Train in the Snow: Beloved Croatian Film Celebrates 50 Years with Bjelovar Reunion

Fifty years after its premiere, "Vlak u snijegu" (Train in the Snow), one of Croatia's most cherished children's films, is returning to Bjelovar for a special anniversary celebration. The event, titled "The Train That Connects Generations," will take place on June 10 at the Bjelovar Railway Station.

The festivities will feature a range of activities for all ages, including children's workshops, musical performances, and an exhibition by the State Archive in Bjelovar titled "When Little Hands Work Together, Anything is Possible." A biographical film about author Mato Lovrak, "Vlak riječi" (Train of Words), will also be screened. A scene from the film, "Svadba" (The Wedding), will be performed by students from Veliko Trojstvo Elementary School.

The highlight of the celebration will be an inclusive screening of "Vlak u snijegu" itself, complete with subtitles and interpretation into Croatian sign language. This inclusivity is a key focus for Zvjezdana Galkowski, director of the "Mato Lovrak" Cultural Center, who noted Bjelovar's natural connection to the film's origins.

Perhaps most emotionally resonant will be the reunion of cast members who were children during the filming half a century ago. Gordana Inkret Subotičanec, who played the character Draga, shared her enduring affection for the film. "'Vlak u snijegu' is timeless because it spreads kindness and the message that good triumphs," she said. "Children should learn to help each other, not to mock or bully. That's why it's good for them to see how the children in the film overcame all difficulties through unity, harmony, and kindness."

Subotičanec fondly recalled the filming process as a game, devoid of pretense or awareness of future fame. "For us, it was really just a game," she reminisced. "We filmed our scenes, then we played in the meadows. We would get dirty, and they would warn us not to spoil the costumes. But overall, it was a wonderful experience for a child." She also remembered the challenging conditions, particularly the cold during night shoots in a printing house that had to operate during the day.