By the YEA Team
Herceg Novi, Montenegro | 23–27 August 2026
Our beloved readers,
There’s something magical about film, it crosses borders, speaks many languages, and tells stories that linger long after the credits roll. But for us, as Young European Ambassadors, this year’s Herceg Novi Film Festival was about more than just watching movies. It was about stepping behind the scenes, meeting the creators, and discovering how European cooperation brings bold ideas to life.
Over five days in the beautiful coastal town of Herceg Novi, we didn’t just attend events, we documented, networked, moderated, and shared our experiences through social media, all as part of the WeBalkans programme. Here’s what we took away from this unforgettable journey.
Day 1: The business of art
The festival kicked off with the European Producers Club Industry Talk at the stunning Lazure Hotel & Marina. We sat among experienced producers from across Europe, listening to discussions about co-productions, project development, and the complexities of international funding. For us, it was a reality check. Filmmaking isn’t just creativity, it’s strategy, collaboration, and persistence. Hearing how European networks help producers find partners and financing showed us that the EU isn’t just a political entity; it’s a bridge for cultural innovation. We documented the energy of the room, interviewed a few participants, and shared behind-the-scenes moments on our social channels. It was our first taste of how YEAs can actively contribute to professional events.
Day 2: Stories that cross borders
The second day was particularly close to our hearts. We started with student film screenings, followed by the EU With YOU panel: “Creating Across Borders: Young Filmmakers, Education and European Cooperation.”
What made this panel special? It wasn’t just the topic, it was the people. Students and professors from Montenegro and Slovenia shared how they co-produced short films through European programmes. And our very own YEA Marija Malić moderated the discussion with grace and curiosity.
The speakers showed us that borders are just lines on a map. With education, mentorship, and EU support, young creators can turn local stories into regional treasures. It reminded us that the Balkans are full of talent, and that cooperation within our region is just as important as ties with the rest of Europe.
Later that evening, we watched Truly Naked at the historic Forte Mare fortress. The film, backed by EU funding, tackled sensitive social taboos with honesty and courage. After the screening, producer Muriel d’Ansembourg joined us for a conversation that left us reflecting on how cinema can break silence and start conversations that matter.
Day 3: A hen, a metaphor, and a message
On 25 August, we gathered again at Forte Mare for the screening of Hen, a film that sounds simple but is anything but. Through the journey of a hen, the story unfolded as a rich metaphor about life, freedom, and perspective. The Q&A with the producer gave us insight into the creative process behind such an original narrative. It was a reminder that bold ideas don’t have to be complicated, they just have to be honest. We created content highlighting the film’s unique approach, hoping to inspire other young storytellers to think differently.
Day 4: When kids become filmmakers
One of the most heartwarming moments came on 26 August, when we joined a workshop with the young creators of Ranjenik. This film was made by elementary school students who wanted to preserve their friendship and memories through cinema. What started as a personal project turned into a festival sensation.
We talked with them about teamwork, creativity, and the joy of making something together. In return, we shared our own journey as YEAs, how the WeBalkans network opened doors for us, and how European opportunities can empower young people from all backgrounds. Their energy was infectious. It reminded us that you don’t need a big budget to tell a powerful story, you just need passion and a supportive community
Day 5: The future on the small screen
Our final day was all about television. The Creative Europe MEDIA TV Series Event focused on series development, financing, and cross-border partnerships. We engaged with guests, listened to personal stories of European cooperation, and introduced the EU With YOU campaign to new audiences. It was inspiring to see how TV series, often seen as entertainment, can be vehicles for cultural exchange, shared values, and even social change. We left with a deeper appreciation for the role of audiovisual media in shaping European identity.
What we take home
Looking back, the Herceg Novi Film Festival was so much more than a series of screenings and talks. It was a space where connections happened – between students and professors, local creators and international producers, and between us and the people we met along the way. We learned that:
- European programmes like Creative Europe MEDIA and ”EU With YOU“ aren’t abstract, they fund real projects, support real people, and create real impact.
- Regional cooperation in the Balkans is alive, essential, and full of potential.
- As Young European Ambassadors, our role isn’t just to observe, it’s to amplify, connect, and inspire.
Final Frame
Cinema has a unique power to bring people together. But so does cooperation. And when you combine the two, you get something truly special, a shared space where young people from different countries can dream, create, and build a future together. We returned home with new friends, fresh ideas, and a stronger belief in the power of European unity. Until the next festival, keep watching, keep creating, and keep crossing borders.
