Last night, in the full Arena, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović opened the 66th Pula Film Festival and expressed satisfaction that Pula Film Festival, as a national festival, has been and still is a Croatian brand in the international celebration of film throughout its long history. “What continues to be a permanent value of Pula Film Festival is the presentation of contemporary Croatian film production, its diversity and versatility, and what gives me great pleasure, on the occasion of this year’s Statehood Day, is to award the Festival the Charter of the Republic of Croatia for all its work and as an incentive to persevere in the future”, said Grabar-Kitarović.

This year’s Festival will be marked by eight Croatian films and six minority co-productions, as well as the return of the Popular Programme to the Arena, which will present attractive European films. Director Gordana Restović thanked everyone who supports the Festival, and emphasised that it is precisely because of the Festival that visits to Pula are designated as relevant global cultural events not to be missed. She especially thanked the audience and its growing number, which confirms the Festival is moving in the right direction.

As part of the opening ceremony, the important Marijan Rotar Award was presented to the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria. The award is named after its founder.

A spectacular fireworks display followed the opening ceremony, as well as the long-awaited film General, directed by Antun Vrdoljak.

The opening ceremony of the 66th Pula Film Festival, other than the President of the Republic of Croatia, was attended by Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Tomo Medved, and numerous Members of Parliament, esteemed guests, and film artists.

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