The magic of film once again illuminates the banks of the emerald Una River. On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the early evening hours, the ancient walls of the Zrinski Old Town in Hrvatska Kostajnica will become the epicenter of ecological awareness and film art. The eighteenth edition of the Emerald Eco Film Festival (SEFF), a unique event dedicated to environmental and nature protection, will begin its rich program with a grand opening, further enhanced by the energetic performance of the local band "Pali anđeli". This festival, recognized as the oldest film event with no carbon footprint, continues its noble mission this year, bringing the audience selected films that encourage reflection and action.

What makes SEFF exceptional and recognizable on the world festival scene is its unique "festival on wheels" concept. Instead of a static event tied to one place, the festival team, composed of international and local filmmakers, activists, and nature lovers, travels from place to place using the most environmentally friendly means of transport – the bicycle. In this way, SEFF not only shows films about ecology but also promotes sustainability and the reduction of its carbon footprint by its own example. This traveling caravan spreads the ecological message through the rural and urban areas of the Una region, stopping in smaller towns and cities to make film art and ecological education accessible to everyone.

A blend of activism, art, and nature

The creator and long-time director of the festival, Daniel Pavlić, an activist and filmmaker, is the heart and soul of this event. His vision of a festival that actively contributes to the community and the environment has been realized through years of dedicated work. SEFF has grown from a local initiative into an internationally recognized event that attracts hundreds of film submissions from all over the world each year. This year, almost three hundred films were submitted to the competition, which testifies to the relevance and reputation the festival enjoys among authors dealing with ecological topics. Each film is carefully selected to provide the audience not only with aesthetic pleasure but also with a deeper insight into the burning issues our planet faces, from climate change and biodiversity loss to sustainable development and examples of positive change. Visitors who plan to find accommodation and experience the charms of this city will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the festival.

In addition to the bicycle tour, the festival program includes a wide range of activities designed for all ages. Numerous workshops are organized, from film workshops for children and youth called "Digital generation," which encourage creativity and media literacy, to mental ecology workshops. There are also educational forums, panel discussions with experts and filmmakers, photo exhibitions documenting the history of the festival and the beauties of the Una region, and the indispensable ecological clean-up actions. It is this synergy of art, education, and direct activism that makes SEFF much more than an ordinary film festival; it is a platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and encouraging real change.

The film program as a mirror of the world

The core of the festival, of course, is its competitive film program, which this year is again divided into three main categories: short fiction, feature documentary, and animated film. This division allows for the screening of a wide range of film forms and approaches to ecological themes. Viewers will have the opportunity to see touching documentaries about endangered species, provocative feature films that criticize consumer society, and imaginative animated stories that symbolically speak about our relationship with nature. The films come from all corners of the world, from Portugal and China to the USA and Iran, providing a global perspective on ecological challenges.

The quality of the selection is ensured by a distinguished international jury, composed of prominent names from the world of film, art, and literature. This year, the jury members include directors Silvestar Kolbas and Nebojša Slijepčević, musicians Ivanka Mazurkijević and Anđelo Jurkas, painter Tisja Kljaković Braić, and other film experts. Their task will be to select the best films, which will be awarded SEFF plaques at the closing ceremony on Saturday, August 9. A special recognition for long-term work in the field of film and ecology will be presented this year to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian director from Bihać, Hasan Arnautović, thus honoring his contribution to promoting ecological themes through the film medium.

Hrvatska Kostajnica – The Emerald Host

The host city, Hrvatska Kostajnica, with its rich history and natural beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for such an event. Located on the banks of the Una River, whose emerald-green color inspires the festival's name, this city exudes a special charm. The Zrinski Old Town, a monumental fortress that testifies to a turbulent past and battles with the Ottomans, becomes a magical open-air cinema under the stars. The Una River itself, with its waterfalls and calm currents, constantly reminds us of the importance of preserving natural treasures. A stay in Hrvatska Kostajnica during the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, whether through walks along the river, swimming at the arranged beaches, or simply enjoying the view from Djed hill. The festival is also an opportunity to discover local culture and gastronomy, especially the famous Chestnut Festival (Kestenijada) held in the autumn.

The Emerald Eco Film Festival is financially supported by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the Sisak-Moslavina County, and the City of Hrvatska Kostajnica, which confirms its importance at the national and local levels. All detailed information about the screening schedule, accompanying events, and festival activities can be found on the official communication channels, including the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1Er8AxZDiq/. The eighteenth edition of SEFF is ready to prove once again that films can indeed change the world for the better, encouraging us to become more aware, responsible, and active guardians of our only home – planet Earth.