14th Zagreb Film Festival

The annual well-known film festival will take place from 12th to 20th November 2016 at several locations in Zagreb, with the main ones being cinema Europa, cinema Tuškanac and Museum of Contemporary Arts. From the very beginning in 2003, the focus of the festival has been on supporting upcoming filmmakers and promoting young artist film debuts. It is already quite usual that noted artists in the film industry have started their careers by winning competitions here in Zagreb.

Audience in Kino Europa and one of the Bibs with a camera
Image credit: Zagreb Film Festival (Facebook page)

A quick guide through the programme

There are 2 main programmes out of 5 sections and 6 awards.

The feature film competition programme presents directors’ first and second feature-length fiction films. The best film in the category is chosen by the jury’s choice and wins the notable Golden Pram for Best Feature Film award (and 4000 euros, but c’mon, you can't buy a golden pram statue!). This year there are 15 films for you to choose from – some of them are Croatian and some are international. The number of Croatian production movies competing for the Golden Pram is one of the biggest ever. In the short film competition programme, there are 10 short fiction films competing for Golden Pram for Best Short Fiction Film.

If you want to explore Croatian cinematography, you should definitely come and see at least one of 12 films in the Checkers programme. Checkers is the national competition which promotes aspiring Croatian authors and their debuting feature-length film. This section presenting new up-and-comers on the Croatian scene has been growing from the very beginning of the festival and is considered as one of the most important platforms in the area. The winner also earns a Golden Pram. Can you spot any differences among international cinematographies?

And what's new? There's a new award in town, the Golden Bicycle for the best film in the official Together Again section. Basically, it's a bunch of great movies by the authors whose previous titles were screened at earlier editions of the festival.

The favourite Bibs announcing film screening is starting 
Image credit: Zagreb Film Festival (Facebook page)

Any recommendations?

While every single one of the competing movies is a must-watch since one of them is going to win the HT Audience Award for Best Feature Film, a couple of films are being expected to wow the audience.

One of them is Quit staring at my plate, a feature-length debut directed by Hana Jusic who had her shorts screened several times in Checkers section, one of which won the Golden Pram (Terrarium). The aforementioned film is having its Croatian premiere after earning an FEDEORA Award for the best European film at the recently held 73rd Venice Film Festival.

Another one is Trampoline, directed by a documentary film-maker Katarina Zrinka Matijevic making her feature-film breakthrough. "Trampoline is not a romantic movie, although it is the greatest love story." These are the words of the creator, describing the plot which tackles the delicate relationship between parents and their children in the wish to bring back its harmony.

Bib for Kids aka Bibijada
Image credit: Zagreb Film Festival (Facebook page)

Very children-friendly: Bib for Kids!

Bibijada is a traditional extra programme presenting film pieces suitable for children and young audience. This year, this special section is celebrating its 10th birthday which means it is going to be merrier and more fun! The young cinephiles are going to enjoy great screenings, 7 feature films and 4 shorts, and even a birthday cake and surprise party gifts. The 10th Bib for Kids puts its focus on movies from Benelux countries, one of them being a Croatian co-production. The tickets for Bibijada are free, so make sure to pick them up on time at the festival register which you will notice outside. 

See you on the 14th Zagreb Film Festival - it's gonna be awesome!
Image credit: Zagreb Film Festival (Facebook page)

Learn more about the favourite film event in November here.

Header Image Credit: Zagreb Film Festival (Facebook page)

Author: Karla Knezevic