The Croatian capital is from 17 - 23 October the host of the 8th Zagreb Film Festival, whose program includes films that are not necessarily commercial, but tend to be artistic creations. However, the films presented at the Zagreb Film Festival regularly become hits among serious film audiences. As these are the artistic creations that are not included in regular distribution, the festival serves as a unique opportunity for audiences that wish to view them. Film screenings are accompanied by excellent concerts, so with its exquisite film program the festival also guarantees great entertainment.
Best films in several categories (feature film, documentary, short film) are awarded the so called ‘Zlatna Kolica’ (‘golden carriage’).
The festival is held in the Europa Cinema, which is regarded as the oldest and most beautiful cinema hall in Zagreb.
The cinema was built in 1924 by Zagreb’s Muller family and its hall which boasts elaborate covings and cornices as well as the Post Secession Classicist details is considered one of the city’s most beautiful venues. It has served as a traditional cinema for the past 70 years and was known under the name of Balkan until the early nineties. In those seven turbulent decades, the names of surrounding streets had altered, political and economic orders had changed but the cinema has held its original function - film lovers and passers-by come here to relax, escape from reality and enjoy a good movie. The importance and cultural significance of this cinema was recognized by the citizens of Zagreb, as well as the Croatian Film Association and Zagreb Film Festival in 2007 when they appealed to the city authorities, with a hearty and noisy action, to buy the cinema hall and preserve it for film viewing purposes. In 2008 after the joint success of the public and the institutions, the management of the cinema was entrusted to the organizers of the Zagreb Film Festival.
Under a cap of ZFF the cinema has remained a cult place with an even greater emphasis on the promotion and expansion of the seventh art. Presented on the screen of the cinema today are independent films from all over the world, the winners of the world's leading festivals as well as lesser known titles which would never find their way to the big screens in the framework of the standard multiplex offer.
The Tourist Board of Zagreb
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
Zagreb Film Festival
www.zagrebfilmfestival.com
Cinema Europa
www.kinoeuropa.hr