Local and regional filmmakers to develop projects alongside world-renowned directors at Ponta Lopud

The sixth Ponta Lopud Film Festival, set to take place from June 25 to 28 on the island of Lopud near Dubrovnik, will once again provide a platform for emerging filmmakers. The festival will bring together two teams of local and regional film professionals who will develop their projects through workshops and mentorship. This year's program centers on two funded feature film projects: David Gaša's "Povijest bolesti" (History of Illness) and Katarina Koljević's "Produženi vikend" (Long Weekend). Each team, comprising a director, cinematographer, editor, producer, and actors, will dedicate several days to intensive project development and discussions with international mentors. Young composers Ana Krstajić and Antonio Perina will also participate, shaping their musical interpretations of the films under the guidance of film music editor Suzana Perić. "Povijest bolesti" is David Gaša's directorial debut feature, with a team including producer Rea Rajčić and actress/director Lana Barić. Katarina Koljević's "Produženi vikend" is also a debut feature, with Vanja Lozanović serving as executive producer and Dado Ćosić and Isidora Simijonović as actors. Beyond the workshops, the festival offers a rich public program. It kicks off on June 24 with a screening of Giuseppe Tornatore's documentary "Ennio" and the opening of the "Nomadia" exhibition. The official opening on June 25 features a screening of "Bob Marley: One Love" (2024), presented by director Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Peter Spears will present "Call Me by Your Name" (2017) to mark its tenth anniversary. Subsequent days include screenings of "Close" (2022) and "Cinema Paradiso" (1988), a Saturday discussion on art in the age of artificial intelligence, and a screening of the Croatian film "Koke" (2026). The festival concludes on June 28 with a grand concert celebrating Ennio Morricone's film music. Ferry services from Dubrovnik to Lopud are arranged, with additional Jadrolinija lines available. Further details are available on pontalopud.hr and the festival's social media channels.