Croatian Films 2009/2010 Feature Films Vision, Talent and Passion

Croatian Films 2009/2010 Feature Films vision, talent and passion

1 Impressum

Publisher: Croatian Audiovisual Centre / Zagreb, January 2010 Published by Croatian Audiovisual Centre Editors: Sanja Ravlić, Ivana Ivišić, Marko Škobalj Department of Promotion and International Translation and Proofreading: Marcela Škobalj Cooperation Design: Diverzant.org Nova ves 18, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Printed by: Stega tisak Tel: +385 (0)1 6041 080 Fax: +385 (0)1 4667 819 A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the National and URL: www.havc.hr University Library in Zagreb under 728322 E-mail: [email protected] ISBN: 978-953-55208-5-6

2 The New Golden Age: Vision, Talent and Passion

Croatia may be a small country but it has a remarkably vibrant film industry and an impressive wealth of Animation has been a serious art form in Croatia since the 1950’s. Today’s animators draw on this rich local talent, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Our domestically-produced film output has tradition while embracing new digital technologies and enriching contemporary life and culture in the whole attracted a lot of overseas interest in recent years and what we may lack in terms of general number of films region. Their films are reaching new audiences and winning awards at domestic and international festivals, made we more than make up for through the vision, talent and passion of our filmmakers. while a feature-length animated film The Rainbow proves that Croatian animation has plenty more surprises in store for everyone. Croatian films come in all styles and genres, from art-house films to mainstream movies and family-orientated comedies. They draw on the whole range of human experience and frequently focus on some uncomfortable Croatian experimental films have always had a strong presence on the international scene and many Croatian truths while at the same time showing that, in the end, there is hope for all of us. Stylistic diversity and a authors specializing in this art form have earned worldwide recognition. This is partly because experimental high volume of production for such a small country are the two prevailing characteristics of modern Croatian film has a venerable history in Croatia dating back to the 1960’s and partly because a dedicated film fund has cinema. supported the work of experimental filmmakers since 2000. We, at the Croatian Audiovisual Centre are proud to continue to support this important artistic tradition. The year 2009 was a high point for lovers of Croatian feature films, with a record number of new films on general domestic release, or premiering at the national feature film festival in Pula. Many of these films also Since it first opened its doors in January 2008, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre has been dedicated made their mark on the international festival circuit. In addition, there was a steady rise in the number of to fostering talent and creativity. As the main strategic film body in the country, it is our aim to build a international co-productions with Croatian participation, and an increase in the number of talented Croatian sustainable, competitive and innovative audiovisual sector in the country for years to come. actors appearing in prestigious international feature film productions. For those of you already familiar with Croatian cinema, this booklet is an invitation to re-discover this This year, for the first time, a Croatian actress took her place alongside nine other young European actors distinctive, emotionally charged world. For those of you who are being introduced to Croatian cinema for the chosen for the prestigious pan-European initiative “Shooting Stars”, which showcases Europe’s best young very first time, please accept our invitation to explore the art, craft and heart of Croatian filmmaking as we acting talent. The actress in question, Zrinka Cvitešić, is one of the stars in this year’s Berlinale official welcome you to the new golden age of Croatian cinema. contender, On the Path, directed by Jasmila Žbanić.

Documentary films are enjoying worldwide success at the moment and Croatia is no exception in following In memoriam: Ante Babaja, Zvonimir Berković, Vanja Drach, Emil Glad, Duško Jeričević, Daniel Marušić, this trend. The quantity and quality of documentaries made in Croatia is staggering. Thematically, Croatian Vladimir Puhalo, Vedran Šamanović, Ilija Zovko. documentary makers often share a passion for social justice, while taking diverse and fresh approaches to their subject matter. Croatian Audiovisual Center | Hrvatski audiovizualni centar We also need to mention short films as they play a vital role in helping aspiring filmmakers to break into the mainstream while also offering more established auteurs a vehicle for getting back to basics and re-examining the very nature of filmmaking. The former proved true for newcomer Goran Odvorčić whose short Ciao Mama appeared in the Official Competition in Cannes in 2009, as well as established filmmakers like Dalibor Matanić whose film Party won numerous festival awards at home and abroad, or Zvonimir Jurić whose short Yellow Moon will be screened in competition as part of this year’s prestigious Berlinale Shorts programme.

4 5 Feature Films 2009

The Blacks | Crnci 6 Closeness | Blizine 8 Donkey | Kenjac 10 I Believe in Angels | Vjerujem u anđele 12 In the Land of Wonders | U zemlji čudesa 14 Love Life of a Gentle Coward | Ljubavni život domobrana 16 The Man Under the Table | Čovjek ispod stola 18 Metastases | Metastaze 20 Zagreb Stories | Zagrebačke priče 22 Awards | Festivals • Sarajevo Film Festival 2009 – Competition Programme • Film Festival Cottbus 2009 – FIPRESCI Award; Lubina Special Prize for Best Director • Author Film Festival 2009 - Grand Prix Aleksandar Saša Petrović Award • Ljubljana International Film Festival 2009 – The Kingfisher Award • CinePécs V. Moveast International Film Festival 2009 - Duna TV Award • Pula Film Festival 2009 - Golden Arena for Best 2009 | 78’ | 35 mm | Colour Director; Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Directed by The Blacks Zvonimir Jurić & Goran Dević Crnci

Zvonimir Jurić (1971) graduated from the Zagreb War. The truce has been recently signed and Cast Ivo Gregurević, Franjo Dijak, Krešimir Mikić, Rakan Kinorama Academy of Dramatic Art in 1999. Since then, he the squad known as “The Blacks” needs to be Rushaidat, Nikša Butijer, Emir Hadžihafizbegović Štoosova 25 wrote and directed the feature film The One Who 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia disbanded. Ivo, the squad commander, plans a Written by Goran Dević & Zvonimir Jurić Will Stay Unnoticed (2003), as well as several Tel: +385 1 231 67 87 acclaimed documentaries (Willow, The Sky mission to retrieve the bodies of three of his men Cinematography Branko Linta H.F.S. Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 Below Osijek). His fiction short Yellow Moon from the forest. The surviving members of the E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Ankica Jurić Tilić (2009) was selected for prestigious Berlinale squad move into action and find that the enemy www.kinorama.hr Shorts Programme in 2010. they have been searching for is where they least Production Company Kinorama; in association with expect – inside themselves. HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision

Goran Dević (1971) graduated from the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art where he currently teaches at the Department of TV and Film Directing. A selection of his award-winning documentaries include: Imported Crows (2004), I Have Nothing Nice to Say to You (2006), Three (2008) and Happy Land (2009). The Blacks, which he co-wrote and co-directed with Zvonimir Jurić marks his debut as a feature filmmaker.

Directed by Closeness Zdravko Mustać Blizine

Zdravko Mustać (1961) attended the Film School of Two strangers: a man and a woman meet in Cast Anica Kovačević, Damir Klemenić Hrvatski filmski savez / Croatian Film Clubs’ Cinema Club in Split, Croatia. To this date he has Association an elevator. When the elevator gets stuck, Written by Zdravko Mustać written and directed over 30 short experimental irreconciable differences between two protagonists Tuškanac 1 films and documentaries, among which Bastion Cinematography Boris Poljak 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia (2007) and Planktoni (2005), that were shown at resurface. What follows is a surreal interplay of Tel: +385 1 484 87 71 Produced by Vera Robić-Škarica many international film festivals. Closeness is his passion and dreams and a confrontation that Fax: +385 1 484 87 64 debut feature film. evolves into a ruthless fight for survival. Production Company Hrvatski filmski savez / Croatian Film E-mail: [email protected] Clubs’ Association www.hfs.hr

10 11 Awards | Festivals • International Film Festival Rotterdam 2010 – Official Selection: Bright Future Programme • Göteborg International Film Festival 2010 - Five Continents Section • Sarajevo Film Festival 2009 - Competition Programme • Palm Springs Film Festival 2009 - Best Foreign Language Film • Pula Film Festival 2009 - Golden Arena for Best Screenplay; Best Cinematography; Oktavijan Award 2009 | 90’ | 35 mm | Colour | 2nd Feature given by the Croatian Film Critics’ Association

Directed by Donkey Antonio Nuić Kenjac

Antonio Nuić (1977) graduated from the Academy www.donkeyfilm.com Cast Nebojša Glogovac, Nataša Janjić, Ljubomir Kiki Kapor, Propeler Film of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. His critically acclaimed Tonko Lonza SC, Savska 25 first feature All for Free (2006) won the Golden 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia It is the summer of 1995, on the eve of the military Written by Antonio Nuić Arena for Best Film; Best Screenplay and Best Tel: +385 1 482 94 77 Director at the national Pula Film Festival 2006, as action that will end the war in Croatia. Boro Cinematography Mirko Pivčević Fax: +385 1 459 36 91 well as the Heart of Sarajevo Award for Best Male returns with his wife and son to his native village in E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Boris T. Matić Leading Role at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2006. Herzegovina to visit his wheelchair-bound brother www.propelerfilm.com Petar. It is his first visit home in 8 years. He has Production Company Propeler Film; in co-production with fallen out with his father whom he blames for his MaNuFaktura (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Film and Music Entertainment (United Kingdom); Baš Čelik (Serbia); in mother’s death. But history is repeating itself: association with HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision Boro quarrels constantly with his wife, just as his father did before him. Events force Boro to make peace with his father, wife and son. All this, in part, comes to pass, when Boro’s uncle brings home an unwanted donkey.

Directed by I Believe in Angels Nikša Sviličić Vjerujem u anđele

Nikša Sviličić (1970) graduated from the Academy www.vjerujemuandjele.com Cast Dolores Lambaša, Vedran Mlikota, Aljoša Vučković, Mile Master Film of Dramatic Art in Zagreb in 1994. He also Kekin, Damir Mihanović Ćubi Strma ulica 8 obtained a degree in journalism and museology. 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia This romantic tragicomedy is set on a Croatian Written by Nikša Sviličić He received a Fulbright Scholarship for his Tel: +385 98 318 063 postgraduate studies at the Harvard University island where the local postman has a secret habit: Cinematography Nenad Suvačarov-Lipi E-mail: [email protected] and the University of Ohio. I Believe in Angels is he enjoys reading his fellow islanders’ mail. When www.master-film.hr Produced by Nikša Sviličić his debut feature. a mysterious beautiful young woman moves to the island, she disrupts the everyday life of the locals, Production Company Proactiva; in association with captures the imagination of many men and forces HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision the postman’s secret into the open.

14 15 Awards | Festivals • Mediterranean Film Days Heidelberg 2010 • Montpellier International Méditerranean Film Festival 2009 - Official Competition • CinePécs V. Moveast International Film Festival 2009 • Pula Film Festival 2009 – Golden Arena for Best 2009 | 93’ | 35 mm | Colour Actress in a Supporting Role

Directed by In the Land of Wonders Dejan Šorak U zemlji čudesa

Dejan Šorak (1954) graduated from the Academy The story, which moves between rural Bosnia and Cast Franjo Kuhar, Marija Stjepanović, Dora Lipovčan, Borko Interfilm of Dramatic Art in Zagreb in 1978. He directed Zagreb, begins in the Bosnian wasteland, where Perić Nova ves 45/2 several feature films, television films and 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia NATO troops carry out their military training and Written by Dejan Šorak documentaries, as well as theatrical productions Tel: +385 1 466 72 90 and radio dramas. His award-winning features, a girl named Alica collects old grenade shell Cinematography Vjekoslav Vrdoljak Fax: +385 1 466 70 22 The Time of Warriors (1991), Garcia (1999) and fragments with her uncle. He trades fragments E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Ivan Maloča Two Players from the Bench (2005) were shown illegally and hides the illicit goods in his niece’s www.interfilm.hr at many international film festivals. room. The story is set in the ironically named “land Production Company Interfilm; in association with Tivoli - of wonders”: a ravaged landscape, contaminated Filmproductions Ltd. (Hungary), HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision by war, suffering, fear and depleted uranium. This “wonderland” serves as a backdrop for a unique anti-fairytale, drawing on a diverse range of storytelling traditions.

Directed by Love Life of a Gentle Coward Pavo Marinković Ljubavni život domobrana

Pavo Marinković (1967) graduated from the Saša is an unsuccesful writer who works as a Cast Nenad Cvetko, Dijana Vidušin, Siniša Popović, Jan Budar, Alka Film Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. He currently restarurant critic. His life starts to change when Zoran Čubrilo Dedići 21 works as a playwright, television and film 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia he meets and falls in love with Ines who works Written by Pavo Marinković scriptwriter. In 2001, he wrote the screenplay Tel: +385 1 467 41 85 for Dražen Žarković’s feature film Go, Yellow!. in a private sports centre. However, things get Cinematography Vedran Šamanović Fax: +385 1 467 41 85 Together with Žarković, he co-directed Tressette complicated when he writes a bad review for the E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Jozo Patljak - a Story of an Island (2006), which screened at restaurant owned by a well-connected man. To get www.alka-film.hr more than 30 international film festivals winning his life in order, Saša has to face up to all of his Production Company Alka Film; in association with 6 awards altogether. Love Life of a Gentle character flaws. HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision Coward is his first feature film.

18 19 Awards | Festivals 2009 | 80’ | 35 mm | Colour • Pula Film Festival 2009 – National Competition

Directed by The Man Under the Table Neven Hitrec Čovjek ispod stola

Neven Hitrec (1967) graduated from the Academy Welcome to the microcosmic world of a street Cast Luka Petrušić, Jelena Lopatić, Marija Škaričić, Damir Interfilm of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. His previous two market on the outskirts of Zagreb. All human life is Lončar, Višnja Babić Nova ves 45/2 feature films: Madonna (1999) and Sleep Sweet, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia there: traders, thieves, prostitutes, self-appointed Written by Hrvoje Hitrec, Vjekoslav Domini My Darling (2005), as well as several short Tel: +385 1 466 72 90 documentaries, were screened internationally and security guards and other lost souls. We meet Cinematography Stanko Herceg H.F.S. Fax: +385 1 466 70 22 have received numerous awards. Groš, a young man with learning difficulties, who E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Ivan Maloča sleeps under a market stall at night; Suri, a petty www.interfilm.hr loan shark; his girlfriend Lidija, an unhappy salesgirl Production Company Interfilm; in association with and a host of other characters, each with their HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision unique ideas or passions. We follow the tragicomic, mutually intertwined mini dramas of each character, as they fight to save the marketplace itself, when city planners threaten to destroy it.

20 21 Awards | Festivals • Pusan International Film Festival 2009 – World Cinema Selection • Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2009 • Moscow International Film Festival 2009 – Perspectives Competition Program • Pula Film Festival 2009 – Golden Arena for Best 2009 | 85’ | 35 mm | Colour Film; Best Actor in a Leading Role

Directed by Metastases Branko Schmidt Metastaze

Branko Schmidt (1957) graduated from the Metastases depicts the lives of a young generation Cast Rene Bitorajac, Franjo Dijak, Rakan Rushaidat, Robert Telefilm Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. His rich who grew up during the Croatian Homeland War Ugrina A. Vramca 4 career boasts seven award-winning feature films 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia and the subsequent postwar years. It explores their Written by Ognjen Sviličić; based on a novel by Ivo Balenović screened at the international film festivals around Tel: +385 1 481 88 43 the world, among which the most memorable: struggle to adapt to the new rules of merciless Cinematography Dragan Ruljančić Fax: +385 1 481 88 39 Sokol Did Not Love Him (1988), Christmas capitalism. The story follows 4 friends and begins E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Stanislav Babić in Vienna (1997), Queen of the Night (2001), when one of them, a former drug addict, returns The Melon Route (2006), and a feature length home after 3 years at a rehabilitation centre. Production Company Telefilm; in association with documentary Bad Blue Boys (2007). HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision, Refresh Production (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lux film (Serbia)

22 23 2009 | 110’ | 35 mm | Colour, B&W Zagreb Stories Zagrebačke priče

The Zagreb Stories is a feature length omnibus film Yellow Moon | Žuti mjesec Produced by Boris T. Matić Directed by Zvonimir Jurić consisting of nine stories by different authors. The Production Company Propeler Film city’s neighbourhoods serve as the main inspiration Cast Lana Barić, Marija Škaričić and backdrop for each story. The Smartest Neighbourhood in the State | Najpametnije naselje u državi A Slap in the Face | Šamar Directed by Ivan Ramljak & Marko Škobalj Directed by Nebojša Slijepčević Cast Ivan Žada, Zlatko Burić Kićo, Ivan Džaja, Ivan Krželj Cast Ivan Komušar, Mijo Takač, Saša Maglai, Damir Železnik- Piko Game Over Film by Goran Odvorčić and Matija Kluković for Asja Directed by Dario Pleić Jovanović and Andrea Rumenjak | Film Gorana Odvorčića i Cast Frano Mašković, Ivana Roščić, Aldin Omerović, Zrinka Matije Klukovića za Asju Jovanović i Andreu Rumenjak Cvitešić Directed by Goran Odvorčić & Matija Kluković Cast Asja Jovanović, Andrea Rumenjak Bill Collector | Inkasator Directed by Igor Mirković Špansko the Continent | Špansko kontinent Cast Marija Kohn, Pero Kvrgić, Inge Appelt, Filip Karabelj, Kruno Propeler Film Directed by Ivan Sikavica Belko SC, Savska 25 Cast Filip Lozić, Filip Detelić, Slaven Španović, Ivan Bošnjak 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Channel | Kanal Tel: +385 1 482 94 77 Recycling | Recikliranje Directed by Zoran Sudar Fax: +385 1 459 36 91 Directed by Branko Ištvančić Cast Adnan Roma, Ivana Seferović, Danko Ljuština, Suzana E-mail: [email protected] Cast Slaven Knezović, Ana Maras, Asim Ugljen, Erol Neziri Nikolić, Dušan Bućan www.propelerfilm.com 24 25 Co-productions 2009

Directed by First of All, Felicia Melissa de Raaf & Razvan Radulescu Felicia, inainte de toate | Prije svega, Felicia

Sales Melissa de Raaf (1976) is a Dutch filmmaker, www.feliciafilmul.ro Cast Ozana Ocanea, Ileana Cernat, Vasile Menzel The Match Factory currently studying at the Hochschule für Balthasar str. 79-81 Written by Melissa de Raaf & Razvan Radulescu gestaltung in Karlsruhe, Germany. A forty-year-old Felicia has been visiting her 50 670 Cologne, Germany Cinematography Tudor Lucaciu Tel: +49 221 539 709-0 Razvan Radulescu (1969) is an acclaimed parents in Bucharest for a week and today will fly Fax: +49 221 539 709-10 Produced by Ada Solomon Romanian writer whose screenplays include the home to the Netherlands, where she has lived for E-mail: [email protected] award-winning and critically acclaimed films: Stuff many years. Getting to the airport in company of Production Company Hi Film Productions (Romania); in www.matchfactory.de and Dough by Cristi Puiu (2001), Niki and Flo by her disingenuous, controlling mother turns out to co-production with Unlimited (France), ARTE (France), FraKas HiFilm Productions Luican Pintilie (2003), The Paper Will Be Blue be a challenge. When she misses check-in by a few Productions (Belgium), Kinorama (Croatia) by Radu Muntean (2006). Razvan is best known 149, Traian st, minutes, unyielding airline employees do nothing to for his screenplay for internationally acclaimed 024043 Bucharest, Romania film The Death of Mr Lazarescu by Cristi Puiu help her. Mother and daughter are left to navigate Tel: + 4021 252 48 67 (2005). the no-man’s land of the airport while circling land Fax: + 4021 252 48 67 mines in their relationship. E-mail: [email protected] www.hifilm.ro

Kinorama Štoosova 25 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Tel: + 385 1 231 67 87 Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 E-mail: [email protected] www.kinorama.hr 28 29 Awards | Festivals • Berlin International Film Festival 2010 - Official 2009 | 100’ | 35 mm | Colour | 2nd Feature Competition

Directed by On the Path Jasmila Žbanić Na putu

Jasmila Žbanić (1974) is a film director from Luna and Amar, orphans of the Bosnian conflict, Cast Zrinka Cvitešić, Leon Lučev, Ermin Bravo, Nina Violić, Sales Bosnia and Herzegovina and a graduate of the share a happy and loving relationship. They Izudin Bajrović, Mirjana Karanović The Match Factory Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo. She started Balthasar str. 79-81 are trying to leave the painful past behind and Written by Jasmila Žbanić her directing career upon founding an artists’ 50 670 Cologne, Germany association in Sarajevo called “Deblokada” in they hope to create a family. Amar, an air traffic Cinematography Christine A. Maier Tel: +49 221 539 709-0 1997, directing shorts and documentaries. Her controller, has an alcohol problem: one day he Fax: +49 221 539 709-10 Produced by Damir Ibrahimović, Bruno Wagner, Barbara debut feature film Grbavica/In the Land of My is caught drinking at work and gets suspended. E-mail: [email protected] Albert, Karl Baumgartner, Leon Lučev Dreams (2006) was awarded The Golden Bear Everything changes when Amar meets an old www.matchfactory.de in Berlin in 2006. This film has been sold to more war buddy by chance: his friend is now a strict Production Company Deblokada Production; in co-production than 45 territories world-wide and has enjoyed with Coop99 (Austria), Pola Pandora (Germany), Produkcija Deblokada Production but contented Muslim. At first, Amar resists his a huge critical acclaim and success on the Živa (Croatia) Kranjčevićeva 43 international film festivals’ circuit since. friend’s offer of spiritual advice, but he changes his 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina view after hearing a sermon in a mosque. Amar’s Tel: +387 33 668 559 new-found faith will tear this relationship with Luna Fax: +385 1 466 21 00 apart. E-mail: [email protected] www.deblokada.ba

Produkcija Živa Heinzlova 47 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Tel: +385 1 466 21 00 Fax: +385 1 466 21 00 [email protected] 30 31 Awards | Festivals • International Film Festival Rotterdam 2010 - Official Selection: Spectrum Programme • Toronto International Film Festival 2009 - Contemporary World Cinema Programme • Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinèma 2009 – International Panorama Programme • Sarajevo Film Festival 2009 – Competition Program • London Raindance Film Festival 2009 - United 2009 | 87’ | 35 mm | Colour States Of Europe Programme

Directed by The Slovenian Girl Damjan Kozole Slovenka

Damjan Kozole (1964) is one of the most www.slovenka.si Cast Nina Ivanišin, Peter Musevski, Primož Pirnat, Maruša Kink, Vertigo / Emotionfilm prominent Slovenian film directors. Uroš Furst, Aljoša Kovačič, Dejan Spasić, Andrej Murenc Kersnikova 4, SI His feature film Spare Parts (2003) premiered in 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Alexandra, a 23-year-old student from a broken Written by Damjan Kozole, Ognjen Sviličić, Matevž Luzar Official Competition of the Berlin International Film Tel: +386 1 439 70 80 Festival and has subsequently won several awards home, is about to start writing her thesis. Nobody Cinematography Aleš Belak Fax: +386 1 430 35 30 and been released theatrically in around 15 states, close to her is aware that Alexandra runs personal E-mail: [email protected] Production Company Vertigo / Emotionfilm; in co-production including UK and USA. Since then, he directed ads under the nickname “The Slovenian Girl” and www.emotionfilm.si/slovenka with 4 Film (Croatia), Neue Mediopolis Film (Germany), Filmska feature films Labour Equals Freedom (2004) that prostitution is her secret source of income. kuća Baš Čelik (Serbia), Krug Films (Macedonia) 4 Film and Forever (2008) that premiered at International Alexandra, who is very good at manipulating people, Film Festival Rotterdam. Bauerova 6 is an accomplished liar and a petty thief who hates 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia her mother. Tel: +385 1 482 87 74 Fax: +385 1 482 87 75 E-mail: [email protected] www.4film.hr

32 33 2009 | 114’ | 35 mm | Colour

Directed by Some Other Stories Ivona Juka, Ines Tanović, Marija Neke druge priče Džidževa, Hanna Slak, Ana Maria Rossi

Ivona Juka (Croatia) is a scriptwriter and director. Five stories directed by five female directors Cast Nera Stipičević, Goran Bogdan, Nataša Ninković, Sergej 4 Film Her award-winning creative documentary Facing from five Balkan countries, challenging five pre- Trifunović, Feđa Štukan, Nina Violić, Iva Zendelska, Lucija Bauerova 6 The Day (2006) enjoyed a very successful conceived ideas and posing some uncomfortable Šerbedžija 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia theatrical run both in Croatia and in Macedonia. Tel: +385 1 482 87 74 Written by Ivona Juka, Ines Tanović, Gjorche Stavreski, Hanna She is also the author of the award-winning shorts questions. Fax: +385 1 482 87 75 Slak, Ana Maria Rossi Garbage (2004) and Editing (2006), selected and E-mail: [email protected] awarded at numerous international film festivals. Croatia: Do we sometimes play God? Cinematography Mario Oljača, Erol Zubčević, Dejan Dimeski, www.4film.hr Serbia: Is it really possible to forgive? Sven Pepeonik, Radoslav Vladić Macedonia: Imposture? Produced by Anita Juka, Tomi Salkovski, Alem Babić, Nenad Bosnia and Herzegovina: Is there such a thing as Dukić, Dunja Klemenc, Ian W. Davis identity? Production Company 4 Film.; in co-production with Dokument Slovenia: What about the consumerism and Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Skopje Film Studio shallowness of our time? (Macedonia), Studio Maj (Slovenia), See Film Pro (Serbia)

34 35 Feature Films 2010

2010 | 87’ | 35 mm | Colour

Directed by 2 Sunny Days Ognjen Sviličić 2 sunčana dana

Ognjen Sviličić (1971) is a graduate of the Martina and Peter, a married couple who are Cast Maya Sansa, Bristol Pomeroy, Sylvia Kristel, Leon Lučev, Maxima Film Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. In 1999 he growing apart, come to the Croatian coast to Christian Marin B. Adžije 22 directed his debut film Wish I Were a Shark. 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia reconcile their differences and recapture the Written by Ognjen Sviličić His subsequent feature films, Sorry for Kung Tel: +385 1 364 77 00 Fu (2004) and Armin (2007) both had world closeness they once shared. However, they are Cinematography Vedran Šamanović Fax: +385 1 364 77 07 premieres at the Berlin International Film Festival, about to experience a vacation that is anything but E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Damir Terešak as part of the Forum programme. Both films quiet and intimate. Instead, they are embroiled in www.maxima-film.hr have been shown since at over 40 international tension, arguments and emotional isolations, with Production Company Maxima Film; in co-production with film festivals, reaping numerous awards. A well- Martina flirting with a handsome tour guide, and Kinoelektron (France) renowned film and television scriptwriter and Peter’s nerves increasingly on edge. All this turmoil highly esteemed script editor and consultant, Ognjen also works as well as a screenwriting tutor ultimately draws them into a life-or-death situation. the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art.

38 39 Estimated date of completion 03/2010

2010 | 85’ | 35 mm | Colour | Debut Feature

Directed by 72 Days Danilo Šerbedžija 72 dana

Danilo Šerbedžija (1971) pursued his film studies The American pension of Grandpa Đurađ is paid to Cast Rade Šerbedžija, Krešimir Mikić, Bogdan Diklić, Živko Interfilm at The School of Film, Ohio University of Athens, his widow Neđa and is the only source of income Anočić, Mira Banjac Nova ves 45/2 Ohio. He has a number of documentaries, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia for the Paripović family. When Neđa suddenly dies Written by Danilo Šerbedžija award-winning shorts and music videos under his Tel: +385 1 466 72 90 belt, as well as a fair number of TV sitcoms. 72 their very existence is threatened and the head of Cinematography Sasha Rendulic Fax: +385 1 466 70 22 Days is his first feature film boasting a strong the family devises a cunning plan. E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Ivan Maloča ensemble cast composed of some of the biggest www.interfilm.hr ex-Yugoslav screen stars and some of the most Production Company Interfilm; in co-production with promising Croatian acting talent. HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision, Vans (Serbia), Lijeni Film (Croatia)

40 41 Estimated date of completion 03/2010

2010 | 100’ | 35 mm | Colour | Debut Feature

Directed by Forest Creatures Ivan-Goran Vitez Šuma summarum

Ivan-Goran Vitez is best known as a director of the A young Dutchman Rinus Jongbloed, the new boss Cast Vilim Matula, Hana Hegedušić, Nataša Dangubić, Ljubiša Kinorama provocative short The Death of the Seals (2000), of a Croatian marketing agency, has organized a Savanović Štoosova 25 awarded at Zagreb Film Festival in 2005 and as a 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia teambuilding weekend of rafting and paintball for Written by Ivan-Goran Vitez director of the controversial and never publically Tel: +385 1 231 67 87 screened documentary Small Hands (2001), a his employees. On the very first day, while the team Cinamatography Tamara Cesarec Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 candid look at the national film festival in Pula. is rafting, a tragic incident occurs. As the night E-mail: [email protected] Produced by Ankica Jurić Tilić Forest Creatures is his debut feature. approaches everyone realizes that the lives of the www.kinorama.hr survivors will never be the same again. Production Company Kinorama

42 43 Estimated date of completion 03/2010

2010 | 89’ | 35mm | Colour

Directed by Just Between Us Rajko Grlić Neka ostane među nama

Rajko Grlić (1947) graduated from FAMU (Film A naughty, indiscreet comedy of manners set in Cast Miki Manojlović, Bojan Navojec, Ksenija Marinković, Daria Sales and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts) Zagreb. Erotic passions are running high bellow Lorenci, Nataša Dorčić, Nina Ivanišin, Živko Anočić, Krešimir Wide Management Bravo 40, rue Sainte-Anne in Prague, in 1971. His second feature film the respectable surface of the middle-class life. We Mikić, Helena Buljan, Nikola Črček Maestro (1978) was shown in Official Competition 75002 Paris, France Written by Rajko Grlić, Ante Tomić in Cannes in 1978. Some of his subsequent follow the stories of 2 brothers and their respective Tel: +33 1 539 50464 features The Melody Haunts My Reverie / You spouses and lovers – as well as children who don’t Cinematography Slobodan Trninić H.F.S. Email: [email protected] Love Only Once (0981), In the Jaws of Life know who their real fathers are. www.widemanagement.com Produced by Igor A. Nola (1985), Charuga (1991), Josephine (2001) and Mainframe Production Border Post (2006), have enjoyed the world-wide Production Company Mainframe Production; in co-production theatrical release, and have received numerous with NP7 (Croatia), Studio Maj (Slovenia), Yodi (Serbia); in Nova cesta 60 awards at prestigious international film festivals. association with Eurimages 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Rajko Grlić is an Ohio Eminent Scholar in Film at Tel: +385 1 382 20 22 Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and the Artistic Fax: +385 1 483 60 39 Director of Motovun Film Festival, Croatia. E-mail: [email protected] www.mainframeproduction.com

44 45 Awards | Festivals Estimated date of completion 05/2010 • Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2009 / Balkan Film Fund - Script Development Award 2010 | 90’ | 35 mm | Colour • Sarajevo Film Festival – CineLink

Directed by Mother of Asphalt Dalibor Matanić Majka asfalta

Dalibor Matanić (1975) studied film and television Mare is aware that her marriage with Janko Cast Marija Škaričić, Janko Popović-Volarić, Krešimir Mikić Kinorama directing at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Štoosova 25 is falling to pieces. At one point, her husband, Written by Dalibor Matanić, Tomislav Zajec Zagreb. His films have won awards at national frustrated by his own inability to mend their 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia and international film festivals, among which 5 Cinematography Branko Linta H.F.S. Tel: +385 1 231 67 87 internationally acclaimed and awarded features relationship, lashes out and hits her. She leaves Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 Produced by Ankica Jurić Tilić The Cashier Wants to Go to the Seaside him, taking their young son with her. While Janko E-mail: [email protected] (2000), Fine Dead Girls (2002), 100 Minutes slowly realizes the error of his ways, Mare and her Production Company Kinorama; in association with www.kinorama.hr of Glory (2005), I Love You (2006) and Kino son find comfort in the company of a lonely security HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision Lika (2008). His two shorts The Drought (2002) guard. and Party (2009), first two films in an omnibus 6/6, were shown respectivelly in official selection of Directors’ Fornight (2003) and Critics’ Week (2009) and subsequently screened and awarded at over 50 international film festivals.

46 47 Directed by Caruso Fashion Tension Directed by Lordan Zafranović Caruso Visoka modna napetost Filip Šovagović

Jadran Film Debut Feature In pre-production | 2nd Feature Zona Sova Oporovečka 12, Mesnička 14 Written by Borislav Vujčić Production Company Zona sova 10 040 Zagreb, Croatia 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Produced by Vinko Grubišić Tel: +385 1 292 80 00 Tel: +385 1 485 11 45 Production Company Jadran Film This satire paraphrases a Biblical story about Noah and the Ark. It all Fax: +385 1 285 13 94 starts on the hottest day of the summer when a renowned Italian fashion E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] A humble sweeper believes that he is possessed by the spirit of the designer Giancarlo Mazukel comes to a small island with his companion www.jadran-film.com late, great Enrico Caruso, the world-famous Italian opera singer. Caruso and muse – a male fashion model called Teo Andreo. They intend to is a nostalgic, bittersweet comedy about a tragicomic figure, set in an settle on the island for good that, of course, leads to a head-on collision Adriatic coastal town, on the eve of WWII. between two utterly different worlds

Lordan Zafranović (1944) is an acclaimed Croatian film director. He graduated from Filip Šovagović (1966) studied at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. He has directed FAMU (Film and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts) in Prague, in 1981. Zafranović and wrote numerous plays that have been translated and staged throughout the world – Chronicle of a Crime started directing in the early 1960’s and his films include (1973) and from Buenos Aires to Bombay. He acted in more than 40 films and in numerous theatre Passion According to Matthew Occupation in 26 Pictures (1975), (1978) shown in plays. His debut feature was Pušća Bistra (2005). Official Competition in Cannes in 1979, The Fall of Italy (1981) and Evening Bells (1986). He also made documentaries that include The Decline of the Century: Testament L.Z (1994) and a feature film in Czech Republic called Revenge (1995).

Directed by Children of the Fall Koko and the Ghosts Directed by Mladen Dizdar Djeca jeseni Koko i duhovi Daniel Kušan

Corvus Film Written by Zvonimir Munivrana In pre-production | Debut Feature Kinorama Milana Rešetara 5, Produced by Zvonimir Munivrana Štoosova 25 Directed by Daniel Kušan 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Production Company Corvus Film; in co-production with Arsmedia (Slovenia) 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Written by Daniel Kušan, Ivan Kušan Tel: +385 1 389 30 27 Tel: +385 1 231 67 87 Produced by Ankica Jurić Tilić Fax: +385 1 389 30 27 Marko’s wife disappeared in a mountaineering expedition three years Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 Production Company Kinorama E-mail: [email protected] ago. He now lives alone with their daughter and is visited frequently by E-mail: [email protected] www.corvusfilm.hr a mutual family friend. A forensic technician himself, Marko is facing a Young Koko has just moved with his parents from the idyllic countryside www.kinorama.hr dilemma: to continue seeking evidence that proves his wife is still alive to a big city. There, with help of his neighbour and friend, he investigates or to move on and embrace new life without her. But Marko knows much a mysterious case of a dead old man who used to live in his flat and has, more about the whereabouts of his wife than he lets on. it seems, begun to re-appear as a ghost. Koko and the Ghosts is a family Mladen Dizdar (1976) is a director, cameraman, photographer and steadicam operator. film based on a popular Croatian series of young-adult novels. In 1996 he enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. He made commercial Daniel Kušan (1975) studied at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. Since 1998 he has films and continues to work as an independent cameraman for numerous domestic and worked as a film and TV director. Besides making several TV series, short films and a TV international TV houses. feature film, he has also worked in theatre and published several short stories.

48 49 Directed by Kotlovina The Little Gipsy Witch Directed by Tomislav Radić Kotlovina Duh babe Ilonke Tomislav Žaja

Korugva In post-production In pre-production | Debut Feature Formula Film Zajčeva 31 Rapska 46 b Cast Melita Jurišić, Mirela Brekalo, Suzana Nikolić, Igor Kovač Written by Irena Krčelić 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Written by Tomislav Radić Produced by Boris Dmitrović Tel: +385 91 418 36 99 Tel: +385 1 295 01 70, Cinematography Vedran Šamanović Production Company Formula Film Fax: +385 1 243 13 39 +385 98 211 861 Produced by Tomislav Radić E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +385 1 293 11 00 Production Company Korugva The Little Gypsy Witch is a children’s film that portrays the everyday life of an urban Roma family living on the outskirts of a big city, as E-mail: [email protected] www.formulafilm.hr A forty-something widow from Australia comes to Croatia for the first seen through the eyes of the main protagonist, a 9 year-old Roma time after she left as a little girl. She wants to visit her 2 elder sisters girl Manusha. The film’s genre can be described as a combination of and get to know her extended family. She embarks on a clandestine comedy and fantasy with elements of a musical. relationship with her sister’s stepson who is 20 years younger than her. No matter how hard they try, the couple cannot hide their relationship Tomislav Žaja (1967) is a graduate of the FAMU (Film and TV School of Academy of Perfoming Arts) in Prague. In 1995 he set up his production company Gral Film through forever. which he produced and co-produced mainly documentaries, but also two feature films. He Tomislav Radić (1940) graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb in 1973. has written screenplays and has more than thirty documentary films under his belt. As well He directed numerous theatre plays, as well as over forty television documentaries and as two screen adaptation of hit theatre plays. programmes. From 1977 to 1997, he was a tutor at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, Department of Acting. His internationally awarded feature films include The Living Truth (1971), The Harbour (1973), What Iva Recorded on October 21st, 2003 (2005) and Three Stories About Sleeplessness (2008). Directed by Lea and Darija The Man Swallowed by the Sea Directed by Branko Ivanda Lea i Darija Pace kojeg je pojelo more Hrvoje Hribar

Ars Septima In pre-production In pre-production FIZ Production Svačićev trg 10 Pantovčak 5 Written by Branko Ivanda Written by Hrvoje Hribar 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Produced by Lidija Ivanda Produced by Hrvoje Hribar Tel. +385 1 485 65 10 Tel: +385 1 482 35 15 Production Company ArsSeptima; in association with HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision Production Company Fiz Production; in association with Fax: +385 1 485 65 10 Fax: +385 1 482 35 15 HRT / Croatian Radiotelevision E-mail: [email protected] This biographical film is based on the true story of Lea Deutch and E-mail: [email protected] www.ars7.hr Darija Gasteiger, the stars of a famous children’s show in the Croatian The island of Vis may look like heaven on earth, but for Pacifico “Pace” National Theatre during WWII. Lea, nicknamed “The Croatian Shirley Fiamengo, a local fisherman, it’s a free market hell on earth - a place Temple” is an immensely popular and talented actress and dancer. Her where unresolved conflicts rage around a plot of unsold real estate. In chief rival is the theatre’s other big rising star, Darija. Lea is Jewish, while the waters surrounding the island, strange fish keep appearing, while Darija is of German descent. smugglers, refugees, cruisers and pleasure yachts all float aimlessly around. Branko Ivanda (1941) has been a film director for over 30 years: his work includes television feature films and dramas, musicals and documentary shows, as well as theatre Hrvoje Hribar (1962) in 2005 made his most successful film to date What Is a Man productions. In addition, he writes screenplays and essays and occasionally directs Without a Mustache (2005), based on the novel by Ante Tomić, which he wrote, directed commercials. He has directed 4 theatrical feature films: Gravity, or Fantastic Youth of and produced. He also produced, directed and wrote the script for 2 documentaries The Boris Horvat the Clerk (1968), Court Marshal (1979), A Crime in School (1982) and World Is Big (1999) and Once There Was a Man (2001), as well as his first feature The Horseman (2003). His television and big-screen feature films have been shown at film Tranquilizer Gun (1997). In addition, he is the director of award-winning short film many domestic and international festivals. Between Zaghul and Zaharias (1994).

50 51 Directed by Night Boats The Shot Directed by Igor Mirković Noćni brodovi Hitac Robert Orhel

Studio dim In pre-production | Debut Feature In pre-production | Debut Feature Kinorama Ilica 159/2 Štoosova 25 Written by Igor Mirković, Elvis Bošnjak Written by Neven Orhel, Mislav Brumec, Robert Orhel 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Produced by Darija Kulenović Gudan, Marina Andree Škop Produced by Ankica Jurić Tilić Tel: +385 1 390 62 77 Tel: +385 1 231 67 87 Production Company Studio dim Production Copmany Kinorama Fax: +385 1 390 62 78 Fax: +385 1 231 67 88 E-mail: [email protected] www.nightboats.com Ivan and Anita are a young couple happily planning their future together. E-mail: [email protected] www.dim.hr They are not aware Anita’s mother accidentally killed Ivan’s father. When www.kinorama.hr

Awards | Festivals Danica certainly isn’t Juliet and Jakov certainly isn’t Romeo. Yet, Anita finds out the truth, she tells Ivan. She is aware that Ivan misses his • Film Festival Cottbus 2009 – everyone is against their love. So they decide to run away. Danica is 75 father and is afraid that his feelings for her will change. Will he invariably Conecting Cottbus - The Best and Jakov is 80. It’s the same old story about forbidden love, but here think of the loss of his father when he looks at her? Anita starts to doubt Pitch Award love is the way to fight death, to escape the inevitable. Ivan’s love for her and their future together.

Robert Orhel (1975) studied at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. He directed TV Igor Mirković (1965) is a television journalist and director and an award-winning author of series Mammoth, Good Intentions and Theatre at Home and also short films Fly, Fly, L.A. Unfinished television shows and documentaries. Some of his documentaries include Sunny Side of The Saturday and At 4 O’clock. (2008), Happy Child (2003) and Who Wants to be a President? (2001) which he co- directed with Rajko Grlić. He also directed a short film Waste (2008).

Directed by The Other Ivona Juka Drugi

4 Film In pre-production | Debut Feature Bauerova 6 Written by Ivona Juka 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia Produced by Anita Juka Tel: +385 1 482 87 74 Production Company 4 Film; in co-production with Emotionfilm (Slovenia) Fax: +385 1 482 87 75 E-mail: [email protected] A gallery of characters has gathered at the wrap party for a popular www.4film.hr TV soap. While they all scorn the programme they are working on, they Emotionfilm are all playing their parts in a real-life soap of their own: a drama that is Kersnikova 6 sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always recognizably true to life. Ljubljana, Slovenia Ivona Juka is a scriptwriter and director. Her feature documentary Facing The Day (2006) Tel: +386 1 430 35 31 had a very successful theatrical run in Croatia and in Macedonia. She is the author of Fax: +386 1 430 35 30 award-winning short films Garbage (2004) and Editing (2006), selected and awarded at E-mail: [email protected] numerous international film festivals. www.emotionfilm.si

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