MetFilm Takes Global Sales for Sundance Winner To Hold a Mountain

MetFilm Sales has acquired the international sales rights to the documentary To Hold a Mountain. The film, directed by Biljana Tutorov and Petar Glomazic, won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026. MetFilm will show the movie to buyers at the European Film Market for the first time. The deal gives the company rights outside North America.

Background

To Hold a Mountain follows the lives of two women in the highlands of Montenegro. Gara, a shepherd, and Nada, the young girl she raises, work the land passed down through their family. They live on the Sinjajevina mountain range, a remote area with stunning views and tough conditions. Gara does most of the heavy work. She tills the soil, grows crops, and moves sheep across the hills to keep life going.

The film spans nearly a decade. It shows Nada growing from a child into a young woman. Viewers see the daily routines that bind them to the land. They make cheese by hand, care for animals, and share simple moments like sleeping close to stay warm on cold nights. Gara calls the mountain her mother. She feels a deep tie to it.

This way of life faces big threats. The Montenegrin military wants to turn the area into a training ground for NATO. The land has UNESCO protection, but that has not stopped the plans. Soldiers show up with tanks and helicopters. Gara leads neighbors in protests. She rides horseback to gather people and speaks out against the change. The film captures rallies where locals chant to show they will not leave.

Gara's story goes beyond the land fight. Nada calls her mother, but Gara is her aunt. Nada's real mother died from abuse by her husband, who is now in prison but may soon get out. This adds another layer of worry for Gara. She protects Nada from past violence while standing up to outside forces. The directors spent years filming to show these struggles and strengths.

The movie blends quiet daily life with bigger conflicts. Close shots of the women and animals mix with wider views of protests and military presence. Cinematographer Eva Kraljevic films the mountains in ways that highlight their beauty and scale. The result shows how care for each other and the land keeps them going.

Key Details

MetFilm Sales, based in London, handles sales for many award-winning films. They picked up To Hold a Mountain after its Sundance premiere. The European Film Market starts soon in Berlin. Buyers from around the world will see the film there. MetFilm plans to sell rights to theaters, streaming services, and TV in different countries.

The documentary runs 105 minutes. It comes from production companies in Serbia, France, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Croatia. Producers include Biljana Tutorov, Megha Agrawal Sood, and Shanida Scotland from InMaat. Tutorov and Glomazic directed it together. Their focus stays on Gara and Nada's bond amid pressures.

Film Content and Style

Viewers first see the pastoral side. Gara and Nada herd sheep in transhumance, moving with seasons. They wash each other's hair and talk about life. Then the tone shifts to activism. Gara debates army officers on TV. She faces generals without fear. Neighbors join her at rallies. The film does not dive deep into NATO's reasons or military details. Instead, it stresses the women's endurance.

One scene shows Gara in a TV studio. Two uniformed officers sit with her. She speaks strongly about saving her mountain. The exchange shows her grit. Another part has her rallying people on horseback. She tells them to stand firm. The cheese she makes becomes a symbol of their local fight.

Reviews note the film's two sides. One is the intimate family story. The other is the environmental battle. Some say the political parts feel less developed, but the human connection shines through. Gara's resolve grows as Nada matures, taking on her strength.

“I’m not worried for myself because no one can defeat me.” – Gara

This line from Gara sums up her spirit. She says it while working the land, facing no sign of weakness.

What This Means

The Sundance win puts To Hold a Mountain in the spotlight. The Grand Jury Prize marks it as a standout in world cinema. MetFilm's involvement opens doors to wider audiences. Festivals, cinemas, and platforms may pick it up. This could bring global attention to the Sinjajevina fight.

For Gara and her community, more eyes on the story might help. Protests have slowed military plans before. International interest could pressure officials. The film shows real people holding onto tradition against modern forces.

The deal fits MetFilm's track record with docs. They often take strong festival hits to markets. Buyers look for stories with heart and timely issues. Environmental fights, women's strength, and rural life draw interest now. Streaming services seek such content for diverse lineups.

Montenegro's highlands stay under threat. The military push continues. Gara keeps leading. Nada grows into the role. Their story in To Hold a Mountain now reaches beyond the mountains. MetFilm's sales push could land deals in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. This spreads word of their stand.

The film's makers aimed to capture persistence. Tutorov and Glomazic filmed over years to show change and constancy. Gara's protection of Nada mirrors her land defense. Village women support each other. This solidarity stands against patriarchy and outside powers.

As the European Film Market nears, eyes turn to Berlin. MetFilm will screen clips and pitch the film. Early buzz from Sundance helps. Buyers weigh the visuals, story, and awards. Success there means more screenings worldwide.

To Hold a Mountain tells of holding ground. Gara and Nada do it daily. Now, with MetFilm, their tale goes global. The mountain they guard gains voices far away.