UnderhillFest
A week of open-air documentary screenings, concerts and talks in Njegošev park.
This event has ended
It returns every year — dates for the next edition haven't been announced yet.
June is the month when Podgorica, Montenegro's capital on the plain where rivers meet, moves its whole life outdoors. The days are hot, but after sunset the squares and cafe terraces fill up, and Njegošev park — green, central and shaded beneath Gorica hill — becomes a natural gathering place. An open-air cinema here feels less like a staged event and more like the city doing what it already does on summer nights, with films added.
Each June the amphitheatre screens a carefully curated slate of documentaries — 27 films across four selections in 2025 — with a strong emphasis on regional cinema and Montenegrin premieres. Directors and protagonists regularly join post-screening talks, turning each film into a conversation. Those talks give the week its character: this is a festival built for discussion as much as for viewing, and audiences tend to stay in their seats when the credits roll.
The setting is the festival's secret weapon. Films start after dark under the open summer sky, with the park's greenery around the open-air venue and the city humming just beyond. Concerts round out the programme — in 2025 the Slovenian singer-songwriter Zoran Predin performed — so evenings flow from cinema into music.
It is also one of the most affordable festivals in the country: a day ticket costs around 3 EUR, and the opening and closing nights are free. The festival is annual and held in Njegošev park in Podgorica; the 2026 edition ran from 9 to 17 June, and full details are published at underhillfest.me.
What to expect
Open-air cinema under Gorica hill
Screenings in Njegošev park — in 2026 at the park's basketball court — the "Underhill" location that gives the festival its name.
The region's documentary showcase
Four curated selections — 27 documentaries in 2025 — with regional films and Montenegrin premieres.
Films plus concerts and talks
Post-screening discussions and live music, including Zoran Predin in 2025.
Almost free
Day tickets cost about 3 EUR, and the opening and closing nights are free.
A Sundance winner to open
The 2026 edition opened with "Planina" (The Mountain), the Sundance-winning documentary.
A June ritual
The festival returns to the park each June, its evenings flowing from film into talks and music under the summer sky.
What happens when
June 9 – 17, 2026
- Tue9JunTuesday, June 9Opening night: "Planina"The 17th edition opened with the Sundance-winning documentary; opening night is free.
- Wed17JunWednesday, June 17Closing nightThe free closing evening ends the festival week.
Where it takes place
Venue
Košarkaški teren u Njegoševom parku, Podgorica (muzički dokumentarci u CKZ Ribnica)
Njegošev park amfiteatar, Podgorica
Get directions
GuidePodgorica travel guideWhat to see, where to stay and eatWhere to Eat in Podgorica
Walter Podgorica — BIG FashionPartnerGrill
Walter Podgorica — Cetinjski putPartnerGrill
Walter Podgorica — StadionPartnerGrillNaša pričaPartnerMediterranean“Partner” marks a paid placement. We verify the details with the venue’s official source.
Plan your stay
Podgorica — where to stay and how to get around
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
- 1Places to stayApartments, rooms and hotels from local hostsSee all — Podgorica
- 9Rent-a-carCars from local rental agenciesSee all — Podgorica
- 3TransfersPrivate transfers with a fixed price per vehicleSee all — Podgorica
A few offers
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
More events
What else is on in Montenegro around the same time.
MOD Fest
Two free days of films and panels on minority and identity themes in Podgorica.
Mojkovac Film Autumn
An October week of regional features, documentaries and exhibitions at Mojkovac's Culture Center.
Podgorica Honey Fair (Sajam pčelarstva)
Three days of regional honey, mead and free tastings on Independence Square.
