The fifth edition of the enchanting Ponta Lopud Film Festival will welcome some of the most prominent names in the film industry. Following earlier announcements of Hollywood guests Sean Baker, Peter Spears, and Daniel Minahan, the festival has now confirmed three cinematic greats from the region: Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, and Nebojša Slijepčević. From June 26 to 28, they will share their experience and insights with young filmmakers through masterclasses and workshops as part of the festival’s educational program.
Dragan Bjelogrlić is one of Serbia’s most successful filmmakers. An actor, director, and producer, his directorial debut Montevideo, Taste of a Dream (2010) was Serbia’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature and won numerous international awards. His biopic Toma, about legendary singer-songwriter Toma Zdravković, broke domestic box office records. Bjelogrlić also created Shadows over the Balkans, the first regional TV series to be streamed on Amazon Prime, with its third and final season currently in production.
Rajko Grlić is a distinguished Croatian director and screenwriter whose career spans twelve feature films, including It All Ends Here (2024), The Constitution (2016), and Border Post (2006). His work has been showcased at major international festivals, including Cannes, and has received numerous prestigious awards. Grlić is also acclaimed for his screenwriting and producing work and was honoured with the Vladimir Nazor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his contribution to cinema. At Ponta Lopud, he will generously share his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers.
“Ponta Lopud Film Festival is, fortunately, not just another film festival. There’s no competition or awards. It’s a space for meaningful dialogue between those with decades of experience and those just starting their professional journey in film. I look forward to these conversations in the delightful setting of this idyllic island – because both sides have something to give and something to gain,” said Grlić.
Acclaimed Croatian director Nebojša Slijepčević has captured international attention this year with his Oscar-nominated short The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, which also won the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. He previously garnered critical acclaim with his feature documentary Srbenka (2018). In addition to directing, Slijepčević works as a creative producer on documentary projects with the production company Zagreb Film.
“This year’s lineup at Ponta Lopud is truly impressive, and the participants are just as inspiring. Since I’m currently developing a feature film myself, this kind of creative exchange is incredibly valuable. I’m looking forward to four days full of energy and inspiration that will carry me through the year,” said Slijepčević.
The film program will open on June 26 with Anora (2024), the Oscar-winning film by Sean Baker. On the second day, the audiences will see Bjelogrlić’s Cold War thriller Guardians of the Formula (2023), inspired by a true story often described as the “Yugoslav Chernobyl.” The festival concludes with the Croatian premiere of On Swift Horses (2024), a moody romantic drama directed by Daniel Minahan and produced by Peter Spears. All directors will personally present their films to the audience, with open-air screenings starting at 9 PM.
Tickets are available via Entrio, and full program details will be announced 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.
