The 18th annual ZAGREBDOX film festival opens this Sunday, April 2, with a week-long schedule of short- and feature-length documentaries from around the world. Along with the Zagreb and Motovun film festivals, ZAGREBDOX is a significant stop on the Croatian and international documentary film circuit.
The schedule includes 20 international and 19 regional entries in the official competition for awards, and dozens more features, shorts and panel discussions planned.
Several of the films to be shown this year have already walked away from the Berlinale with awards. Taking place at the Kaptol Boutique Cinema & Bar north of the Upper Town, this year's line-up deals heavily with war, political and social conflict, and climate change.
Here are a few worth checking out:
Dream's Gate
Iranian filmmaker Negin Ahmadi explores what it means to be a woman through the lives of female Kurdish guerrilla fighters in northern Syria. The film documents the inner struggle and cost of the fight for equality and freedom.
The Hamlet Syndrome
In the months prior to Russia's invasion, five young Ukrainians participate in a unique stage production of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The documentary follows the actors during rehearsals as they grapple with the play's eternal question, 'To be or not to be', in the context of an atmosphere of increasing fear and powerlessness.
Deserters
This film blends documentary, essay and tone poem to create a tapestry of memories from a group of teenagers in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the conflict in the '90s. Dealing with loss of innocence, impossible choices and exile, it asks the question: 'During war, do you stay or run?'.
For the full screening schedule, check the festival website. Tickets for the 3.30pm screenings are €4, and €4.90 for all other screenings. Tickets can be bought in person or from the theatre website.