The fifth, anniversary edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, taking place from June 26 to 28, 2025, reaffirms its reputation as one of the most inspiring gatherings for filmmakers and cinema lovers. Following the recent announcement of Sean Baker – Oscar-winning director of Anora – as a guest of honour, the festival is proud to unveil two more exceptional names who will enrich this year’s programme: director and producer Daniel Minahan and Academy Award-winning producer Peter Spears.
Daniel Minahan, one of the most exciting American directors and producers today, brings his latest feature On Swift Horses to Lopud, where it will have its Croatian premiere. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, and Diego Calva, the film has already wowed audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now among the most anticipated releases of the year, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics. Minahan began his directorial journey with the provocative Series 7: The Contenders, screened at Sundance and Berlinale, and has since directed and produced some of the most important series of our time, including Game of Thrones, Deadwood, Halston, and Fellow Travelers. Known for his collaborations with stars such as Ewan McGregor, who won an Emmy for Halston, Minahan has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards for his work in both film and television.
Peter Spears, an Oscar winner for Nomadland, ranks among the most influential producers in contemporary cinema. His impressive body of work includes Call Me By Your Name (2017) and Bones and All (2022), both directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino; Drift (2023), directed by Anthony Chen, and the upcoming On Swift Horses, co-produced with Minahan. Spears is known for working with leading directors and actors of today, and his films have received numerous awards, including Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and top honours at Venice and Sundance festivals. In addition to producing, Spears is a mentor to emerging filmmakers, a passionate advocate of authentic storytelling, and a champion of new voices in global cinema.
“When I was just starting out, I rarely had the chance to sit down with someone who had already been down the road I was beginning. Today, that’s even harder – everything moves quickly, and everyone expects a glossy, finished product right out of the gate. Ponta Lopud offers a rare space for exchange – of knowledge, yes, but more importantly of encouragement. I’m so grateful to be part of that exchange.”, said Spears.
The Ponta Lopud Film Festival is rooted in values of creativity, mentorship, openness, and a warm collegial atmosphere. Celebrating Mediterranean lifestyle and the natural beauty of Lopud island, the festival provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from leading figures in world cinema in an informal and inspiring setting. The Croatian premiere of On Swift Horses will be accompanied by exclusive talks and themed masterclasses with Minahan and Spears, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage directly with top-tier filmmaking.
Detailed information about the program and tickets will soon be available on the festival’s official website and social media channels.
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.
