'David Borenstein, who won an Oscar this year for the film "Mr. Nobody vs. Putin" for best documentary, is coming'

Večernji List features an in-depth interview with Hrvoje Pukšec, the executive director of ZagrebDox, one of Europe's leading documentary film festivals. As the 22nd edition of the festival approaches, Pukšec shares insights into the program, the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking, and his own multifaceted career.

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There will be several new features, but before I say more about them, I want to provide context for the whole story. ZagrebDox has been quite well-positioned from the very beginning, from the first edition.

Pukšec, who has been at the helm of ZagrebDox for four years, emphasizes the festival's adaptability and commitment to reflecting contemporary issues. He notes that while core elements like competitive programs remain, the accompanying film selections are flexible, allowing them to align with current trends in the documentary world. This year, a notable addition is the "Dox of Resistance" program, showcasing films about individuals confronting various forms of pressure globally. This theme reflects a keen awareness of current geopolitical and social dynamics, offering a platform for stories of resilience and opposition.

Reflecting on his own career path, Pukšec mentions his past as a television journalist specializing in culture, a field he feels has diminished significantly in Croatia. He also engages in film criticism sporadically and is currently working on a preface for a collection of texts about films documenting the Croatian War of Homeland. This connection to historical and national narratives, particularly through the lens of documentary, is a significant aspect of the Croatian cultural landscape.

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This year, the selectors have chosen a completely new program: Dox of Resistance. We are showing such a selection for the first time, and it consists of films that thematize people in different parts of the world and in different life situations who are trying to resist pressures of one kind or another.

From a Croatian perspective, ZagrebDox holds considerable importance. It not only brings international cinematic excellence to Zagreb but also serves as a vital platform for Croatian filmmakers and audiences to engage with the documentary form. Pukšec's role highlights the dedication required to maintain such a significant cultural event. The festival's ability to adapt and introduce relevant new programs like "Dox of Resistance" ensures its continued relevance, offering a unique lens through which Croatian audiences can view global struggles and triumphs, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.

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When you can no longer be a television journalist covering culture on HTV (Croatian Radiotelevision), you actually stop being a television journalist covering culture, because there is no other television in our country where you could do it.