June 20 to 24, 2023
2023 Film Festival
The third Ponta Lopud Film Festival once again transformed Lopud Island into a creative hub for filmmakers, proudly hosting distinguished masters: two-time Palme d’Or-winning Swedish director Ruben Östlund, three-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton, and Emmy-nominated cinematographer Ula Pontikos. Alongside our guests of honor, they led masterclasses for 20 exceptional fellows, inspiring the next generation of cinematic talent. Open-air screenings by the sea under starry skies and a vibrant social program, showcasing local cuisine and lively parties, culminated in an unforgettable celebration of cinema and those who bring it to life.
“For me filmmaking is social and that’s the biggest reason why I enjoy doing it. The intimate atmosphere of Ponta Lopud creates a great opportunity to meet colleagues and friends, talk about work and get inspiration.”
Ruben Östlund – Recipient of Palmes d’Or, European Film Awards, and Oscar nominee, Film Festival 2023
“I’ve been making films for 30 years and the large majority of what I’ve learned about the craft and art has come from talking to older filmmakers about the details of their experiences. We make films for audiences, yes. But we need each other to really learn the trade and I absolutely love the idea of a film festival for filmmakers.”
Edward Norton – Golden Globe recipient, multiple Film Critics Awards winner, and Oscar nominee, Film Festival 2023
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.
20/06/2023
“The Painted Veil” (2006): Directed by John Curran, this American drama stars Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. Based on W. Somerset Maugham’s 1925 novel, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in 1920s China.
21/06/2023
“After Lucia” (2012): A powerful Mexican drama by Michel Franco, this film tells the harrowing story of a father and daughter coping with loss. As Roberto and Alejandra try to rebuild their lives, Alejandra’s struggles with severe bullying lead to devastating consequences.
22/06/2023
“Force Majeure” (2014): Written and directed by Ruben Östlund, this black comedy examines the fallout of a husband’s instinctual decision to save himself during a perceived avalanche, leading to deep marital and familial tensions.
23/06/2023
“The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki” (2016): Directed by Juho Kuosmanen, this biographical drama follows Finnish boxer Olli Mäki as he prepares for the 1962 World Featherweight title fight. A story of ambition and love, it reveals the human side of sports.
24/06/2023
“Triangle of Sadness” (2022): Directed by Ruben Östlund, this satirical black comedy explores the absurdities of wealth and privilege. When a luxury cruise for the ultra-rich ends in disaster, the survivors must adapt to their new reality on a deserted island.
Side Programs
Planting Legacy
Ruben Östlund, Edward Norton, and masterclass participants planted a palm tree in Đorđić-Mayneri Park, continuing the festival’s tradition of leaving a lasting symbol of its connection with Lopud.
Masters &
Guests of Honour
Edward Norton
Master of Acting
Acclaimed actor, writer, and director Edward Norton led workshops in the acting category. A three-time Academy Award nominee (“Primal Fear”, “American History X&#
Ruben Östlund
Master of Directing
Two-time Palme d’Or-winning Swedish director Ruben Östlund, known for “Triangle of Sadness”, led the masterclass in directing. The film, a satirical exploration of c
Ula Pontikos
Master DOP
Cinematographer Ula Pontikos, celebrated for her Emmy-nominated work on “Russian Doll” and Sundance-winning “Lilting”, led a masterclass on cinematography.
Philippe Bober
Guest of Honor
Founder of the Coproduction Office and producer of all Östlund’s films, including “Triangle of Sadness”, Philippe Bober shared his experiences in producing some of t
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
Mollye Asher
Guest of Honor
Academy Award-winning producer based in NYC. She produced Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which won Best Picture at the Oscars, Spirit Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and more. Her credi
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
Nina Kellgren
Guest of Honor
BAFTA-winning cinematographer based in London with over 30 years of experience in features, documentaries, and commercials. Named the most prolific female DP in UK feature film his
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 ̶
Giorgos Karnavas
Guest of Honor
Founder of Heretic production house, Giorgos Karnavas has been instrumental in producing globally acclaimed films such as “Triangle of Sadness” (Palme d’Or winner) an
Konstantinos Kontovrakis
Guest of Honor
As co-founder of Heretic, Konstantinos Kontovrakis has co-produced over 25 internationally celebrated films, including “Triangle of Sadness” and “Music” (Si
Edward Norton
Master of Acting
Acclaimed actor, writer, and director Edward Norton led workshops in the acting category. A three-time Academy Award nominee (“Primal Fear”, “American History X&#
Ruben Östlund
Master of Directing
Two-time Palme d’Or-winning Swedish director Ruben Östlund, known for “Triangle of Sadness”, led the masterclass in directing. The film, a satirical exploration of c
Ula Pontikos
Master DOP
Cinematographer Ula Pontikos, celebrated for her Emmy-nominated work on “Russian Doll” and Sundance-winning “Lilting”, led a masterclass on cinematography.
Philippe Bober
Guest of Honor
Founder of the Coproduction Office and producer of all Östlund’s films, including “Triangle of Sadness”, Philippe Bober shared his experiences in producing some of t
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
Mollye Asher
Guest of Honor
Academy Award-winning producer based in NYC. She produced Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which won Best Picture at the Oscars, Spirit Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and more. Her credi
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
Nina Kellgren
Guest of Honor
BAFTA-winning cinematographer based in London with over 30 years of experience in features, documentaries, and commercials. Named the most prolific female DP in UK feature film his
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 ̶
Giorgos Karnavas
Guest of Honor
Founder of Heretic production house, Giorgos Karnavas has been instrumental in producing globally acclaimed films such as “Triangle of Sadness” (Palme d’Or winner) an
Konstantinos Kontovrakis
Guest of Honor
As co-founder of Heretic, Konstantinos Kontovrakis has co-produced over 25 internationally celebrated films, including “Triangle of Sadness” and “Music” (Si
Fellows
Directors
Marija Apčevska
North Macedonian director born in Bitola in 1987. She holds a BA in Film and TV Directing (Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Skopje) and an MA in Film and Media Production (New York Film A
Kukla – Katarina Bogdanović
Slovenian director born in 1991 in Brežice. A graduate of the Film Academy in Ljubljana, her short film Sisters (2020) won the Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand in 2021. Her debut fe
Matija Gluščević
Serbian director born in 1995 in Užice. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. His short documentary Utopia (2016) was screened at t
Juraj Lerotić
Croatian director born in 1978 in Kiel, Germany. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. His short film Then I See Tanja (2012) premiered
Ivan Salatić
Montenegrin director and screenwriter born in 1982 in Dubrovnik. He graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje and earned a Master’s in Film at the University of Fine
Norika Sefa
Kosovar director born in 1991 in Gjakova. She graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Her short hybrid documentaries include Desde Arriba (2020) and Kiss Me, Now (
Ena Sendijarević
Bosnian director born in 1987 in Odžak, raised in the Netherlands. She studied Film Theory at the University of Amsterdam and the Free University of Berlin, graduating from the Ne
Dušan Zorić
Serbian director born in 1992 in Zagreb. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. His short documentary Love (2017) premiered at Vision
Marija Apčevska
North Macedonian director born in Bitola in 1987. She holds a BA in Film and TV Directing (Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Skopje) and an MA in Film and Media Production (New York Film A
Kukla – Katarina Bogdanović
Slovenian director born in 1991 in Brežice. A graduate of the Film Academy in Ljubljana, her short film Sisters (2020) won the Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand in 2021. Her debut fe
Matija Gluščević
Serbian director born in 1995 in Užice. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. His short documentary Utopia (2016) was screened at t
Juraj Lerotić
Croatian director born in 1978 in Kiel, Germany. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. His short film Then I See Tanja (2012) premiered
Ivan Salatić
Montenegrin director and screenwriter born in 1982 in Dubrovnik. He graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje and earned a Master’s in Film at the University of Fine
Norika Sefa
Kosovar director born in 1991 in Gjakova. She graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Her short hybrid documentaries include Desde Arriba (2020) and Kiss Me, Now (
Ena Sendijarević
Bosnian director born in 1987 in Odžak, raised in the Netherlands. She studied Film Theory at the University of Amsterdam and the Free University of Berlin, graduating from the Ne
Dušan Zorić
Serbian director born in 1992 in Zagreb. He studied Film and Television Directing at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. His short documentary Love (2017) premiered at Vision
Actors
Florist Bajgora
Kosovar actor born in 1995 in Prishtina. He studied acting at the Faculty of Arts, University of Prishtina. His international debut was in the short film Kiem Holijanda (2017), whi
Lazar Dragojević
Montenegrin actor born in 1997 in Podgorica. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, he discovered his passion for the stage early on. He gained recognition with
Jurij Drevenšek
Slovenian actor born in 1985 in Maribor. A graduate of the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television at the University of Ljubljana, he has performed over 40 theatre roles, in
Muhamed Hadžović
Bosnian actor born in 1984 in Sarajevo. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Sarajevo, he has appeared in over 30 films and TV series and over 30 theat
Tihana Lazović
Croatian actress born in 1990 in Zadar. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, her debut role was in The Priest’s Children (2013). She won the Breza Award for Best
Milan Marić
Serbian actor born in 1990 in Belgrade. A graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, he joined the Yugoslav Drama Theatre and has performed at major theatres across Serb
Natalija Teodosijeva
Northern Macedonian actress born in 1990 in Kočani. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Skopje, she works in film, theatre, and dance productions. She won Best Leading A
Ivana Vuković
Serbian actress born in 1987 in Kragujevac. She studied acting at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and has performed extensively in theatre. Her film debut was in Sisters (2011), fo
Florist Bajgora
Kosovar actor born in 1995 in Prishtina. He studied acting at the Faculty of Arts, University of Prishtina. His international debut was in the short film Kiem Holijanda (2017), whi
Lazar Dragojević
Montenegrin actor born in 1997 in Podgorica. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, he discovered his passion for the stage early on. He gained recognition with
Jurij Drevenšek
Slovenian actor born in 1985 in Maribor. A graduate of the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television at the University of Ljubljana, he has performed over 40 theatre roles, in
Muhamed Hadžović
Bosnian actor born in 1984 in Sarajevo. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Sarajevo, he has appeared in over 30 films and TV series and over 30 theat
Tihana Lazović
Croatian actress born in 1990 in Zadar. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, her debut role was in The Priest’s Children (2013). She won the Breza Award for Best
Milan Marić
Serbian actor born in 1990 in Belgrade. A graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, he joined the Yugoslav Drama Theatre and has performed at major theatres across Serb
Natalija Teodosijeva
Northern Macedonian actress born in 1990 in Kočani. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Skopje, she works in film, theatre, and dance productions. She won Best Leading A
Ivana Vuković
Serbian actress born in 1987 in Kragujevac. She studied acting at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and has performed extensively in theatre. Her film debut was in Sisters (2011), fo
Cinematographers
Gaja Naja Rojec
Slovenian cinematographer and producer born in 1993 in Ljubljana. A graduate of the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television at the University of Ljubljana, she has worked as
Bojana Andrić
Serbian cinematographer born in 1983 in Valjevo. She studied Film and TV Camera at the Academy of Arts in Belgrade. Her feature film credits include Little Buddho (2014), The Samur
Sara Bernarda Moritz
Croatian cinematographer born in 1988 in Zagreb. She earned her Master’s in Filming at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. Sara has worked as a director of photography and col
Gaja Naja Rojec
Slovenian cinematographer and producer born in 1993 in Ljubljana. A graduate of the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television at the University of Ljubljana, she has worked as
Bojana Andrić
Serbian cinematographer born in 1983 in Valjevo. She studied Film and TV Camera at the Academy of Arts in Belgrade. Her feature film credits include Little Buddho (2014), The Samur
Sara Bernarda Moritz
Croatian cinematographer born in 1988 in Zagreb. She earned her Master’s in Filming at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. Sara has worked as a director of photography and col
