As part of a two-day event held on October 8 and 9, 2024, in Varaždin, world-renowned experts from the film industry participated in the grand opening of the Film & Media Sound Academy. This innovative educational project, based on a unique hybrid model, is designed to provide participants with invaluable experience in the field of film sound. The collaboration between the organizers, DreaMaker Productions, the Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET), and the University North, has enabled the academy to position itself as a global leader in education in the field of sound design.

The academy particularly attracted attention as winners of the most prestigious film awards such as the Oscar and Emmy participated in its opening. Among those present were Mark Ulano, known for his work on films like "Titanic" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Stuart Wilson, a sound designer who collaborated with Steven Spielberg, and three-time Emmy winner, Roland Vajs. These film legends shared their rich experiences with the participants, and the event itself was opened with a conference at the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin.

The event culminated in an exclusive concert “Cinema Morricone: An Intimate Celebration,” where flutist Sara Andon and pianist Simone Pedroni performed the most famous works of the renowned Italian composer Ennio Morricone. The program was carefully curated by Robert Townson, one of the most important producers of film music, who included selections spanning over six decades of Morricone's compositions, including the famous musical themes from westerns such as “Once Upon a Time in the West.”

The Film & Media Sound Academy stands out for its innovative structure, which includes both online and hands-on workshops led by leading global experts. In addition to theoretical foundations, participants are provided with practical skills through work with the best mentors from the industry. Lectures were led by Oscar winners, including Ulano and Wilson, as well as numerous other eminent figures such as Roland Vajs and Patrushkha Mierzwe. To make the program accessible to a broader international community, the academy offers a flexible learning schedule tailored for local and foreign students.

In addition to educational activities, the festival also hosted panel discussions featuring some of the most recognizable names in the sound and film music industry. The festival was entirely organized by DreaMaker Productions based in Samobor, and Varaždin was recognized as the perfect place to launch such a global project, thanks to its rich cultural and artistic tradition. This event not only promoted film and music but also opened doors for new generations of professionals who will shape the future of the film industry.