During our last week in Sarajevo, we had the opportunity to attend the Sarajevo Film Festival. It was a wonderful event and we had a great time. Over two hundred movies were presented...and over half were written, directed, and/or produced by women. We attended 12 movies throughout the week and only 1 was not to our liking. All the films had English subtitles. Following each movie the audience was often able to attend a "talk back" session with the director, producers and actors from the film that was presented. This was a chance for the audience to ask questions and/or make comments about the film.
Our favorite venues were the ones that were held outside at nighttime. The temperature was pleasant and the films were well attended. Even though one of the venues held more than 3,000 seats...during the movie it was surprisingly quiet...with everyone respectfully listening to the film and no one moving about.
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| People above and below waiting for the film to begin. Popcorn and drinks are sold to anyone who is interested. |
Opening night at the festival was a huge affair, with red carpet treatment for the directors, stars and producers. There was a real party atmosphere on the street that included rock bands, spotlights, and many people dressed in beautiful evening gowns and stylish suits.
The National Theater, pictured below, was our other favorite venue. It is a beautiful theater that was recently restored to it's former glory. It was also a close walk from our home. We have attended many film festivals in the past...but this was definitely one of the best. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to come back someday in the future.
After the festival we headed to Kotor, Montenegro on a bus. Three years ago we happened to see a picture of this place and immediately knew it was a city we wanted to visit in person. We have not been disappointed. The ride in was breathtaking with gorgeous views of the bay and surrounding mountains. We are staying in the historic old town from the middle ages. This area has lots of hotels, bars and restaurants...many of them upscale. Most visitors here are from the surrounding countries, and almost everyone here speaks English.
Big cruise ships come during the day...but all seem to be gone by late afternoon. However...when the passengers from those ships hit the town, the population nearly doubles in size. Below is a variety of pictures from the old town and surrounding area.
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| The stone wall that surrounds the historic old town. |
Below are three photos of buildings from across the bay that we strolled past on our morning walk. Lance and I are partial to the house with the turquoise door and windows.
Last Saturday...August 18th...was Boca Night...Kotor's biggest event of the year. It is a huge boat festival that takes place first on the bay, then in the historic old town. Numerous bands set up all over the town and many of the restaurants remove their dinning tables and bring in bar tables to make more room. Thousands of people attend this special event. Below are two pictures of the town preparing for the onslaught of people.
Next, a boat with a local band sails past...
and finally, a variety of boats decorated in a variety of ways sail on by. It appears to be a contest...although I am not sure how they are judged or what the participants win.
After the boats parade past a number of times...fireworks fill the sky.
Then the real party begins in the old town. We had a hard time squeezing into the main gate of the walled city as a crush of people headed in the same direction. Lance and I spent a few hours roaming around listing to a variety of bands...many playing American music...before heading for home. The music lasted well past 2, but when we awoke early the next morning the town was clean and put back together as though nothing had ever taken place there. If you are a traveler, we strongly suggest a visit to this beautiful city. I promise you will not be disappointed.
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