Last night’s screening of the masterpiece of European cinema, The Tin Drum (1979), at Franjo Tuđman Square transformed the city center into a large outdoor summer cinema.
As part of the Zagreb – City of Film program, the audience enjoyed the Oscar and Palme d’Or-winning anti-war classic, based on Günter Grass’s novel, at one of its original Zagreb locations – in front of Rudolf Barracks. In 1979, these buildings played Gdańsk, also serving as a backdrop for a monumental scene depicting a Nazi rally, featuring as many as a thousand extras.
Under the clear Zagreb sky, there was a shortage of chairs, while many people sat on blankets. The audience included Zagreb residents who participated in the filming 45 years ago. A warm summer evening, a historic location, and a powerful film story created a special atmosphere that at times transported viewers back to the era when the film was made.
– “This film has never been more relevant and should be watched carefully and attentively. It’s a film about a generation that decided to turn its back on fascism and adapt. Today, this film is a lesson that we can and must do better“, said Milena Zajović, the festival’s creative director, while announcing the screening.
Zagreb – City of Film continues during August, with new cult films screening at authentic historical Zagreb filming locations.
On Wednesday, 20 August you will have an opportunity to enjoy The Trial (1962), a classic by Orson Welles, which transformed Zagreb into the backdrop of a dystopian European city. This adaptation of Kafka’s masterpiece, in which Zagreb appears as a surreal labyrinth, will be projected onto the Gradec plateau, overlooking the cathedral, which was also part of the film’s set design. On the same day, there will also be a walking tour of the most attractive filming locations of world-famous movies. The tour starts at 19:30 on Ban Jelačić Square. All interested, please contact EvenTura collective via their Instagram or email: eventurazagreb@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 26 August brings Armour of God (1986), an action spectacle starring Jackie Chan. The screening will take place at one of the authentic filming locations – Dolac Market, known for the spectacular chase scene from the film. Interestingly, during the filming of the second scene in Samobor, Jackie Chan fell from a tree and broke a part of his skull, requiring a piece of plastic to be implanted during an emergency operation at KBC Zagreb.
At the very end of the program, Thursday, 28 August, we are gathering near the main stage in Maksimir Park, for a delayed screening of one of the most imaginative children’s films in recent Croatian cinematic history. My Grandpa Is an Alien (2019) is an original sci-fi adventure for the family, filmed, among other locations, right in Zagreb’s most popular park.
All films are screening with Croatian and English subtitles.
Zagreb – City of Film program was created with the support of the City of Zagreb, Zagreb Tourist Board, Zagreb City Museum, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Zagreb, in collaboration with local tour guides and film professionals.
