Members of AP Neretva and KUD Preporod Konjic Brightened Up This Sunday
Art Comedy Fest in Konjic: The play “Once Upon a Time on Brijuni” performed
Tonight in Konjic, as part of the 2nd Art Comedy Fest, the play “Once Upon a Time on Brijuni” was performed
The play, written and directed by Kokan Mladenović, is inspired by a real historical meeting between two legendary couples – Josip Broz Tito and Jovanka Broz, and Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
The theatrical production, featuring Branislav Trifunović and Sanja Marković as the Broz couple, and Milan Marić and Tihana Lazović as Burton and Taylor, sparked great interest and enthusiasm among the Konjic audience, who filled the cinema hall of the JU Narodni univerzitet, the festival’s organizer.
After the performance, Branislav Trifunović stated that, after two and a half years, they had finally managed to arrange the play’s guest appearance in Konjic.
“We organized our own schedule, Benjamin Mušinović was persistent, and I’m glad we are finally here. It was worth it because of the hospitality of the entire city and all its people. This meant a lot to us on a personal level, and Konjic is also mentioned in the play,” Trifunović said, noting that the play was created based on a single photograph taken on Brijuni featuring the four main protagonists.
“They spent three days together on Brijuni, alone, and that became our starting point—not only in terms of the four of them, but also the actors themselves, the meeting of two worlds, capitalism and communism, the clash between two systems, and us within that world. This text contains many of our personal elements that can be connected both to each of us individually and to the characters we portray, which made the process exciting while we were creating it and while performing it as well. This was our 90th performance,” Trifunović stated.
Milan Marić said that it was interesting for them to begin the story by addressing the question of identity and the roles we all play in life.
“We do not portray the four of them in a realistic manner; we treat them as symbols. There are not many records of that meeting, and that made it interesting for us to begin the research phase of the process. The play is demanding—almost two hours of continuous performance—and is largely based on our own inspiration, but we love performing it,” Marić said, emphasizing that theatre fascinates him because the exchange between the people on stage and the audience creates a unique story.
The aim of the Art Comedy Fest is to strengthen the region’s tourism potential through film and theatre arts and cultural activities. The festival is designed so that participants, during their stay in Konjic, can explore the area’s tourist attractions and cultural-historical landmarks. In this spirit, the actors from the play “Once Upon a Time on Brijuni” and their collaborators had the opportunity to get to know Konjic from this perspective as well and to enjoy local culinary specialties offered under the “Made in Konjic” initiative.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic- https://radiokonjic.ba/art-comedy-fest-u-konjicu-odigrana-predstava-bilo-jednom-na-brijunima/
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“Art Comedy Fest” brings a fusion of film and theatrical art to Konjic
The 2nd “Art Comedy Fest,” organized by the Konjic Public University, will take place in Konjic from February 5 to 9. This year’s festival, which combines film and theatrical art, will begin on Thursday, February 5, with a screening of the film “Ozi: Voice of the Forest” for students of the First Primary School in Konjic, said Benjamin Mušinović, Director of the Konjic Public University.
“This is a festival of engaged comedy, which in a way combines everything that is recent in both film and theater. Our goal is to make our audience laugh with high-quality and thought-provoking comedies during the month of February. Our partner, Una Film, has provided us with the title ‘Ozi: Voice of the Forest,’ a beautifully synchronized animated film for elementary school students from first to fifth grade of the First Primary School in Konjic, which will be shown on Thursday, February 5, at 10 a.m.,” said Mušinović.
The official opening of the “Art Comedy Fest” will take place on Saturday, February 7, when the most-watched hit play in the region, “Once Upon a Time on Brijuni,” will be performed. The play features outstanding actors and is inspired by the real historical meeting of two legendary couples—Josip Broz Tito and Jovanka Broz, as well as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, emphasized the director of the Konjic Public University.
“For several months in the past period, we have been communicating with the producer Jovan Todorovski and the artistic and educational production ‘Joca Art’ from Belgrade, which, in collaboration with the Bitef Theater, produced the most-watched and significant regional theatrical work, ‘Once Upon a Time on Brijuni,’ directed by Kokan Mladenović. Well-known faces appear in this theater production, and with the performance of this play, we will officially open the 2nd ‘Art Comedy Fest’ on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. What I find important to highlight is that we have really brought the most significant regional theater and film names—those who are present in the most-watched series and theater productions. They are familiar to us because their work has been adapted for screen in the series ‘Tajkun’ and the famous film ‘Toma.’ The lead actor from the film, Milan Marić, is part of the ensemble in this play, playing the main role. Also, Sanja Marković, who portrayed Toma Zdravković’s wife in ‘Toma,’ is part of the cast. There are also two well-known names, a married couple, who are not only an outstanding film and theater duo but also in real life—Branislav Bane Trifunović and Tihana Lazović Trifunović. It’s a beautiful story about the meeting of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor with Josip Broz Tito and Jovanka Broz on Brijuni. There is a little about this real meeting in Burton’s diary entries, which served as the foundation to develop the storyline, with some details imagined, so to speak, to make the narrative more interesting and to give it a contemporary touch,” said Mušinović.
On Monday, February 9, the final day of the “Art Comedy Fest,” the Youth Theatre Sarajevo will perform the play “The Hedgehog’s House,” while in the evening, there will be a screening of the currently most-watched regional film “The Wedding.”
“We will have the opportunity to see a beautiful theatrical work for children. We are always in need of returning to our home, to the context of the home, its beauty, and the community told in ‘The Hedgehog’s House’ by Branko Ćopić, which has been shaped in a scientific theatrical way by Dubravka Zrnčić-Kulenović and the entire ensemble of the Youth Theatre Sarajevo. The play will be performed on Monday at 1 p.m. for students from first to sixth grade of the Second Primary School in Konjic, as well as for the kindergartens ‘Zulejha Begeta’ and ‘Happy Kids.’ In the evening, at 7:30 p.m., we will officially close the festival with a film screening of ‘The Wedding,’ an excellent film and currently the most-watched in the region, starring Dragan Bjelogrlić and Rene Bitorajac,” said Benjamin Mušinović, Director of the Konjic Public University. He invited the people of Konjic to attend the events of this year’s “Art Comedy Fest,” which is dedicated to the most famous regional film and theater productions. Mušinović also thanked everyone who supported this year’s edition of the “Art Comedy Fest.” The general media sponsor will be Radio Konjic.
Source of text and photos – Radio Konjic: https://radiokonjic.ba/art-comedy-fest-donosi-spoj-filmske-i-teatarske-umjetnosti-u-konjic/
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A Fairy Tale of Friendship and Nature: Premiere of the Play “Forest Fairy Tale” on the AP Neretva Stage
Well-known fairy-tale characters, children’s imagination, and messages of togetherness and environmental awareness in a new play directed by Ena Osmanović
The premiere of the play “Forest Fairy Tale”, directed by Ena Osmanović, will be performed tomorrow on the stage of the Amateur Theatre Neretva. Through encounters, play, and song, this fairy-tale story leads the audience into the magical world of the forest, conveying messages of friendship, togetherness, and nature conservation.
The idea for the play was born during theatre workshops, inspired by children’s imagination, as a blend of two classic fairy tales – Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The forest, as a shared motif of both stories, became the meeting place of well-known characters and the foundation for a new, unique stage adventure.
Although rooted in the original fairy tales, “Forest Fairy Tale” introduces certain fresh elements, retaining recognizable characters while offering a contemporary approach and innovative stage solutions. The performance features 33 children from the Children’s Stage of AP Neretva, who bring to life as many as 50 different characters, making this production both special and dynamic.
In addition to play, song, and stage movement, the performance carries strong messages intended for both children and adults – messages of friendship, togetherness, environmental awareness, and love for theatre.
In the realization of the project, alongside director Ena Osmanović and the young performers, Amina Gakić and Almir Alić also participated, enhancing the magic with music and lighting effects.
The premiere of “Forest Fairy Tale” will take place on Friday, January 30, starting at 7:00 PM, on the AP Neretva stage. Tickets are priced at 4 KM, the performance lasts approximately 45 minutes, and it is intended for the whole family.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/bajka-o-prijateljstvu-i-prirodi-premijera-predstave-sumska-bajka-na-sceni-ap-neretva/
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Public Call for the Submission of Applications for the Award of Non-Refundable Grants within the Project “Sustainable Tourism for Green Development along the Via Dinarica Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Via Dinarica III)” – Improvement of Accommodation Infrastructure
The Public Call for the Submission of Applications for the Award of Non-Refundable Grants is an activity within the third phase of the Via Dinarica Project (“Sustainable Tourism for Green Development along the Via Dinarica Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina”). The Via Dinarica Project is financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and is implemented and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP BiH). The project is implemented in cooperation with domestic partners – the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of the Republika Srpska. This Call is also co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
The Via Dinarica initiative aims to promote significant natural and cultural resources of the Western Balkans, enable adventure and recreational activities for nature lovers from around the world, and preserve mountain areas, cultures, and landscapes that represent an oasis of unspoiled nature in Europe.
The specific objectives of this Public Call are to support the development of accommodation infrastructure and to support the improvement of tourism services in the field of sustainable tourism and the green and circular economy along the Via Dinarica trails and sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In line with the above, this Public Call for the submission of applications refers to the following priority area:
Priority Area 1: Improvement of accommodation infrastructure along the Via Dinarica trails and sites.
Out of the total available financial resources under this Public Call, for Priority Area 1 the total available funds amount to BAM 125,000.00, intended to support 5 top-ranked project proposals.
Non-refundable grants per application may range from a minimum of BAM 16,000.00 to a maximum of BAM 25,000.00. For each project, the applicant must ensure co-financing of at least 30% of the total project value (30% co-financing by the applicant and 70% co-financing from the project fund of this Call).
THE PUBLIC CALL IS OPEN FROM 20 JANUARY 2026 UNTIL 17 FEBRUARY 2026 AT 5:00 PM.
How to apply?
Step 1: Read the document Guidelines for Applicants, which contains all information on the eligibility criteria, as well as instructions for completing and submitting the application.
Step 2: Download the accompanying documentation for applying to the Public Call:
- Annex I (Project Proposal)
- Annex II (Budget)
- Annex III (Activity Plan)
- Annex IV (Letter of Intent – Co-financing)
- Annex IVa (Letter of Intent – Additional Co-financing)
- Annex V (Partnership Statement)
Text and photography source: https://javnipoziv.undp.ba/FormAnswer/IndexForm/188
Read MorePublic Call for the Submission of Applications for the Award of Non-Refundable Grants within the Project “Sustainable Tourism for Green Development along the Via Dinarica Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Via Dinarica III)” – Enhancing a Diverse and Sustainable Tourism Offer
The Via Dinarica Project is financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and is implemented and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP BiH). The project is implemented in cooperation with domestic partners – the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of the Republika Srpska. This Call is also co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
The Via Dinarica initiative aims to promote the significant natural and cultural resources of the Western Balkans, enable adventure and recreational activities for nature lovers from around the world, and preserve mountain areas, cultures, and landscapes that represent an oasis of unspoiled nature in Europe.
The specific objectives of this Public Call are to support the development of accommodation infrastructure and to support the improvement of tourism services in the field of sustainable tourism and the green and circular economy along the Via Dinarica trails and sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In line with the above, this Public Call for the submission of applications refers to the following priority area:
Priority Area 2: Enhancing a diverse and sustainable tourism offer along the Via Dinarica trails and sites.
Out of the total available financial resources under this Public Call, for Priority Area 2 the total available funds amount to BAM 300,000.00, intended to support 12 top-ranked project proposals.
Non-refundable grants per application may range from a minimum of BAM 16,000.00 to a maximum of BAM 25,000.00. For each project, the applicant must ensure co-financing of at least 30% of the total project value (30% co-financing by the applicant and 70% co-financing from the project fund of this Call).
THE PUBLIC CALL IS OPEN FROM 20 JANUARY 2026 UNTIL 17 FEBRUARY 2026 AT 5:00 PM.
How to apply?
Step 1: Read the document Guidelines for Applicants, which contains all information on the eligibility criteria, as well as instructions for completing and submitting the application.
Step 2: Download the accompanying documentation for applying to the Public Call:
Annex I (Project Proposal)
Annex II (Budget)
Annex III (Activity Plan)
Annex IV (Letter of Intent – Co-financing)
Annex IVa (Letter of Intent – Additional Co-financing)
Annex V (Partnership Statement)
Source of text and photography: https://javnipoziv.undp.ba/FormAnswer/IndexForm/189
Winter Games and Traditions as Part of the Konjic Winter City
As part of the Konjic Winter City event, a program was held on the plateau next to the Small Fountain, bringing together numerous citizens, especially the youngest ones. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy the Winter Games performed by the children of the Neretva Amateur Theatre, who, through short plays and stage performances, showcased what they had diligently prepared during previous rehearsals, sparking imagination and smiles among those present.
As part of the Winter City Konjic event, a program was held on the plateau next to the Small Fountain, gathering numerous citizens, especially the youngest ones. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy Winter Games performed by the children of the Amateur Theatre Neretva, who, through skits and stage performances, showcased what they had diligently prepared during previous rehearsals, sparking imagination and smiles among those present. After the performance by the Amateur Theatre Neretva, the program continued with members of BZK Preporod – City Society Konjic, who presented themselves to the audience as Little Guardians of Tradition – Snowflakes in the Dance Circle. By performing several traditional dances, they reminded everyone that no celebration is complete without dance, song, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Cold winter evenings in Winter City were, as in previous years, made warmer by the members of the Neretva Konjic Scout Troop, who treated visitors to hot tea.
The program of the Winter City event will continue in the coming days, and already on Monday, on the plateau next to the Small Fountain, starting at 7 PM, the audience can look forward to a concert by the pop-rock band Stakleni grad.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/zimske-igre-i-tradicija-u-sklopu-zimskog-grada-konjic/
“Winter City Konjic” Has a Rich Program: Fun for All Generations”
The “Winter City Konjic” event, which has been delighting residents and visitors of the town for the fifth consecutive year, continues with a rich program. Sabina Ćukle, a member of the Organizing Committee, announced a series of events scheduled for the coming days, emphasizing that the goal is to create enjoyable holiday moments for all generations
After the successfully held events last week, such as “Broadway on the Neretva”, performances by the Rezonanca Music School, and the Happy Kids Kindergarten, the program is moving to outdoor spaces while still including a combination of indoor activities.
Friday, December 26: Tonight at 6:30 PM, on the plateau next to the Small Fountain, a special New Year’s program will be performed by students from the First and Second Elementary Schools, the Bradina branch, and Čelebići Elementary School. Visitors can look forward to a mix of music, recitations, skits, and dance performances.
Saturday, December 27, 12:00 PM: On the plateau next to Kamena Ćuprija and the Small Fountain, volunteers and friends of the Konjic region will traditionally organize the “Children’s Smiles Carnival”, featuring mascots and special gifts.
2:00 – 4:00 PM: The Neretva Scout Troop in Konjic will organize a cheerful scouting gathering at the Scout House, to which all interested boys and girls are invited.
Sunday, December 28, 6:30 PM: On the plateau next to the Small Fountain, the Amateur Theatre Neretva will perform the play “Winter Games.” After the theatre performance, the youngest members of BZK “Preporod” will present the program “Snowflakes in the Dance Circle,” preserving tradition through song and dance.
Monday, December 29, 7:00 PM: Fun for slightly older generations with a performance by the pop-rock band “Stakleni grad” from Sarajevo. Alongside good music, visitors will be able to enjoy treats prepared by the students of Konjic High School.
Tuesday, December 30, 6:30 PM: The Zulejha Begeta Kindergarten will present “Winter Magic – The Flight of Little Stars and Butterflies through Winter City.”
Continuing in the New Year: “Made in Konjic” Concert and Futsal Spectacle
After the New Year holidays, the program continues on Saturday, January 3, 2026. At 6:30 PM, on the plateau by the Small Fountain, the traditional “Made in Konjic” concert will take place. This year, young local talents Hamza Sokolović, Samir Alebić, Erol Begić, and Ajdin Sultić will perform.
“We are proud of our young talents who, after achieving success in the world, always return to their city. They are our greatest spectacle,” Ćukle stated.
Monday, January 5: January in Konjic will be dedicated to sports and the Local Communities Tournament.
“With a prize fund of 100,000 BAM, this tournament, which we proudly call the ‘Local Champions League,’ brings incredible energy and warmth to the city’s evenings every year.”
The organizers emphasize their pride that Winter City has been running for five years and attracts visitors from Sarajevo, Mostar, Jablanica, and other cities.
“The Konjic City Administration, as a sponsor, wants to make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone. This is an opportunity for educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and sports groups to showcase their talents and to offer each other smiles and a sense of togetherness,” concluded Sabina Ćukle.
The event is held under the patronage of the City of Konjic and the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, organized by Narodni Univerzitet, the Sports Hall, and the Youth Council, with media support from Radio Konjic.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/bogat-program-manifestacije-zimski-grad-konjic-zabava-za-sve-generacije/
MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION SIGNED: Strengthening Cultural Awareness and Non-Formal Education of Youth in Konjic
Today, a Memorandum of Cooperation was formally signed on the stage of the Konjic People’s University between the Konjic Secondary School Public Institution and the “Neretva” Amateur Theatre of Konjic. This act represents an important step toward enhancing the cultural life of young people and developing their social competencies through art.
The signing was attended by representatives of both institutions: the Principal of Konjic Secondary School, Ms. Enisa Karkelja, the Assistant Principal, Mr. Sanjin Džajić, and the President of the “Neretva” Amateur Theatre, Ena Osmanović.
Cultural Advancement as a Shared Goal
The aim of this Memorandum is to create a long-term impact on young people’s habits, encouraging regular attendance at the theatre and active participation in the city’s cultural events. As emphasized at the very beginning, reporting on such activities is of great importance for the entire local community.
Principal Enisa Karkelja emphasized that, although cooperation between the school and the theatre has existed for years, this protocol introduces new content and a higher level of partnership:
“At our school, we have recognized non-formal education as an important segment of our students’ development. We strive to involve them in projects, volunteering, and humanitarian activities in order to develop their social competencies. Communication skills will be among the most important for their future employment and life, which is why we are especially pleased to be able to provide them with additional education in this way.”
Focus on the Festival of Secondary School Dramatic Creativity
The President of the “Neretva” Amateur Theatre, Ena Osmanović, recalled that the theatre’s mission—working toward the cultural advancement of young people—was officially adopted at the Assembly in October 2023, and that this Memorandum is a natural continuation of that path.
„Raduje nas činjenica da u našoj zajednici postoji interes za stvaranje uslova za obrazovno-odgojni razvoj mladih kroz kulturu,“ istaknula je Osmanović. „Većina zajedničkih aktivnosti bit će vezana za Festival srednjoškolskog dramskog stvaralaštva BiH, koji je jedan od naših centralnih projekata, ali će se saradnja odvijati tokom čitave školske godine, u skladu sa kapacitetima obje strane.“
Poruka za budućnost
Ovaj Memorandum otvara vrata novim mogućnostima za konjičke srednjoškolce, promovišući umjetnost i obrazovanje kao neraskidive cjeline. Uz podršku lokalnih medija, potpisnici se nadaju da će ovaj čin dodatno podstaći mlade na aktivno učešće u kulturnom životu Konjica.
Nakon obraćanja medijima, uslijedio je i formalni čin potpisivanja i pečatiranja dokumenata, čime je ova saradnja i zvanično ozvaničena.
Izvor teksta i fotografija: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/potpisan-memorandum-o-saradnji-jacanje-kulturne-svijesti-i-neformalnog-obrazovanja-mladih-u-konjicu/
PRIDE OF KONJIC: Sara Osmanović Recipient of the “Golden Badge” from UNSA and the “Golden Medal of the City of Sarajevo”
Last Saturday, a ceremonial graduation and diploma award ceremony was held at the Zetra Hall in Sarajevo for 3,547 graduates and master’s degree recipients of the University of Sarajevo. Among the top students of this generation, Konjic native Sara Osmanović stood out.
In recognition of her exceptional effort, dedication, and academic excellence, Sara was awarded two prestigious honors: the Golden Badge of the University of Sarajevo and the special distinction, the Golden Medal of the City of Sarajevo.
A Blend of Effort and Creativity at the Academy of Fine Arts
Sara completed her undergraduate studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, at the Department of Product Design, where she achieved continuous success throughout her four years of study.
“I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, Department of Product Design. The effort and dedication I invested over these four years have paid off, and I am immensely grateful to the University for recognizing that. The support of my family and friends, as well as my colleagues from the faculty with whom I collaborated, also meant a great deal to me,” Osmanović emphasized.
The results she has achieved and the awards she has received are a clear confirmation of her talent, and new academic and professional challenges already lie ahead for the young designer. Sara has decided to continue her professional development, remaining true to her field.
“I am currently in the second cycle of studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, also at the Department of Product Design. I strive to direct all the knowledge I have gained toward achieving my goals. There are many of them, and one of the key goals is to make everyday human life better and more functional through design,” said the successful young woman from Konjic.
Inspiration for Young Generations
The success of Sara Osmanović represents a strong inspiration for young people in Konjic and beyond. Her journey is proof that with a clear vision, dedication, and creativity, it is possible to achieve notable results that do not go unnoticed within the academic and professional community.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/ponos-konjica-sara-osmanovic-dobitnica-zlatne-znacke-unsa-i-zlatnika-grada-sarajeva/
Students of the “Rezonanca” Music School Gifted Citizens with Two Concerts
This evening, the Rezonanca Konjic Primary Music School held two student concerts in the cinema hall of the Konjic People’s University.
The concerts were held as part of the event “Winter City Konjic 2025.
In the first part of the program, a classical music concert was held, during which students performed compositions on the violin, guitar, piano, and accordion.
Afterwards, the children’s choir performed several pieces, and for one song, members of the creative dance group from the Department of Ballet and Creative Dance also joined the performance.
In the final part of the concert, students of Rezonanca Elementary Music School performed pop and rock compositions, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience in the hall.
The students of Rezonanca Elementary Music School “colored” the December evening in Konjic with beautiful notes, giving the townspeople a pleasant and relaxing experience.
The attendees were welcomed by the director of Rezonanca Elementary Music School, Biljana Handžo, who wished everyone a happy New Year.
Gift packages were distributed to all students of Rezonanca Elementary Music School.
Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/ucenici-oms-rezonanca-gradjanima-poklonili-dva-koncerta/