The second edition of the Tourism and Ethno Film Festival (TEF) Krk, held on September 26 and 27, 2024, once again showcased its significance as one of the most important events in promoting tourism and cultural heritage through film. The festival, which attracted exceptional attention from the audience and film professionals, gained an international label, extending its influence beyond the borders of Croatia, thanks to participants from Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

The festival's program was rich and diverse, featuring film screenings, panel discussions, cultural performances, and educational workshops. Two panel discussions stood out, providing deeper insights into the importance of film heritage and the role that film plays in promoting tourism and local communities. The panels on "Film Heritage" and "We Are All Promoters of Our Country" brought together distinguished guests such as director and musician Danilo Šerbedžija and travel writer Stipe Božić, who shared their experiences and views on the significance of film art in preserving cultural heritage.

Zagorje shone at TEF

One of the brightest moments of the festival was undoubtedly the success of Zagorje, which won as many as six prestigious awards. The Tourist Board of the City of Krapina won the First Audience Award for the documentary film "830 Years of Krapina," while the film "Gupčev Kraj" was named Best Tourist Series. Additionally, the tourist film "In the Embrace of Nature," in collaboration with the Biser Zagorja Tourist Board and director Marina Buhin, received the award for Best Representation of the Local Community.

Among numerous accolades, the Third Award of the Festival was given to the Tourist Board Srce Zagorja for the ethno film "September Mornings in the Pregradsko Region." This film managed to capture the beauty of the rural landscape and the authenticity of life in that part of Croatia. Furthermore, the film "Golden East of Zagorje" won the Second Audience Award, while the icing on the cake was the film "Zagorje – A Fairy Tale on the Palm," which was proclaimed Best Promotional Film of the County.

“Zagorje – A Fairy Tale on the Palm”: Pride of the Region

The film "Zagorje – A Fairy Tale on the Palm" has become the ambassador of the region, promoting Zagorje worldwide. This film has already won awards at numerous international festivals, including the prestigious Golden Bear at The Golden City Gate festival in Berlin and gold in South Africa for the best-presented tourist destination. The film also won gold at the World Media Festival in Hamburg in the category "Tourism and Travel: Destination Advertising," as well as on the Muse Creative Awards platform, where it was recognized in the video tourism category.

This year’s TEF Festival emphasized the importance of connecting tourism with ethnographic heritage and sustainable development. The organizers particularly highlighted how this edition, through a partnership with the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT), allowed the Festival to enter the Kvarner project – European Region of Gastronomy, thereby expanding the event's dimensions and raising the quality standards.

Overall, the Festival met expectations and confirmed Krk as an ideal location for this type of event. Thanks to the large number of submitted films and a rich program, the Festival provided not only entertainment but also valuable educational content, contributing to the promotion of Croatia as an attractive destination that nurtures its cultural heritage through film art.