Croatian documentary filmmaking is experiencing a surge of creativity, with a new generation of storytellers offering fresh perspectives on diverse themes. The Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival recently showcased this vibrant scene at its New Visions Forum, putting a spotlight on works in progress. Let's dive into some of the most promising projects.
First up, we have Behind Open Doors by Nikola Kuprešanin. This autobiographical documentary, produced by Ena Rahelić, takes a deeply personal look at psychotherapy. Kuprešanin revisits his former therapist, Milena, years after completing therapy, to reflect on their past sessions. The film delves into issues of anxiety, resistance, and the intriguing idea that therapy might somehow stifle creativity. It promises candid dialogues and heartwarming scenes, mirroring the filmmaker’s marriage to a psychotherapist. Behind Open Doors is currently in production, with a planned premiere in 2027, and the team is actively seeking broadcasters and sales agents.
Next, Closing Time by Sara Jurinčić offers a unique perspective on the lives of immigrant night workers. Produced by Dana Budisavljević and Sara Jurinčić, this hybrid documentary explores themes of labor, visibility, and inequality through the lens of closing shops in urban environments. The film is being shot in several European cities, and the project is developing in two parallel forms: a short film and an art installation. The team is currently looking for co-producers to support the next phase of production.
Then there is Olimbi – Mother Courage by Karlo Mlinar. Produced by Filip Filković and Margareta Brodić, this film tells the inspiring story of Olimbi Hoxhaj, an Albanian mother who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong fight against stigma and discrimination. After discovering she and three of her children were HIV-positive in early-2000s Albania, where treatment was unavailable, Olimbi spearheaded efforts to secure medication and founded a national organization supporting HIV/AIDS patients. The project is in the early stages of production, supported by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and the producers are actively seeking co-producers, distributors, and broadcasters.
Also, The Center of the World by Marko Šantić examines the impact of mass tourism on the city of Split. Directed by Marko Šantić and produced by Jure Bušić and Nikola Tomić, the documentary follows Blanša and her nephew Doni as they navigate the challenges of daily life amidst the constant influx of visitors. The film blends Blanša’s own mobile phone footage with observational cinematography, offering a cinematic portrait of a city grappling with the erosion of its identity. Approximately 50% of the film has been shot, with the remaining filming planned for summer 2026 and completion expected by late 2026 or early 2027. The producers are actively seeking partners, co-producers, broadcasters, distributors, and festival collaborations.
Finally, The Three of Us by Lucija Brkić explores intergenerational relationships. In her debut feature, Brkić, along with producers Lucija Perić and Roza Medvešek, uses contemporary and archival family footage to portray the experiences of women over the past century. The film is structured around letters to Brkić’s late grandmother, examining emotional inheritance, memory, and solidarity. The Three of Us is currently in post-production, with completion expected by autumn 2026. The producers are searching for collaborators to assist with post-production, distribution partners, and the film’s festival strategy.
These projects highlight the diverse and compelling stories emerging from Croatia. They showcase a range of themes, from personal journeys and social issues to the impact of globalization. What do you think about the directions these documentaries are taking? Which project intrigues you the most, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
