Croatia hosts dozens of film festivals throughout the year, but as the summer season kicks off, the most prestigious take centre stage. Some take place in amazing locations, from a fortified hilltop town to a Roman colosseum. In chronological order, here are the film fests with the best up and down Croatia this summer.
Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival, until July 9
Taking place before large crowds gathered at the Tuškanac Summer Stage, this 13th edition of the English-friendly FZZF focuses on science fiction, mystery, thrillers and adventure. Starting out in 2011 at Gradec, the roof of the Tuškanac garage and the Europa Cinema, this popular event then revived the open-air venue at Tuškanac after 40 years of inactivity. This year’s involves 40 titles from all over the world over ten days, from Hitchcock to an in-depth interview with William Shatner. The schedule includes new releases as well as classics such as the John Carpenter Sci-Fi action staple, They Live. Tickets are €5, and can only be purchased in person. For more details see here.
Festival of Tolerance, July 1-10
This unique festival takes place at Bundek park in Novi Zagreb, and focuses on Holocaust education, as well as refugee and disabled rights in Croatia. Combining film and education, the event centres on human dignity via a schedule of short- and feature-length films, documentaries and talks. For general information, see the 2022 site here.
Tabor Film Festival, July 8-9
Taking place in a 15th-century Gothic castle in Croatia's Zagorje region near Slovenia, this festival focuses on experimental live-action and animated shorts. Screening dozens of films in both domestic and international competitions, the venue comprises three theatres, a great hall, a tower and one under the stars. Space in private accommodation nearby the castle fill quickly so act now. Festival tickets are €40, day tickets €20. For more information, check the Tabor Film Festival website.
Pula Film Festival, July 15-23
The Pula Film Festival has a long history and an extraordinary setting, in one of the last remaining Roman colosseums in Europe. This July sees its 70th anniversary. Focusing on Croatian works, the PFF showcases Safe Place, the personal family drama by acclaimed Croatian director Juraj Lerotić, which received a special mention at its premier at the Zagreb Film Festival. Tickets for one screening are €5, and €30 for the whole festival. For more information, see the Pula Film Festival website.
Motovun Film Festival, July 22-24 ... 26-29
Croatia's most popular summer film festival will be slightly different this year. The beautiful fortified hilltop town in Istria will only play host for the first half From July 22-24, after which there'll be a break day and the event will resume a two-hour drive away in the town of Delnice from July 26-29. Popular among Croatian youth and Euro backpackers, the MFF frequently attracts film stars and legendary directors from around the world. Full entry tickets for the first and second locations are €25 and €18 respectively, until the end of pre-sale on July 9. The schedule is yet to be announced, so keep check on the Motovun Film Festival website – also handy for booking your camping space!
Brač Film Festival, August 9-12
The nearest main island to Split will hold its ninth annual film festival this year. Focused the work of emerging student filmmakers from around Europe, the festival also strives to increase film literacy with its extensive children's programme. Tickets can only be bought in person starting August 7. For more information, including tips on accommodation, check the Brač Film Festival website.
Vukovar Film Festival, August 24-27
A prime mover in the revival of cultural life in this Slavonian community, the VFF showcases features, shorts and documentaries from 15 countries in the Danube region. This 17th edition of the event takes place in the Vukovar's beautiful cinema hall. Schedule and ticketing to be announced here.