Dušan Vukotić's wife gave me author's rights for his script; I made my first animated film 'Crystal Planet' based on it

Croatian director Arsen Anton Ostojić has unveiled his animated film 'Kristalni planet' (Crystal Planet) to international acclaim at its world premiere in Zlin, Czech Republic. The film, noted for its significant budget, one of the largest in Croatian animation history, received a standing ovation.

Crucially, 'Kristalni planet' is based on a script by the renowned late animator Dušan Vukotić, an Oscar winner. Ostojić obtained the rights to the script from Vukotić's wife, enabling him to bring this project to fruition. The film was produced in the Czech Republic, where Ostojić has previously collaborated successfully.

Ostojić, known for engaging audiences with compelling themes and energetic execution in films like 'Ta divna splitska noć' (That Wonderful Night in Split), brings his talent and passion to animation with 'Kristalni planet.' The film is set to have its Croatian premiere at the Pula Film Festival before commencing theatrical distribution on August 27.

This interview with Ostojić comes at a timely moment, coinciding with the film's international debut and upcoming national release. He discusses his journey into filmmaking, his influences, and his assessment of the current state of the Croatian film industry, while also touching on the challenges of making a living solely from film work.

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Dušan Vukotić's wife gave me the author's rights to his script; I made my first animated film based on it, 'Crystal Planet'.