Summer in the Croatian metropolis will once again be marked by a unique film event eagerly awaited by all fans of genre cinema. This is the Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival, an event that has gained cult status over the years and has become an unmissable meeting place for all those who want to enjoy top-notch creations from the realms of fantasy, thriller, science fiction, and horror. This year, the festival celebrates its jubilee, fifteenth edition, and will be held in its recognizable time slot, from June 26th to July 6th, 2025, bringing eleven days filled with film excitement under the open sky and in the very heart of the city.

Fantastic Zagreb rightfully holds the title of the largest genre film festival in the wider region. Its mission from the very beginning has been to offer the audience what commercial cinemas often neglect – a wide range of films that explore the fringes of human imagination. The festival's program is carefully curated to satisfy even the most demanding film lovers, combining the latest international hits with cult classics that have shaped the genres. Visitors thus have the opportunity to see science fiction spectacles, tense psychological thrillers, dynamic action films, fairytale fantasy worlds, chilling horrors, and the increasingly popular anime films on the big screen. It is this diversity, which brings together premieres and retrospectives in one place, that makes Fantastic Zagreb a unique cultural experience.

The Magic of the Tuškanac Summer Stage

What makes this festival truly special is its main location. The open-air screenings are held at the Tuškanac Summer Stage, a gem hidden in a dense forest, just a ten-minute easy walk from Ilica and the main city square. It was the enthusiasm of the Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival organizers that was key to the revitalization of this iconic space, which had been neglected and forgotten for decades. Today, the Tuškanac Summer Stage is synonymous with a unique film experience. Watching a film surrounded by trees, under the starry sky, with the freshness of the forest, creates an unrepeatable atmosphere. The ambiance of the dense forest further enhances the dose of mystery and tension, which perfectly suits the genres being shown. For many visitors, including tourists coming to the capital, this is an ideal opportunity to escape the summer heat and immerse themselves in film art in a completely different way. Many guests plan their visit specifically for this festival, and finding ideal accommodation in Zagreb allows them to enjoy the evening screenings carefree.

The atmosphere at Tuškanac is relaxed and informal, and the festival is known for its openness. It attracts a diverse audience, from hardcore genre fans to curious onlookers looking for a different kind of night out. This combination of a top-tier film program and a magical ambiance is the reason why the audience faithfully returns every year. The proximity to the city center makes this location extremely accessible, which is a great advantage for all visitors, especially for those who have chosen apartments and rooms in the wider center of Zagreb for their stay.

A festival open to everyone – and their pets

One of the most charming and recognizable features of the Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival is its "dog-friendly" policy. The festival proudly emphasizes its love for animals, offering a unique benefit – dog owners who come to a screening with their four-legged friend are entitled to free entry on a "one person and one dog pay for one ticket" basis. This initiative has been wonderfully received and contributes to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that prevails at Tuškanac. It is not uncommon to see pets enjoying the tense scenes alongside their owners, which gives the festival an extra touch of charm and makes it a truly inclusive event for the entire community.

Urban program at the Cultural Information Center

Although the open-air screenings are the festival's trademark, Fantastic Zagreb also offers an alternative for those who prefer the classic cinema experience or in case of unpredictable summer showers. The second festival location is the hall of the Cultural Information Center (KIC), located in Preradovićeva Street, in the very center of the city. KIC offers an air-conditioned hall and top-notch projection equipment, ensuring impeccable picture and sound quality. This space serves as a perfect contrast to the forest ambiance of Tuškanac, providing an urban dimension to the festival. The program at KIC often includes specific retrospectives, marathons, or films that require complete control over cinema conditions. Thanks to its central location, screenings at KIC are easily accessible to everyone, and visitors planning their trip can easily find diverse accommodation in the very heart of Zagreb, just a few steps from all key events.

What to expect from the jubilee 15th edition?

Given that this is the jubilee, fifteenth edition, expectations are high. The organizers raise the bar of quality every year, and for this special anniversary, they are certainly preparing many surprises. Although the complete program is traditionally announced just before the festival begins, it can already be sensed that the audience will once again enjoy a carefully selected collection of recent titles that have marked world genre festivals, as well as special program sections dedicated to the greats of film fantasy. The Fantastic Zagreb Film Festival is not just a platform for showing films; it is also a place for meetings, discussions, and education, often hosting directors, producers, and actors, thereby providing the audience with a deeper insight into the creative processes. Over the years, the festival has played a key role in the promotion and popularization of genre film in Croatia, creating a loyal audience base and opening doors for authors whose works go beyond the framework of conventional cinematography.