With Anora, he made history as the first person ever to win four Oscars for a single film, and on Lopud he will share his knowledge with young filmmakers from Croatia and the wider region.

Sean Baker, the acclaimed American director, screenwriter, producer, and editor known for his independent filmmaking, is set to attend the fifth edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival. This year’s festival will take place from June 26 to 28 on the picturesque island of Lopud near Dubrovnik, bringing together world-renowned film professionals and emerging filmmakers to explore ideas, creativity, and inspiration in an intimate setting.

Baker made history at this year’s Academy Awards by becoming the first individual ever to win Oscars in four major categories—Best Director, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture—for the same film, Anora. The film swept the competition, taking home a total of five Oscars.

Known for his signature documentary-style filmmaking, Baker often shoots on real locations and casts non-professional actors from the communities he portrays, lending his work a strong sense of authenticity. His films frequently focus on marginalized groups and underrepresented voices.

“Ponta Lopud Film Festival is such an underrated, special place that supports and encourages new voices in the world of cinema. It’s a rare opportunity that the festival provides year after year – a chance to see and hear what young filmmakers are working on, to exchange creative ideas, and to collectively face the practical challenges that independent filmmakers encounter,” emphasized Sean Baker.

Baker’s most recent and most successful film, Anora, tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or, and went on to earn numerous awards and nominations from BAFTA, the Golden Globes, and others.

Before his historic Oscar success, Baker gained attention on the independent film circuit with Tangerine (2015), shot entirely on an iPhone, and The Florida Project (2017), which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The Ponta Lopud Film Festival stands out for its unique concept, offering a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere that fosters genuine connection and collaboration between seasoned film professionals and emerging talent. Instead of the usual fast-paced festival environment, Ponta Lopud emphasizes intimate dialogue, creative exchange, and a deep focus on the art of cinema—making it a truly special event on the European film calendar.

More details about the festival program and ticket availability will be announced soon.

Ponta Lopud is a creative platform that hosts three major summer cultural events in 2025, celebrating the arts—film, music, and literature. The Ponta Lopud Film Festival will lead the season from June 26 to 28. It will be followed by the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival from August 28 to 30, and the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, a literary gathering, from September 18 to 20—concluding a summer filled with cultural richness and artistic inspiration.