From 21 to 26 July, Fužine become the most exciting summer stage in the country • Alongside rich film and side programs, visitors can look forward to social events and talks with renowned filmmakers and artists

Just one week to go before Cinehill rolls out its unique green carpet in Fužine once again. From 21 to 26 July, in the festival’s traditionally informal setting, it will receive a myriad of celebrated guests from the world of film and the arts. Alongside around a hundred exciting titles in the film program, Fužine will welcome almost as many artists from across the world, who will take part in accompanying events and audience meet-and-greets. The festival’s guest of honour, who will receive the Maverick Award for outstanding contribution to cinematic art, is the celebrated Oscar winner Edward Berger, director of the award-winning titles All Quiet on the Western Front, Conclave, and Jack — all of which will be screened in Fužine. A retrospective of landmark works will also be devoted to a living acting legend of the region, Zijah Sokolović, who will receive Cinehill’s award for 50 years of contribution to the world of film. Screening in the program devoted to him are The Charm of Bureaucracy, Jasmina, and The Pavilion. The jury of this year’s main competition is equally impressive, and includes Igor Šeregi, director of the biggest regional hit of all time, The Wedding, which will also be presented to Fužine audiences. Joining him in choosing the best films are acclaimed Serbian producer Snežana van Houwelingen, Montenegrin director Marija Perović, and Palestinian producer Baher Agbariya, whose title will appear in the main competition. The Sea, which he made with Israeli director Shai Carmeli-Pollak, has come under fire from the Netanyahu government — despite being made, in the director’s own words, from a perspective of humanity and compassion. Celebrated Slovenian director Damjan Kozole returns to Cinehill with his OHO Film, and also as a member of the short film program CineCorto jury, alongside Montenegrin screenwriter Ana Vujadinović and Italian director Aldo Iuliano.

An impressive delegation is also arriving from Montenegro, this year’s Cinehill partner country, including Milivoje Obradović and Goran Stanković, whose acclaimed films 15 and a Half and Our Father are screening in the main competition. Renowned names are coming from North Macedonia as well, with celebrated director Teona Strugar Mitevska who will present her latest film Mother, exploring the other side of the myth about Mother Teresa, alongside the film’s producer and actress Labina Mitevska.

Part of the program will likewise be devoted to Greenland as a new global flashpoint, while arriving from that island is Danish MP and activist Aaja Chemnitz, who will speak about the challenges of living in a country on which powerful forces have set their sights. From Canada, marketing specialists Ruža Vrdoljak Ličina and Boris Ličina arrive to present the newly founded Cinema Shift Festival, dedicated to films made with the help of artificial intelligence.

Returning to the festival once again are the most celebrated names in regional cinema, Goran Marković and Rajko Grlić, legendary directors who will present their joint book Did You Film This?. The presence of the region’s leading filmmakers will also be an occasion for the panel titled How to Make a Regional Hit.

 

Presenting in person their films in Cinehill’s main competition are also directors Piotr Domalewski (The Altar Boys), Anke Blondé (Dust), Žiga Virc (Stealing Land), and Igor Jelinović alongside actress Snježana Sinovčić Šiškov (Honey Bunny). In addition, some twenty directors, actors, and promotors will present short films in the CineCorto program, including Croatian director Zvonimir Jurić with his title Early Spring.

Also chilling in the shade of Gorski Kotar will be writer Monika Herceg, this time in her role as the director of the short film Joso. The singer Tatjana Cameron – Tajči, who took part in the making of the short film The Look Was Everything, directed by Blais Cameron, will be at the festival supporting her son. The young American filmmaker will introduce himself to audiences after the screening of his film in the CineCorto program. On the music front, the sharp social commentary of the popular Vojko V will be on offer, along with sets from the bands Idu Hobiti and Cura i dečko, and DJs Mario Kovač, Felver, and others. As ever, Cinehill’s ambassador Morana Zibar is preparing her film quiz and will take part in other side events. The birds of prey are also perennial favourites at the festival — this year those guests are the owl Scar and the hawk Braco from the Šibenik Falconry Centre.

In a perfect and fulfilling escape from the city heat, the enchanting atmosphere of Fužine is ready for another laidback yet artistically exhilarating summer – filled with unmissable stories.

All side events are free of charge, while advance tickets for the film program are on sale through the festival website, cinehill.eu, where you will also find all pertinent festival information.

Cinehill is held with the support of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Kvarner Tourist Board, and the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and is co-organised with the Municipality of Fužine.