June 22 to 27, 2022
2022 Film Festival
The second Ponta Lopud Film Festival welcomed 19 outstanding fellows and global film luminaries, with four-time Academy Award winner Frances McDormand leading acting masterclasses, Joel Coen, another four-time Oscar recipient, sharing directing insights, and renowned director of photography, Monika Lenczewska holding the cinematography workshops. Among the festival’s highlights, four-time Grammy winner Antonio Sanchez performed his Birdman drum score live at the historic Franciscan Monastery, while the Croatian premiere of Navalny, later honored with the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, underscored the festival’s growing impact.
“Joel and I valued our time talking with participants during the Ponta Lopud Film Festival. It was exciting and inspiring for both of us. Navigating this crazy world is challenging and it is good to know there are many of us in the same lifeboat. Vive le cinéma!”
Frances McDormand – Four time Oscar Winner, Film Festival 2022
“It’s been very rewarding for me to be able to talk to younger filmmakers who are just starting out. It’s very interesting to know what their problems and their interests are. I’m several generations older than they are. I come from a different time in moviemaking, different world, really… It’s been interesting and rewarding. This place is gorgeous. It’s a true revelation. The people are great. This is a beautiful part of the world. I would definitely come back. That’s for sure.”
Joel Coen – Four time Oscar Winner, Film Festival 2022
Masterclasses
Each day of the festival, fellows immerse themselves in masterclasses led by our resident masters and guests of honor. Covering everything from acting and directing workshops to cinematography sessions around Lopud Island and in-depth reviews of our guests’ careers—spanning producers, talent agents, and directors—these sessions offer concrete, actionable advice to help fellows advance their own projects.
Film Screenings
Evening screenings showcased a curated selection of critically acclaimed films at two premier festival locations, the Franciscan Monastery – Lopud 1483 and La Baya Beach – RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness.
22/06/2022
Fargo (1996): Directed by Joel Coen, this darkly comedic crime drama stars Frances McDormand in an Oscar-winning role.
23/06/2022
Nomadland (2020): A poignant exploration of life on the road, this Academy Award-winning film, including Best Picture, features a deeply moving performance by Frances McDormand and was produced by Peter Spears. Both McDormand and Spears were recipients of Academy Awards for their exceptional contributions to the film.
24/06/2022
Compartment No. 6 (2021): Juho Kuosmanen’s tender, character-driven drama follows an unlikely connection between strangers on a journey to the Arctic Circle.
Navalny (2022): This gripping documentary by Daniel Roher chronicles the events surrounding Alexei Navalny’s poisoning and the subsequent investigation. The film had its Croatian premiere at the Franciscan Monastery and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2023.
25/06/2022
A Serious Man (2009): A black comedy-drama from the Coen brothers, this existential exploration of fate and faith resonated with audiences at La Baya Beach.
26/06/2022
Burn After Reading (2008): A satirical take on espionage and human folly, this Coen brothers’ comedy features an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
Birdman (2014): The festival concluded with a spectacular fusion of live music and cinema. Antonio Sanchez, a four-time Grammy winner and the composer behind the acclaimed Birdman score, performed the drum score live at the Franciscan Monastery – Lopud 1483 during the film screening. This memorable evening also marked the announcement of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, which launched the following year. (especially highlight the Birdman performance)
Side Programs
Planting Legacy
On the final day of the festival, Frances McDormand along with the Ponta Lopud Fellows continued the tradition started the previous year by planting a palm tree in Đorđić Mayneri Park. This act served as a symbolic reminder of the festival and its enduring connection to the island of Lopud.
Masters &
Guests of Honour
Frances McDormand
Master of Acting
An icon of modern cinema, Frances McDormand is a four-time Academy Award winner. Known for her transformative performances in films such as “Fargo”, “Three Billbo
Joel Coen
Master of Directing
A four-time Academy Award-winning director, screenwriter, and producer, Joel Coen is celebrated for his masterful storytelling in films like “No Country for Old Men”, &
Monika Lenczewska
Master DOP
Recognized as one of Variety’s top ten cinematographers, Lenczewska led a workshop for regional women cinematographers. Her award-winning work includes “Under the Tree̶
Peter Spears
Guest of Honor
Oscar-winning producer of “Nomadland” and “Call Me By Your Name”, Spears has shaped some of the most acclaimed films of recent years. His session focused on
Juho Kuosmanen
Guest of Honor
Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen has received global acclaim for films like “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki”, which won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes
Brian Swardstrom
Guest of Honor
Partner at United Talent Agency, Swardstrom represents some of the industry’s most celebrated talents, including Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, and Tilda Swinton. He shar
Cristi Puiu
Guest of Honor
A pioneer of the Romanian New Wave, Puiu is acclaimed for “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” and “Sieranevada”. As a special guest and moderator, he brought his u
Pawel Pawlikowski
A BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director, Pawel Pawlikowski is celebrated for “Ida” (Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, 2015) and “Cold War” (Oscar nom
Michel Franco
An award-winning Mexican filmmaker, Michel Franco is known for “Chronic” (Best Screenplay, Cannes 2015), “After Lucia” (Un Certain Regard Award, Cannes 2012
Danis Tanović
Bosnian director Danis Tanović’s debut “No Man’s Land” won the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002. His other notable works include ̶
Frances McDormand
Master of Acting
An icon of modern cinema, Frances McDormand is a four-time Academy Award winner. Known for her transformative performances in films such as “Fargo”, “Three Billbo
Joel Coen
Master of Directing
A four-time Academy Award-winning director, screenwriter, and producer, Joel Coen is celebrated for his masterful storytelling in films like “No Country for Old Men”, &
Monika Lenczewska
Master DOP
Recognized as one of Variety’s top ten cinematographers, Lenczewska led a workshop for regional women cinematographers. Her award-winning work includes “Under the Tree̶
Peter Spears
Guest of Honor
Oscar-winning producer of “Nomadland” and “Call Me By Your Name”, Spears has shaped some of the most acclaimed films of recent years. His session focused on
Juho Kuosmanen
Guest of Honor
Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen has received global acclaim for films like “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki”, which won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes
Brian Swardstrom
Guest of Honor
Partner at United Talent Agency, Swardstrom represents some of the industry’s most celebrated talents, including Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, and Tilda Swinton. He shar
Cristi Puiu
Guest of Honor
A pioneer of the Romanian New Wave, Puiu is acclaimed for “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu” and “Sieranevada”. As a special guest and moderator, he brought his u
Pawel Pawlikowski
A BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director, Pawel Pawlikowski is celebrated for “Ida” (Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, 2015) and “Cold War” (Oscar nom
Michel Franco
An award-winning Mexican filmmaker, Michel Franco is known for “Chronic” (Best Screenplay, Cannes 2015), “After Lucia” (Un Certain Regard Award, Cannes 2012
Danis Tanović
Bosnian director Danis Tanović’s debut “No Man’s Land” won the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002. His other notable works include ̶
Fellows
Directors
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, a Croatian director and screenwriter, earned her Master’s in Directing from Columbia University. Her debut feature, Murina, won the Caméra d’Or a
Una Gunjak
Una Gunjak, born in 1986 in Sarajevo and now based in Paris, studied film in Italy and film editing at the NTFS in the UK. Her short film The Chicken won the European Film Academy
Tamara Kotevska
Tamara Kotevska, a North Macedonian director born in 1993, studied documentary filmmaking in Tennessee and graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje in 2016. Known for
Maja Miloš
Maja Miloš, a Serbian director born in 1983, graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. Her debut feature, Clip (2012), won awards at festivals like Rotterdam and wa
Dušan Kasalica
Dušan Kasalica, a Montenegrin director and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje, won the Heart of Sarajevo for Biserna obala (2015) and the Special Jury
Katarina Morano
Katarina Morano, a Slovenian director and screenwriter born in 1988, holds a Master’s in Film Directing. Her graduation film Kam (Where) was nominated for a Student Oscar, and Lj
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, a Croatian director and screenwriter, earned her Master’s in Directing from Columbia University. Her debut feature, Murina, won the Caméra d’Or a
Una Gunjak
Una Gunjak, born in 1986 in Sarajevo and now based in Paris, studied film in Italy and film editing at the NTFS in the UK. Her short film The Chicken won the European Film Academy
Tamara Kotevska
Tamara Kotevska, a North Macedonian director born in 1993, studied documentary filmmaking in Tennessee and graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje in 2016. Known for
Maja Miloš
Maja Miloš, a Serbian director born in 1983, graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. Her debut feature, Clip (2012), won awards at festivals like Rotterdam and wa
Dušan Kasalica
Dušan Kasalica, a Montenegrin director and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje, won the Heart of Sarajevo for Biserna obala (2015) and the Special Jury
Katarina Morano
Katarina Morano, a Slovenian director and screenwriter born in 1988, holds a Master’s in Film Directing. Her graduation film Kam (Where) was nominated for a Student Oscar, and Lj
Actors
Goran Bogdan
Goran Bogdan, a Croatian actor born in 1980, graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 2012. He performed at the ZKM Theatre in plays like Hamlet and Gulliver’s Tr
Dado Ćosić
Dado Ćosić, a Croatian actor born in 1987, graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. A member of the ZKM Theatre ensemble since 2015, his film career began in 2014,
Anja Matković
Anja Matković, born in 1988 in Zagreb, is a Croatian actress and former professional alpine skier. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has appeared in films, TV, and t
Jovana Stojiljković
Jovana Stojiljković, born in Belgrade in 1992, is a Serbian actress who began her career with a role in Clip while still in high school. A graduate of the Belgrade Faculty of Dram
Pavle Čemerikić
Pavle Čemerikić, born in 1998 in Prishtina, is a Serbian actor who began acting in Belgrade theatres at age ten. He earned international acclaim for his role as Faruk in The Whit
Amila Terzimehić
Amila Terzimehić, born in Sarajevo in 1988, is a Bosnian actress and former rhythmic gymnastics champion. A graduate and master’s degree holder from the Sarajevo Academy of Perf
Sara Klimoska
Sara Klimoska, born in Struga in 1994, is a Northern Macedonian actress and graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skoplje. She starred in “You Won’t Be Alone,” premieri
Timon Šturbej
Timon Šturbej, born in 1994 in Maribor, Slovenia, graduated from the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana. A member of the Slovenian National Theatre, he ha
Goran Bogdan
Goran Bogdan, a Croatian actor born in 1980, graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb in 2012. He performed at the ZKM Theatre in plays like Hamlet and Gulliver’s Tr
Dado Ćosić
Dado Ćosić, a Croatian actor born in 1987, graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. A member of the ZKM Theatre ensemble since 2015, his film career began in 2014,
Anja Matković
Anja Matković, born in 1988 in Zagreb, is a Croatian actress and former professional alpine skier. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has appeared in films, TV, and t
Jovana Stojiljković
Jovana Stojiljković, born in Belgrade in 1992, is a Serbian actress who began her career with a role in Clip while still in high school. A graduate of the Belgrade Faculty of Dram
Pavle Čemerikić
Pavle Čemerikić, born in 1998 in Prishtina, is a Serbian actor who began acting in Belgrade theatres at age ten. He earned international acclaim for his role as Faruk in The Whit
Amila Terzimehić
Amila Terzimehić, born in Sarajevo in 1988, is a Bosnian actress and former rhythmic gymnastics champion. A graduate and master’s degree holder from the Sarajevo Academy of Perf
Sara Klimoska
Sara Klimoska, born in Struga in 1994, is a Northern Macedonian actress and graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skoplje. She starred in “You Won’t Be Alone,” premieri
Timon Šturbej
Timon Šturbej, born in 1994 in Maribor, Slovenia, graduated from the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana. A member of the Slovenian National Theatre, he ha
Cinematographers
Maja Radošević
Maja Radošević is a Serbian cinematographer born in 1981. She graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. She has worked on films like Thursday (2010), Ajvar (2019),
Magdalena Ptiček
Magdalena Ptiček is a Croatian cinematographer born in 1994. She graduated in 2020 from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Her work includes the award-winning short documenta
Eva Kraljević
Eva Kraljević, born in 1981 in Zagreb, is a Croatian cinematographer and documentary director. She graduated in Cinematography from the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Arts and in Docu
Dubravka Kurobasa
Dubravka Kurobasa is a Croatian cinematographer born in 1987 in Rijeka. She holds a BA and MA in Cinematography from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Her work includes short
Maja Radošević
Maja Radošević is a Serbian cinematographer born in 1981. She graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. She has worked on films like Thursday (2010), Ajvar (2019),
Magdalena Ptiček
Magdalena Ptiček is a Croatian cinematographer born in 1994. She graduated in 2020 from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Her work includes the award-winning short documenta
Eva Kraljević
Eva Kraljević, born in 1981 in Zagreb, is a Croatian cinematographer and documentary director. She graduated in Cinematography from the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Arts and in Docu
Dubravka Kurobasa
Dubravka Kurobasa is a Croatian cinematographer born in 1987 in Rijeka. She holds a BA and MA in Cinematography from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. Her work includes short
