The milestone 5th Ponta Lopud Film Festival kicks off today, and the island of Lopud is already alive with a vibrant festival atmosphere. Lecturers, guests and participants from Croatia, the wider region and around the world have arrived on the island, where they’ve had the opportunity to soak in its unique spirit through walks along historic streets, engaging with the local community, and taking part in the festival’s opening activities.
The unofficial programme began yesterday with a professional talk by director Danilo Šerbedžija on authors’ and related rights for filmmakers and producers. This educational session opened key questions surrounding creative freedom and rights protection, immediately sparking dynamic discussion among attendees.
One of yesterday’s highlights was the traditional palm planting in the Đorđić-Mayneri Park. This symbolic gesture – featuring lecturers, guests and festival friends – has been a cherished tradition since the inaugural Ponta Lopud in 2021. Each year, it gathers the festival community in a celebration of unity and enduring connection with the island. The palm tree planted by this year’s Festival Masters – Sean Baker, Daniel Minahan and Dragan Bjelogrlić – stands as a living reminder of the creative energy and friendships born on Lopud.
Today, participants will dive into the Festival’s educational programme, featuring outstanding voices in contemporary cinema. The opening day includes the masterclass titled In Conversation with Sean Baker, moderated by Mark Kermode, followed by the panel discussion Does It Make Sense to Turn a Book into a Film?, featuring Rajko Grlić and Nebojša Slijepčević. In the afternoon, Diana Elbaum will lead the workshop BFFL: Your Producer Is Your Best Friend. These exclusive sessions offer participants a unique chance to exchange ideas and gain insight from some of the most influential names in modern filmmaking.
Tonight at 9 p.m., the Festival officially opens in the garden of the Grand Hotel with a screening of Anora (2024), winner of five Academy Awards and the Palme d’Or. Director Sean Baker will personally present the film to the audience. Anora has already captivated international critics and audiences alike, and tonight’s Lopud audience will have a first-hand opportunity to hear about the making of this remarkable film. The screening marks the beginning of three days filled with cinematic excellence, engaging encounters, and in-depth conversations with renowned filmmakers from around the world and the region.
Throughout the Festival, Lopud will welcome leading figures in global cinema. Sean Baker, Daniel Minahan, Peter Spears, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, Diana Elbaum, Suzana Perić, Marlon Vogelgesang and Mark Kermode will take part in masterclasses, round table discussions and workshops. Evenings are reserved for exclusive open-air film screenings under the stars in the Grand Hotel garden. Tomorrow’s programme features Guardians of the Formula (2023), introduced by director Dragan Bjelogrlić, while the closing night will see the Croatian premiere of On Swift Horses (2024), with introductory remarks by director Daniel Minahan and producer Peter Spears.
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.
