ILIĆ: SRPSKA IS RICH IN AUTHENTIC FILMING LOCATIONS

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 9 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska is rich in locations that are interesting for filming film productions, and their specificity is reflected in their diversity and authenticity, director of the Audio-Visual Center of Republika Srpska Anja Ilić told SRNA.

Ilić mentioned that natural landscapes such as mountain peaks, rivers, canyons and lakes, as well as historical fortresses, monasteries and traditional villages are available to producers. "There are also urban environments with modern architecture, which makes it possible to shoot different genres of films. These locations offer a unique visual identity that can add authenticity and visual value to film projects," Ilić pointed out. She emphasized that on the website filminsrpska.com a hundred filming locations in Republika Srpska have been announced, and that some of the prominent locations are Banja Luka, Tijesno Canyon, National Park "Sutjeska", Trebinje, Višegrad, Ethno-village "Stanišići" near Bijeljina. "There is also the Morine plateau near Trebinje and Nevesinje with its rolling hills, the Tvrdoš monastery, Bilećko lake, the coal mine in Ugljevik, which, due to the endless colorful layers of earth discovered during excavations, makes the whole scene supernatural and provides a large number of unique and fascinating perspectives and angles for shots," Ilić stated. The monastery of Svete Petka near Bijeljina is also interesting, she added, which reminds of the era of the ancient Byzantine Empire, then the village of Kotromanićevo near Doboj, the Kušlat mosque on the hill near Zvornik, where it has stood for five centuries, and the fortress in Zvornik from the Middle Ages, Red rocks, Manjača, Vitorog, Vrbas canyon, Ravna Planina, Bjelosavljevići village, Strač fortress near Trebinje, the bridge on Žepa and others. "Producers who decide to shoot in Republika Srpska are offered financial incentives, support in choosing locations, help with permits and logistics, and cooperation with local film professionals. Support is also available through institutions and resources provided by the Audio-Visual Center of Republika Srpska," Ilić mentioned. She explained that producers who film in Republika Srpska are offered incentives through refunds for certain costs of film production in the amount of 30 percent of the total costs spent in Republika Srpska. "The right to monetary compensation for part of the funds spent in the production of the film can be acquired by the producer for audio-visual works that are in the format of a length feature film, TV film, TV series, animated film and animated series, post-production of an audio-visual work, feature film, feature-length documentary film and documentary TV program," Ilić said.