Hollywood actress Lisa Loven Kongsli and filmmakers from across the Balkans will attend the 24th Zagreb Film Festival in Croatia. The event runs from November 9 to 15, bringing international cinema and regional talent together.
Organizers announced the festival’s guest lineup on November 2, confirming appearances by filmmakers from Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and other European countries.
The program will also feature American productions, including a film directed by Lance Hammer.
Hollywood Connections Highlight International Lineup
Norwegian actress Lisa Loven Kongsli, known for her roles in Wonder Woman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, will serve on the festival’s feature film competition jury.
She will join Serbian director Bojan Vuletić and Icelandic filmmaker Rúnar Rúnarsson in selecting the winner of the Golden Pram award.
Kongsli will also participate in a masterclass about her experiences working in independent European cinema and major Hollywood productions.
Meanwhile, American director Lance Hammer’s Queen at Sea will screen at the festival. Actress Anna Calder-Marshall, who won a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for her performance, will present the film.
Danish film editor Olivia Neergaard-Holm will also visit Zagreb. Her credits include Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
Macedonian and Serbian Films Join the Program
Macedonian cinema will have a notable presence at this year’s festival.
Director Kosara Mitić will attend a screening of her feature film 17, inspired by a real-life event that attracted attention across the region.
The film is part of the festival’s PLUS competition.
Another Macedonian production, Skateboarding Is Not for Girls, directed by Dina Duma, will also compete in the program.
The film, co-produced with Croatia, previously received recognition at the Tribeca Festival in New York and the Sarajevo Film Festival.
Serbian filmmaker Boris Hadžija will present I Plant My Hand in the Garden, a film he co-directed with Hoda Taheri.
Director Jelena Maksimović will introduce Until the Day Ends, a story about a relationship developing during student protests in Belgrade.
Croatian cinema will also feature prominently. Director Josip Lukić will present the world premiere of Mom’s Alive Today, while filmmaker Mate Ugrin will introduce Petty Thieves.
The Zagreb Film Festival will additionally welcome filmmakers from Slovenia and other countries across the region.
With Hollywood connections and a strong Balkan presence, the event offers international exposure for filmmakers whose work continues to reach audiences beyond Southeast Europe.
