Montenegro had right to withdraw actor's speech, but censorship is never good, says Darko Tomović

Actor and president of the Singlus union Darko Tomović asserted that while Montenegro had the right to withdraw actor Dragan Mićanović's speech, the act constituted censorship, which he deems inherently harmful.

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Montenegro has the right to do that, but whether it is good – I don't think so. Censorship is never good.

Tomović suggested Montenegro might have acted to distance itself from internal conflicts within another country, but argued that Mićanović's intended remarks, which touched upon recent tragedies and student protests without naming perpetrators, were not inherently problematic. He stated, "Montenegro has the right to do that, but whether it is good – I don't think so. Censorship is never good."

He dismissed the Ministry of Culture's explanation that the decision was not censorship but rather the organizer's responsibility to the event's character, calling it "thin." Tomović stressed the importance of self-reliance, advising his colleagues, "Children, we are on our own." He believes external help is welcome but should not be counted upon, as the primary struggle is domestic.

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Children, we are on our own. Any help from outside is welcome, we will gladly accept it, but if there is none, we cannot count on it. Our struggle is fought on the home ground.

Commenting on the Niš Film Festival, where actors independently organized to continue its tradition, Tomović hailed it as a positive example of combating a "hydra" that has captured the state and culture. He noted that the "real" Niš festival is yet to begin, and this division will help people discern who stands for what. He asserted that professional guilds have the right to preserve their events, and the state, if serious, should support culture rather than control it.

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The explanation of the Ministry of Culture that it is not censorship, but the organizer's responsibility to the character of the event, is thin.

Tomović observed that society is deeply divided into "two tribes" but sees hope in younger generations, free from the burdens of the past. He criticized the focus on aging figures and past glories, urging people to look to their grandchildren instead of "magical figures on a screen" promising a "better life." He also anticipates electoral irregularities, including theft and manipulation, but expressed confidence that those who control the votes are preparing for their own voters. He noted that student movement sources have trained enough controllers and anticipates metaphorical and physical violence, but concluded with an optimism that "the night is darkest before the dawn."

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The Niš festival is an example of how to fight against a hydra that has captured the state, culture, and events.