Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has met Hollywood star Johnny Depp who produces and plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith in the independent drama “Minamata.” The production that started in Japan now continues in Belgrade.

Vucic thanked Depp because “he believed in Serbia” and decided to produce and act in it, according to accounts. “Serbia has become the Hollywood of Balkans due to the decree on assistance to foreign film produces which is in force for four years. Numerous filmmakers are coming to our country, satisfied with the conditions, the level of professionalism of our film workers and state support”, Vucic posted on Instagram.

The story of “Minamata” started with Smith as a recluse, with the glory days of World War II far behind him, Variety reported last year. “But an old friend and a commission from Life Magazine editor Ralph Graves convince him to journey back to Japan to expose a big story: the devastating annihilation of a coastal community through mercury poisoning”./IBNA