This documentary film is the crowning achievement of the project “Rural Tourism for Economic Development of Cross-Border Territory,” implemented between 2016 and 2017. The project was funded by the European Union and carried out by the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije in cooperation with its partners.

First Steps Towards Tourism Valorization

When this project began, katuns were seen exclusively as places of hard labor and traditions that were slowly fading away. The film “The Wonderful World of Katuns” captures the moment of transformation—when locals, with the support of the Agency, began to recognize the tourism potential of their way of life. This was the first project in the region to systematically approach katuns as both a cultural and tourism resource.

Key Project Results (2012–2014):

• Solar Energy on the Mountain: Thanks to the project, 50 families in the katuns received solar panels. As the residents in the film explain, this gave them “new eyes” and provided the essential conditions for staying on the mountain and offering services to tourists.

• The Katun Road – Border Peaks: A thematic trail spanning 160 km was established and marked with signage, connecting the katuns from Čakor to Hajla.

• Infrastructure for Tourists: Campsites and rest areas were set up, and locals underwent training to help turn their natural hospitality into a sustainable business.

A Lasting Tradition

The film takes us through the daily lives of the planinkas (mountain women) who prepare cheese and skorup (clotted cream) exactly as it has been done for centuries. It documents not only the hard work but also the incredible optimism of people who, despite harsh conditions, refuse to leave their mountain hearths. From milking sheep to the humor that accompanies encounters with foreign tourists, “The Wonderful World of Katuns” is an authentic record of a parallel world offering peace, healthy food, and untouched nature.