The fifth edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, taking place from June 26 to 28, once again reaffirms the island of Lopud as an essential hub of cinematic dialogue and creative exchange. Following the announcement of Oscar-winner Sean Baker, producer Peter Spears, director Daniel Minahan, and regional icons Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, and Nebojša Slijepčević, the festival welcomes new international guests whose work and impact have been recognised on the global film stage.
Among them is Suzana Perić, a Croatian-American music editor and associate professor at the prestigious NYU Steinhardt, who has left a distinctive mark on some of the most iconic films of recent decades, from The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) to Lady Bird (2017) and Barbie (2023). A two-time Golden Reel Award winner, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and a juror for the Student Academy Awards, Perić has made an indelible contribution to the art of sound in contemporary cinema.
“I have been searching for a very long time for a film festival where, instead of a competition there would be a celebration of films, instead of prizes there would be exchange of film experiences, instead of a film market there would be a film forum. And then I found Lopud. It wasn’t a chance meeting, it was an intentional pursuit on my part, inspired by a student of mine, Toma Širok. From the breathtaking setting of this little jewel of an island to the generosity of the islanders, the welcoming is irresistible. But even beyond that, it is the passion with which these gatherings are conceived that inspire all, the young and the old, the professionals and those who are new to the film club, the locals and the foreigners alike, to share ideas, form new friendships, expand film knowledge, chat long into the wee hours of the night. That is what makes this event unique,” said Suzana Perić.
Also joining the festival is Mark Kermode, one of Europe’s most influential film critics, known for his distinctive style, sharp insights, and profound passion for cinema. Kermode served as chief film critic for The Observer for a decade, is the author of numerous books on film and music, and currently hosts BBC programs and the podcast Kermode & Mayo’s Take. His voice and views on cinema have also shaped several documentary series, and he is a regular performer with the band The Dodge Brothers.
“I look forward to experiencing the festival atmosphere of Lopud and sharing my passion for film with colleagues from around the world. The best conversations about film often arise from spontaneous encounters and different perspectives,” stressed Kermode.
Belgian producer Diana Elbaum, recipient of the European Film Academy Award for Best Producer in 2009, has built a distinguished career producing over one hundred feature films, documentaries, and series. She has collaborated with major European filmmakers such as Chantal Akerman, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, and Paul Verhoeven. Founder of the production companies Entre Chien et Loup and Beluga Tree, Elbaum is a highly sought-after expert at film festivals and industry markets worldwide. She is also widely respected for her commitment to mentoring young filmmakers through leading European talent development initiatives, with a body of work marked by innovation, advocacy for women in film, and nurturing new creative voices.
“Meeting young authors is a privileged opportunity to discover new upcoming perspectives on stories and the world. I am curious to see what emerges when so many diverse creative energies come together in one place,“ said Elbaum.
Marlon Vogelgesang, CEO of UK-based Media Finance Capital, brings valuable expertise in film production and financing. Under his leadership, the company has co-financed or fully financed over 60 independent film and TV productions, ranging from high-profile auteur films to genre projects and content for leading streaming platforms. His deep understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the industry makes him a key partner in today’s international film landscape.
In line with its mission, the festival continues to support a new generation of filmmakers from Croatia and across Europe whose work has already gained recognition at major international festivals and in prominent talent development programs. Their presence reinforces Lopud as a meeting point for the future and tradition of European and regional cinema. This year’s selection includes Adrijana Prugovečki, Alica Bednáriková, Anastasia Veber, Bruno Mustić, Hana Japundžić, Jakov Nola, Lana Barić, Luka Galešić, Martina Marasović, Paul Vincent de Lestrade, Sara Alavanić, Sara Grgurić, Tajana Bakota, and Thea Gajic – filmmakers whose creative voices are already shaping the future of European cinema.
Tickets for all film screenings are available via Entrio.
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.
