Just a few days remain until the start of the milestone 5th edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival. From 26 to 28 June, the island of Lopud will welcome prominent names from the regional and global film scene, alongside many young filmmakers and lovers of the “seventh art.” They will enjoy screenings of outstanding films under the stars and take part in masterclasses led by some of the most acclaimed figures in contemporary cinema.
Over the course of three days, the Festival transforms Lopud into a vibrant hub of cinematic creativity and dialogue. The daily program features top-tier masterclasses, round tables, and inspiring conversations led by distinguished international and regional filmmakers and producers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Sean Baker, Daniel Minahan, Peter Spears, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, Nebojša Slijepčević, and Diana Elbaum through interactive workshops and thematic discussions that open up new artistic and professional perspectives. Notable contributions also come from respected film professionals such as Suzana Perić, a renowned film music editor, Marlon Vogelgesang, a leading financial advisor in the film industry, and Mark Kermode, one of the world’s most recognized film critics.
Evenings are reserved for exclusive open-air screenings in the enchanting garden of the Hotel Grand. Each night brings a unique cinematic experience: the Festival opens with the screening of Anora (2024), winner of five Academy Awards and the Palme d’Or, personally introduced by director Sean Baker. On the second evening, audiences will enjoy Guardians of the Formula (2023), with an introduction by director Dragan Bjelogrlić, while the closing night will feature the Croatian premiere of On Swift Horses (2024), introduced by director Daniel Minahan and producer Peter Spears.
The organizers proudly highlight that providing opportunities for young professionals and involving them in every aspect of the Festival is one of Ponta Lopud’s core values. This year’s artistic program is fully curated by Luna Brusselaers Sršen, a young Croatian-Belgian filmmaker and long-standing member of the Festival team, whose dedication and vision have played a key role in shaping this year’s edition. Notably, she was instrumental in establishing connections with prominent international filmmakers and industry experts. It was Luna who first introduced director Sean Baker to the Festival last autumn—he immediately recognized the value of this platform. Several other distinguished guests were also invited based on her recommendations and active engagement in building a diverse and high-caliber program.
“This year, Ponta Lopud Film Festival’s program was shaped around a simple but vital question: what kind of festival would an emerging filmmaker truly need? Ponta Lopud Film Festival was founded on the idea to create a space where new voices could not only be seen and heard, but meaningfully connect with the people who can help launch their stories into the world. That’s why we’ve selected some of the most exciting new filmmakers from the region and across Europe, who are currently developing their first or second feature, and they’ll have the incredible opportunity to engage with industry leaders from every corner of the field – whose work has profoundly shaped – and continues to transform – the cinematic landscape – from screenwriting to financing, production to directing, acting, and music editing. My sincere gratitude goes to the festival’s founder, Tilda Grossel Bogdanović, for entrusting me with the creation of this year’s programme, which I believe embodies our mission: to nurture filmmakers at every stage and to make Ponta Lopud, above all, a place for creation, connection, and collaboration,“ said Luna Brusselaers Sršen.
Since its inception, the Ponta Lopud Film Festival has gone beyond the traditional framework of a film festival, establishing Lopud as a place where art, knowledge, and community intertwine in the island’s unique setting. With a carefully curated program, the Festival brings together leading filmmakers, producers, critics, and experts, creating a space for knowledge exchange and inspiration that transcends professional boundaries. A particular strength of the Festival is its continuous support for young talents, offering them hands-on experience and professional development – making Ponta Lopud a unique platform for connecting generations of film professionals.
Tickets for all film screenings are available through the Entrio system. During the Festival, a special boat transfer for attendees is organized by Argosy boat from Dubrovnik. Departure is from Lapadska Obala (in front of the Faculty of Economics) at 6:00 PM, with return from Lopud (in front of Hotel Lafodia) at midnight.
The creative platform Ponta Lopud encompasses three cultural programs in the summer of 2025, welcoming all lovers of art—particularly film, music, and literature. The Ponta Lopud Film Festival is the first of these three events, celebrating cinema from 26 to 28 June. The second event, the popular Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, will attract music enthusiasts from 28 to 30 August, while the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge will turn the island into a literary haven from 18 to 20 September, rounding off the season of summer cultural events.
