The film explores lace and cake from Dobrota, a town in the municipality of Kotor, described as symbols of identity, tradition and cultural ties in the Bay of Kotor.
The head of the cabinet of Croatian President Zoran Milanović, Bartol Šimunić, said, speaking as Milanović's envoy, that cultural heritage preservation was not only about safeguarding memory but also about respect for past generations and responsibility towards future ones.
He said Dobrota lace was one of the most important symbols of the Bay of Kotor’s heritage, adding that relations between Croatia and Montenegro were built patiently, through dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust.
Dobrota lace is a traditional craft passed down for generations among women in the Bay of Kotor. The film also features professor Nada Radović, who has contributed to its preservation.
Miloš Radonjić, adviser on European affairs to Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, speaking on Milanović's behalf highlighted cultural diversity and dialogue as key European values, saying such projects strengthen ties between Montenegro and Croatia and reflect a shared heritage.
The second part of the film focuses on Dobrota cake, a traditional dessert from the Bay of Kotor’s culinary heritage.
A special adviser to the Croatian foreign minister, professor Vanda Babić Galić, said both Dobrota lace and cake form part of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage in Montenegro and reflect the Bay of Kotor’s maritime, craft and culinary traditions.
She also stressed the importance of preserving the legacy of historic patrician families of Dobrota and said outstanding property and cadastral issues should be resolved in the spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and European values.
Project author and film director Toni Dabinović said In the Footsteps of Bay of Kotor Croats annually highlights different aspects of the area's heritage and announced future editions would involve young contemporary artists from the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro and Croatia.
The project is held under the joint patronage of the presidents of Croatia and Montenegro, with support from Croatia’s Central State Office for Croats Abroad. The partners are the Croatian National Council of Montenegro and the Croatian Civic Society of Montenegro.
A Croatian premiere is scheduled for 23 July in Zadar.