Croatian International Film Festival in Šibenik Expands Reach with Richer Program

The Croatian International Film Festival (CIFF) is set to expand its reach and program significantly for its 2026 edition, running from July 24-28 in Šibenik. Festival founder and creative director Ella Mische announced the expansion, citing an "exceptionally large number of submitted films and their outstanding quality from all over the world." The festival will now span five days and utilize five distinct locations across Šibenik, nearly doubling its program.

CIFF 2026 will showcase 15 feature films, 16 short films, and 14 entries in the Student Film Corner. For the first time, the opening ceremony will be broadcast live via a digital platform, making the festival accessible to a global audience. The international jury will be presided over by Barbara Miller, a director known for her documentary 'Wisdom of Happiness' starring Richard Gere.

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CIFF is born out of the belief that the most valuable professional collaborations arise when people meet in an inspiring and intimate environment.

Venues will range from open-air screenings in the historic city center and special events at Barone Fortress to the awards ceremony at the Croatian National Theatre in Šibenik. A particular focus this year is on Croatian production, with "Hitmaker" and "Diary of Paulina" highlighted. "Madonnina," a documentary filmed in Šibenik and Italy, will symbolically connect Croatian and Italian cultural heritage.

Now in its third year, CIFF has established itself as a platform connecting the global and European film industries. "CIFF was born out of the belief that the most valuable professional collaborations arise when people meet in an inspiring and intimate environment," Mische stated. The festival aims to solidify Croatia's growing role on the world's film and creative stage.

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Due to the exceptionally large number of submitted films and their outstanding quality from all over the world, the festival is expanding to five festival days this year and will be held at five attractive locations throughout Šibenik.