For the fifth year in a row, the beautiful island of Lopud is transformed into a center of film art and dialogue under the open sky, where established film masters and promising young authors from the entire region meet. The jubilee edition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival brings a rich and diverse program filled with internationally recognized names and talented up-and-coming filmmakers, creating a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and inspiration.

Regional giants join the film celebration

This year, from June 26th to 28th, 2025, the festival will be enriched by three prominent figures from the regional film industry, whose names resonate on domestic and world film scenes. Dragan Bjelogrlić, Rajko Grlić, and Nebojša Slijepčević will further elevate the level of the festival with their experience and expertise, which, in addition to screenings, also offers educational content such as masterclasses and workshops. Thus, young film artists will have the opportunity to learn from the greatest, exchange ideas, and develop their skills in direct communication with professionals.

Dragan Bjelogrlić – a versatile artist with impressive successes

Dragan Bjelogrlić, one of the most significant Serbian filmmakers, has achieved considerable success as an actor, director, and producer throughout his career. His directorial debut "Montevideo, God Bless You!" from 2010 was the official Serbian candidate for the Oscar in the best international film category and won numerous awards at international festivals. In addition, Bjelogrlić gained massive popularity with the film "Toma," which follows the life of the legendary music icon Toma Zdravković, and which broke viewership records in the region. Besides feature films, he is also the author of the first regional series on the Amazon Prime platform, "Shadows over the Balkans," the third season of which is currently being filmed, confirming his status as one of the leading authors of contemporary regional cinematography.

Rajko Grlić – master of Croatian and world cinematography

Rajko Grlić, a distinguished Croatian director and screenwriter, has directed twelve feature films during his rich career, whose works have been regularly shown at prestigious international festivals, including Cannes. His achievements, such as "It All Ends" (2024), "The Constitution" (2016), and "The Border Post" (2006), have won numerous awards and recognitions worldwide. Besides directing, Grlić is also noted as a screenwriter and producer, and his contribution to film art was recognized with the Vladimir Nazor Award for lifetime achievement, which he received in 2018. At the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, he will share his experiences and vision with young filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and creative exchange in an environment that encourages artistic growth.

"The Ponta Lopud Film Festival is not just another festival; it is a space where experienced professionals and young talents exchange knowledge and inspiration in the idyllic ambiance of the island, without competition and the pressure of awards," Grlić points out, emphasizing the special character of this event.

Nebojša Slijepčević – a Croatian director under the world spotlight

Nebojša Slijepčević came into the global spotlight this year thanks to an Oscar nomination for the short feature film "The Man Who Could Not Be Silent." The film had previously won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, which ranks him among the most esteemed authors of short films. In addition, Slijepčević is known for the award-winning feature film "Srbenka" from 2018, and he also works as a creative producer on various documentary projects at the production company Zagreb Film. His arrival on Lopud and participation in festival activities provide additional value to the festival, and he himself points out that these four days spent in a creative atmosphere will be a source of new energy and inspiration for future work.

A film program that captivates the audience

The festival will open with a screening of the film "Anora" (2024), a work by Oscar winner Sean Baker, which immediately sets a high standard for the program. The second day is reserved for the screening of the thriller film "Guardians of the Formula" (2023) directed by Dragan Bjelogrlić, which deals with a forgotten accident from the Cold War era also known as the "Yugoslav Chernobyl." On the last day of the festival, the audience will have the opportunity to see the Croatian premiere of the romantic drama "On Swift Horses" (2024), directed by Daniel Minahan and produced by Peter Spears. All films start at 9 p.m., and the directors will talk with the audience after the screenings, providing deeper insight into their works and creative process.

Tickets and additional information

Tickets for the screenings can be purchased through the Entrio system, and all details about the program, as well as news related to the festival, are regularly published on the official websites and social media of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival.

Ponta Lopud as a cultural epicenter throughout the summer

Ponta Lopud is not just a film festival. This cultural space offers three major events during the summer of 2025, making the island an unmissable place for all art lovers. The film festival from June 26th to 28th is an introduction to the cultural season, and from August 28th to 30th, the island will attract jazz lovers to the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. The end of the summer also brings literary encounters through the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, which will turn Lopud into a literary paradise from September 18th to 20th, rounding off the summer events and offering visitors a rich artistic experience.