After the award, "Das Goldene Stadttor", at the International Festival of Tourist Films, which is part of the ITB Tourism Fair in Berlin, the promotional film of the Croatian Tourist Board "Ode to Joy" won a prestigious award for best promotional tourist film at the VII International Film, Art and Tourism Festival - FilmAT in Warsaw.
"Ode to Joy" is a four and a half minute long promotional film produced by the Croatian Tourist Board`s advertising campaign, on the eve of Croatia joining the European Union, under the slogan "Croatia - a new tourism star of the European Union."
The film, which is primarily intended for foreign markets, is a blend of traditional and contemporary. With impressive visualization it highlights the rich cultural, historical and natural heritage as well as the many beauties of Croatia through an inspirational musical narrative, performed by the cellist Ana Rucner, who gave the original idea for the film.
"Ode to Joy" was directed by Hrvoje Hribar, while the cameraman was Mirko Pivčević, with performances including the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Ivan Goran Kovačić Choir and numerous musicians who played on authentic Croatian folk instruments such as bagpipes, sopile or lijerice. All was recorded by Stephen Večković.
Warsaw Film, Art and Tourism Festival - FilmAT follows the International Tourfilm Festival, which selects the best tourism film productions from all over the world. Candidates are assessed by an international committee whose members include major world experts in the film industry, advertising and tourism. Prizes are awarded in eight categories, and this year 186 films from all over the world were in competition.
Film, Art & Tourism Festival - FilmAT
www.cifft.com