Sarajevo-born Kusturica is an internationally acclaimed director who declared himself as a Serb national during the war in Bosnia and many Bosniaks hold this against him.

At the same time the Serb member of the collective presidency, Nebojsa Radmanovic, issued a statement contesting the decision of the chair of Bosnia’s tripartite Presidency, Zeljko Komsic, who told the armed forces to suspend a Defence Ministry decision to rent out military equipment, ammunition and soldiers for the purposes of the shooting.

The Sarajevo-based Oslobodjenje daily cited Bosnian member of the presidency Bakir Izetbegovic as saying that director Emir Kusturica would not get Bosnia’s military equipment „although he is a great director, but he is even a greater traitor of his people.“

„As far as I am concerned, and I am one of the decision makers, Mr. Kusturica will not get my support for any of his work.,“ Oslobodjenje cited the Bosniak member of the presidency as saying.

The office of the Croat member of the presidency Komsic, who is also the presidency chairman, said the permission to use Bosnia military equipment for the shooting of Kusturica’s film had been denied, as there the state leadership had not reached a consent about it. The Presidency said it was not consulted about the request, which violated procedures, as the Presidency exercises supreme authority over the army, the statement said. Komsic’s office said that the Presidency as a whole would later consider approving the request to rent equipment and soldiers – when it receives it officially.

The office of the Bosnian Serb representative Radmanovic, however said Komsic’s decision did not reflect the position of the presidency, particularly not Radmanovic’s position.

Kusturica said he had all the necessary permits to start shooting the movie, adding that the allegations that he was not allowed to use Bosnia’s military equipment were rumours spread by individuals from Sarajevo.

Italian actress Monica Belluci will play a spy in the new Kusturica movie, the filming of which started in the south-east Herzegovinian town of Trebinje.

Kusturica said earlier this week that he will play the main male role in the film, co-written by him and his daughter, Dunja.

Bellucci said she will be acting in Serbian and is still learning the language, which is hard for her.

Kusturica said he chose Bellucci for the role because she is a very feminine actress, suitable for playing the role of a spy who sacrifices herself for love.

Bellucci will stay in Trebinje for around ten days and then move to other locations in Bosnia, namely Mt Zelengora, Mokra Gora, Kamen Gora, Prijepolje and Hutovo Blato.

Kusturica announced in Trebinje that he aims to finish filming the movie by November and plans to premiere it at the Cannes Film Festival. (Hina)