at promoting the natural beauty and resources of the country. As part of the festival, 1,000 trees have been planted in Durmitor National Park in areas affected by wildfires in previous years.
The film program is divided into 4 categories: Ecology; Ecology of the Soul; Promotional Tourist Films; and Student Films.
In addition to awards for second and third place in the mentioned categories, a Grand Prix is awarded for the best film at the festival.
The festival jury consists of domestic and international experts in cinematography and ecology.
The festival’s media sponsor is RTCG.
The goals of Green Montenegro International Film Fest (GMIFF) are:
· Developing and raising the level of responsibility and awareness about the need to protect and preserve the environment and biodiversity through film as a powerful medium for conveying messages.
· Introducing the public to global trends in ecology and cinematography toward which Montenegro aspires.
· Shaping future directions for the development of culture, education, and social activism aimed at environmental protection.
All major decisions in the interest of GMIFF are made by the Festival Council, which has held 13 sessions to date.
All important decisions in the interest of GMIFF are made by the Festival Council, which has had its 13th session so far.