The Award of the Croatian Independent Cinema Network was established in 2023, and is presented for Best Croatian Film by representatives of independent cinemas. The jury also presents the award in the Greater Adria international programme. In cooperation with media partners, Pula Film Festival is sponsoring the awards in the form of advertising space and a minimum of 15 cinemas in the first month of distribution. The cooperation with the Croatian Independent Cinema Network is aimed at contributing to quality communication and cooperation of cinemas and distributors, and providing a concrete example to impact further positive practices in film distribution.
JURY
VESNA BIČAK-DANANIĆ
Vesna Bičak-Dananić is the Director of the Public Open University Sveti Ivan Zelina, where she has been leading the development of educational and cultural programs since 2020, with a special focus on cinema exhibition. She graduated with a degree in Political Science from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Zagreb. As an active member of the Croatian Independent Cinema Network (Kino mreža), she is a strong advocate for the development of independent cinema and film audience engagement outside major urban areas. Throughout her career, she has held a number of responsible positions in public administration and local government.
NEDJELJKO PAJTAK
Nedjeljko Pajtak is a prominent Croatian cultural professional and the long-standing Director of the Public Open University Daruvar, an institution he has managed since 1992. Over more than three decades of work, he has been dedicated to developing cultural and educational programs, as well as promoting film culture through the activities of Cinema “30. svibnja”. He is particularly dedicated to promoting Croatian and European cinema, audience development, film literacy, and fostering collaboration within the Croatian Independent Cinema Network. A Master of Social Work by profession, he began his career as a journalist.
MIROSLAV PEROŠEVIĆ
Miroslav Perošević is a Croatian culture and education expert who has served as the Director of the Public Open University Novska since 2013. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Osijek and pursued further professional training in pedagogy, psychology, and EU funds management. He began his professional career in adult education and financial management, and today leads the development of numerous educational, cultural, and social programs. He is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Croatian Independent Cinema Network, advocating for audience development and making high-quality local and European films accessible to local communities.
