The CinEast film festival, which brings together the best films from the Central and Eastern European region for the 17th year in a row, has once again brought a rich program to Luxembourg this year, but with a special emphasis on Croatia. CinEast has become a key platform for promoting film art and cultural exchange, and the focus on Croatia at this year's festival provides an opportunity for further highlighting Croatian cinematography and cultural heritage in front of an international audience.

At the very opening of the festival, which took place on October 3, 2024, the Croatian Tourist Board, in collaboration with the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Belgium, played a key role in presenting Croatian culture and film. The opening of the festival was marked by the screening of a promotional film by the HTZ about Croatian world heritage, which delighted more than 300 guests. The film provided a rich insight into Croatia's cultural landmarks, and the actual projection was accompanied by a reception featuring Croatian specialties and promotional materials at the Croatian stand, further presenting Croatia as an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.

CinEast 2024 offers viewers the opportunity to enjoy over 120 screenings, including 65 feature-length and 45 short films from 20 countries, making the festival a unique place for cultural exchange and film art. The program encompasses a range of genres, from documentaries to feature films, with Croatian films highlighted through seven titles that will be shown during the festival. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Croatian filmmakers to present themselves to a wider audience and establish new international collaborations.

A special moment of the festival was the "Croatian Night," which took place on October 4, 2024, at the Ciné Utopia cinema in Luxembourg. This evening was dedicated to Croatian cinematography, and the guests had the opportunity to meet Croatian directors and actors. The evening was enriched by special guests and discussions about the future of Croatian film, while the atmosphere was completed with a cocktail featuring traditional Croatian specialties. The festival also included concerts with Balkan music, such as performances by Lidiya Koycheva & Balkan Orchestra, further highlighting the charm of the Balkans and Croatian culture.

This year, the CinEast festival also provides virtual screenings through its VOD platform, allowing viewers outside of Luxembourg to enjoy films from Central and Eastern Europe. This innovative approach allows for broader accessibility of films, while the festival program expands to multiple locations within Luxembourg, including Cinémathèque, Ciné Utopia, and Kinepolis Kirchberg.

Through such participations in international film festivals, Croatia has continued to build its image as a cultural and tourist destination. CinEast 2024 is undoubtedly one of the key moments for the promotion of Croatian film and cultural heritage, and the successful partnership of the Croatian Tourist Board, HAVC, and the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Belgium further strengthens this important initiative.

With such festivals, Croatia positions itself as an unmissable destination for film enthusiasts and cultural events, and CinEast is a prime example of how film art can connect peoples and cultures.