June 27 to 29, 2024

2024 Film Festival

In 2024, the Ponta Lopud Film Festival transformed Lopud Island into a vibrant hub for emerging filmmakers, hosting renowned Croatian director and screenwriter Rajko Grlić, internationally acclaimed music editor Suzana Perić, and Oscar-nominated director Nebojša Slijepčević as its distinguished masters. Alongside a roster of honored guests, they conducted masterclasses for 17 talented film students. A standout highlight was the “Croatian Film Night,” spotlighting Rajko Grlić’s The Constitution (2016) and Nebojša Slijepčević’s Palme d’Or–winning and Oscar-nominated The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (2024).

“It is a great honour to be on Lopud with such a distinguished group of lecturers, especially with our Rajko Grlić, with whom I have collaborated and whose work I deeply admire, and with Nebojša, who, earlier this year brought Croatia its first Palme d’Or from Cannes, an extraordinary achievement.”

Said the acclaimed Croatian-American music editor, Suzana Perić.

“It is an exceptional feeling to be among people who have inspired me and from whom I have learned throughout my career. This is precisely the value that Ponta Lopud provides, not only to students who gain significant breadth from such a line-up of lecturers but also to us, as we can apply new experiences to our work through these exchanges,”

concluded Nebojša Slijepčević, 2024 Palme d’Or winner at Cannes.

“The educational aspect of this event is paramount. In all the festivals I’ve attended, the educational content is what is produced, while everything else is merely displayed. What truly matters is producing something meaningful. If we can share our experiences and insights with young people, our future colleagues, then we have accomplished our goal,” 

Said the award-winning Croatian director and screenwriter, Rajko Grlić.

Masterclasses

Each day, fellows participate in masterclasses hosted by our resident masters and guests of honour. The sessions range from acting and directing workshops to music editing in film, as well as reviews of notable work from the careers of our esteemed guests. Throughout these classes, masters provide practical guidance on the fellows’ own projects, offering clear steps for moving their work forward.

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.

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“Io Capitano” (2023): Directed by Matteo Garrone, this moving drama follows two Senegalese boys navigating the challenges of migration to Europe. Garrone greeted the audience via video before the screening.

“The Constitution” (2016): Rajko Grlić’s film explores identity and acceptance through the lives of four neighbors in post-war Zagreb. Grlić introduced the film, sharing its real-life inspiration.

“The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” (2024): Nebojša Slijepčević’s Palme d’Or-winning short depicts a moral dilemma during the Bosnian war, emphasizing the courage to act against violence.

“Barbie” (2023): Greta Gerwig’s vibrant film follows Barbie’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Music editor Suzana Perić greeted the audience, highlighting the film’s message of individuality and acceptance.

Side Programs

Recharge & Reset
Each morning, festival guests embraced the
opportunity to prepare for the day's inspiring
events with "Recharge & Reset" yoga sessions
led by internationally certified instructor Asja
Petersen. These sessions took place in serene
island locations, nestled by the sea and shaded
by palm and pine trees.
Culinary Experience
Lopud’s restaurants and taverns, including
Glavović, Obala, Dubrovnik, LaVilla, Mandrač,
and Šipan’s Bowa, played a key role in creating
a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their
dedication to hospitality and exceptional cuisine
enhanced the festival experience for all participants.
Wine Tasting
In the enchanting setting of the Franciscan
Monastery, the festival partnered with Saints
Hills winery to present an exquisite guided
wine tasting. The event was expertly led by
Mira Šemić, the renowned sommelier
and wine academic, together with the
talented young winemaker Lucia Tolj.
Recharge & Reset
Each morning, festival guests embraced the opportunity to prepare for the day's inspiring events with "Recharge & Reset" yoga sessions led by internationally certified instructor Asja Petersen. These sessions took place in serene island locations, nestled by the sea and shaded by palm and pine trees.
Culinary Experience
Lopud’s restaurants and taverns, including Glavović, Obala, Dubrovnik, LaVilla, Mandrač, and Šipan’s Bowa, played a key role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their dedication to hospitality and exceptional cuisine enhanced the festival experience for all participants.
Wine Tasting
In the enchanting setting of the Franciscan Monastery, the festival partnered with Saints Hills winery to present an exquisite guided wine tasting. The event was expertly led by Mira Šemić, the renowned sommelier and wine academic, together with the talented young winemaker Lucia Tolj.

Planting Legacy

Continuing a cherished tradition, a palm tree was planted by festival masters and participants in Đorđić-Mayneri Park as a symbolic gesture of the festival’s enduring connection to Lopud.

Masters &
Guests of Honour

Rajko Grlić

Master

Rajko Grlić is a Croatian director and screenwriter, born in 1947 in Zagreb. A graduate of FAMU in Prague, his films include “Kud puklo da puklo” (1974), “The Co

Suzana Perić

Master

Suzana Perić is a Croatian-American music editor and associate professor at NYU Steinhardt. Born in Zagreb, she studied film arts at Columbia College Chicago and has worked on fil

Nebojša Slijepčević

Master

Nebojša Slijepčević (b. 1973, Zagreb) is a Croatian filmmaker and director, graduated in Film Directing from the Academy of Dramatic Art. His documentary “Srbenka” (

Nikša Kušelj

Master

Nikša Kušelj is a Croatian actor known for his work in theater, film, and television. Born on October 15, 1971, in Dubrovnik, he graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zag

Pavle Vučković

Guest of Honour

Pavle Vučković is a Serbian director and screenwriter born in 1982 in Belgrade. A graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, he won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival for his

Steven Diller

Guest of Honor

Steven Diller is a former video installation artist who transitioned into advertising in 1999, working with top agencies like Fallon and BBH. He became Chief Creative Director at M

Danijel Pek

Guest of Honor

Danijel Pek is a Croatian film and television producer. He studied political science and film production in Zagreb and worked as a journalist before founding the production company

Rajko Grlić

Master

Rajko Grlić is a Croatian director and screenwriter, born in 1947 in Zagreb. A graduate of FAMU in Prague, his films include “Kud puklo da puklo” (1974), “The Co

Suzana Perić

Master

Suzana Perić is a Croatian-American music editor and associate professor at NYU Steinhardt. Born in Zagreb, she studied film arts at Columbia College Chicago and has worked on fil

Nebojša Slijepčević

Master

Nebojša Slijepčević (b. 1973, Zagreb) is a Croatian filmmaker and director, graduated in Film Directing from the Academy of Dramatic Art. His documentary “Srbenka” (

Nikša Kušelj

Master

Nikša Kušelj is a Croatian actor known for his work in theater, film, and television. Born on October 15, 1971, in Dubrovnik, he graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zag

Pavle Vučković

Guest of Honour

Pavle Vučković is a Serbian director and screenwriter born in 1982 in Belgrade. A graduate of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, he won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival for his

Steven Diller

Guest of Honor

Steven Diller is a former video installation artist who transitioned into advertising in 1999, working with top agencies like Fallon and BBH. He became Chief Creative Director at M

Students

Emanuel Ćosić is talented Film and TV Editing and Sound Design student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. Currently working as a film editor and animator at Izvan fokusa, he has previously freelanced on projects like Galeb, nekako, and the TV series Atmosfere. His work has been recognized with awards at the 28th Youth Film Festival and the 16th Four River Film Festival. 

Josip Gregov is a dedicated Film, Theatre, and TV Production student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. As a producer, he has contributed to numerous short films, including Možda ću te volit još dugo, Ne znam, Susjede bubice, Ja ću prva, Zadnji dan proljeća, Grčke marelice, and Sretan Božić nikome.

Gita Hajdarhodžić is a talented young actress studying at the Tenth Grammar School in Zagreb. She has honed her skills at Rochester Independent College, where she studied Drama, Music, and Film. Her stage performances include roles in Oliver, Brundibar, Tosca, Hansel and Gretel, and The Magic Flute. She has also appeared in the film Moj dida je pao s Marsa and the TV series The Paper.

Stjepan Hren is a graduate student of Film Editing at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. With experience as a post-production supervisor, sound engineer, and music video editor, he has contributed to projects for HRT, Studio Novalis, and various music artists. His work has been recognized at prestigious film festivals such as Pula and Zagreb.

Lovro Juraga is a promising young actor from Zagreb, currently pursuing graduate studies in Acting at the Academy of Dramatic Art. He has graced the stage in productions like Ubojstvo, Don Juan, and Studentica. His screen credits include TV series like Oblak u službi zakona and Bogu iza nogu, as well as films such as Shadows and Brodovi.

Leon Keglević is a student at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Zagreb. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is actively involved in theatre, working as an assistant at Mala scena and fronting the band Drugi jezik. He also explores his passion for acting and directing.

Antonija Marijanović is a seasoned Croatian actress with a wealth of experience in film, radio, television, and theatre. Currently a graduate student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, she has performed in numerous acclaimed productions, including The Tempest, The Noble Citizen, and Three Sisters.

Roza Medvešek is a dedicated Production student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. She has worked on several student films, including Kneževo, Tiha noć, Plan C, and Baja. She has also gained experience on professional projects like Dnevnik Pauline P. 2 and various theatre and television productions.

Teodora Miodragović is a Film and Media student at the Faculty of Media and Communications in Belgrade. She has already made a significant impact as a director, helming two feature films and three documentaries.

Ivana Mitrović is a talented Film, Television, and Multimedia Design student at VERN University in Zagreb. She has contributed to student films as a lighting master, showcasing her technical skills.

Lucija Perić is a dedicated Production student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. She has produced several award-winning short films, including Nije zima za komarce. Her experience extends to various television projects, feature films, and commercials.

Barbara Pešut is a passionate Sound Design student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. With a background in photography and a keen interest in sound, she has worked as a sound designer, sound mixer, and boom operator on various film projects.

David Stojaković is an Editing student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. He has actively participated in numerous student projects, two of which have been screened at prestigious festivals like ZagrebDox and Pula. He has also gained practical experience on film sets as a blocker and runner.

Marin Suić is a talented Editing student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, specializing in sound design. He has honed his skills through various workshops and student projects, including Galeb, Nekako, Noć s gostima, Pasi, and Relativno sretan dan.

Lucija Katarina Šešelj is an aspiring Film and TV Directing student at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb. She has gained valuable experience working at the KinoKino festival and the Croatian Film Association.

Lucia Tolj is a Film Production student at the Catalyst Institute of Arts and Technology in Berlin. In addition to her studies, she volunteers at film festivals and engages in event photography.

Janko Tomašić is a Film, Television, and Multimedia Design student at VERN University in Zagreb. He has produced several student short films, including The Doll and Forgotten Tear. He also worked on a couple foreign production projects like Vikings, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, FBI: International and biographical war drama Lee.