Friday | 18. July. 2014

61ST PULA FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHED

The opening ceremony in the Arena started with Radojka Šverko’s and professor pianist Vladimir Babin’s performance of the Croatian hymn.

The official opening of the 61st Pula Film Festival was preceded by the screening of Ivan-Goran Vitez’s short film Acorn by Acorn starring Croatian Audiovisual Centre director Hrvoje Hribar, producer and Zagreb Film Festival director Boris T. Matić, film director Vinko Brešan, actress Lucija Šerbedžija and film critic and journalist Nenad Polimac.

In her welcome speech, director Gordana Restović thanked the audience for receiving Croatian best film premieres in the Arena year after year with applause and criticism. ‘Seven thousand spectators at one place is the biggest acknowledgment to national film production and in the next seven days they will provide home to film and film professionals.’

President of the Artistic Board Hrvoje Pukšec pointed out that his task was to position the biggest, the longest-lived and the most visited film festival on the international scene. ‘I believe we have already taken the first steps – ahead of us are seven days of films for the audience and critics and seven days filled with lectures, round tables and workshops for film professionals and enthusiasts.’

Andrea Zlatar Violić, Minister of Culture and President of the Pula Film Festival Council, addressed the packed Arena as well.

The 61st Pula Film Festival was officially opened by President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović. The traditional fireworks display marked the beginning of the Festival.

The opening ceremony was followed by the premiere of the film Happy Endings by director Darko Šuvak. The film is the director’s debutant work starring Areta Čurković and Darija Lorenci Flatz. After the screening, the film crew led by director Darko Šuvak thanked the audience and the Pula Film Festival management.