The fifth Ponta Lopud Film Festival, which will be held from June 26th to 28th of this year, once again solidifies its position as one of the most important and inspiring gathering places for film professionals and enthusiasts. After the recent confirmation of the arrival of Sean Baker, director of the award-winning film "Anora" and record holder for the number of Oscars won, the festival team proudly announces two more distinguished names who will further enrich the program with their rich experience and knowledge. These are the esteemed director and producer Daniel Minahan and the Oscar-winning producer Peter Spears, whose participation will surely attract great attention from the film community and provide a unique opportunity for learning and exchange of ideas for everyone planning a stay on Lopud during the festival.

Masters of their craft on the Elaphite pearl

Daniel Minahan, a name that resonates in the world of American film and television production, arrives on the island of Lopud to present his latest film achievement, "On Swift Horses". This film, in which the main roles are played by stars like Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, and Diego Calva, will have its Croatian premiere precisely at the Ponta Lopud Film Festival. It has already generated excitement at the Toronto International Film Festival, and its distribution by Sony Pictures Classics ranks it among the most anticipated films of the year. The film's plot is set in America in the 1950s and follows complex relationships and forbidden loves, touching upon themes of personal freedoms and societal constraints of that era.

Minahan's career began with the notable and provocative film "Series 7: The Contenders," which was screened at the prestigious Sundance and Berlinale festivals, signaling the arrival of a new, bold directorial voice. He became known to a wider audience thanks to his work on some of the most significant and acclaimed television series of recent times. His directorial and production signature is behind cult titles such as "Game of Thrones," "Deadwood," "Halston," and "Fellow Travelers." His ability to work with top actors is particularly noteworthy; his collaboration with Ewan McGregor on the series "Halston" earned McGregor an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series. Minahan's contribution to film and television art has been recognized through numerous other prestigious awards and nominations, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and PGA Awards, confirming his status as one of the most exciting and influential creators of today.

Producer with a vision and an Oscar in hand

Peter Spears, whose name is behind the Oscar-winning film "Nomadland," is one of the key producers in contemporary world cinema. His impressive list of produced works includes acclaimed films such as "Hidden Love" ("Call Me By Your Name") from 2017 and "Bones and All" ("Bones and All") from 2022, both directed by the renowned Luca Guadagnino. He also produced the film "Drift" (2023) by director Anthony Chen, and the latest, already mentioned "On Swift Horses," on which he collaborated precisely with Daniel Minahan. Spears' production company, Cor Cordium, founded in 2020, actively develops numerous film and television projects, focusing on authentic and bold stories.

Spears is known for his ability to recognize and nurture extraordinary film projects and for successful collaborations with some of the most distinguished directors and actors of today. The films he has worked on have won a series of the world's most prestigious awards, including Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, as well as accolades at the Venice and Sundance festivals. Besides his production work, Spears is a passionate mentor to young authors, advocating for new voices and perspectives in the film industry. His dedication to authentic stories and support for upcoming talents make him an extremely important figure in shaping the future of film.

Commenting on his arrival at the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, Spears stated: „When I was just starting my career, I rarely had the opportunity to sit down and talk with someone who had already walked the path I was just beginning. Today it is even harder – everything happens quickly, and everyone is immediately expected to deliver a perfect, polished result. Ponta Lopud provides a unique environment for exchange – of knowledge, of course, but more importantly – of support. I am grateful to be a part of that story and I look forward to meeting young filmmakers in the inspiring environment that the island of Lopud offers.“

Festival dedicated to creativity, mentorship, and beauty

The Ponta Lopud Film Festival has nurtured the values of creativity, mentorship, openness, and a friendly atmosphere from its very beginning. It promotes the Mediterranean way of life and the unique beauty of the island of Lopud, providing participants with an unrepeatable opportunity to learn directly from the biggest names in world cinema in an informal and relaxed environment. Previous editions of the festival have hosted film giants such as Frances McDormand, Joel Coen, Ruben Östlund, Edward Norton, and Pawel Pawlikowski, who shared their knowledge and experience with young talents from the region. The educational element is a key part of this event, as confirmed by the statements of former guests who praise the intimate atmosphere and the opportunity for in-depth exchange of ideas.

The Croatian premiere of the film "On Swift Horses" will be the central event, further enriched by exclusive talks and thematic masterclasses held by Daniel Minahan and Peter Spears. These encounters will provide participants with a rare opportunity for direct dialogue with top film professionals, insight into their creative processes, and the acquisition of invaluable knowledge about creating films that leave a deep mark. The festival thus continues its mission of connecting established authors and young hopefuls, creating a platform for the growth and development of new generations of filmmakers. All those interested in accommodation on Lopud during the festival should secure their place in time.

The organizers emphasize that detailed information about the entire program, screening schedules and masterclasses, as well as ticket prices, will soon be published on the official festival website and through their social media profiles. Regular monitoring of announcements is recommended to secure tickets in time and reserve participation in desired events.

Summer on Lopud in the sign of art

The creative platform Ponta Lopud, which is behind the organization of the film festival, has prepared a rich cultural program for the summer of 2025 that includes three significant events, inviting all art lovers, with an emphasis on film, music, and literature, to visit this beautiful Elaphite island. The Ponta Lopud Film Festival, which takes place from June 26th to 28th, is the first in the series of these events.

After the film excitements, Lopud will host music lovers from August 28th to 30th at the popular Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. This festival attracts renowned domestic and international jazz musicians every year, and the third edition is expected to offer top performances and an unforgettable atmosphere. Applications have also recently opened for young professional musicians from all over the world to participate in a transformative musical experience, and this year's guest lecturer is four-time Grammy winner Terri Lyne Carrington.

The summer cultural festivities on Lopud will be rounded off by the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, which will take place from September 18th to 20th. This event will transform the island into a literary sanctuary, gathering writers, publishers, and lovers of the written word. The festival's goal is to become a meeting place for ideas and for research and discussion on the development of literature, art, and society in general through the world of the written word. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in presentations, workshops, and informal gatherings, enjoying the unique blend of culture and the natural beauty of the island, which makes the experience on Lopud complete.