On March 17, 2008, it was possible for Croatian directors, producers, screenwriters, and others involved in audiovisual activities to participate in the MEDIA sub-programme and to compete for financial resources provided by the European Commission to support the production, promotion and distribution of European audiovisual programs.
This is how Croatia began its path to the success story.
SMALL COUNTRY WITH BIG SUCCESS STORIES
By the end of 2021, Croatian beneficiaries have secured 11.5 million euros for their projects, which has positioned Croatia at the very top of the success rate among member participating MEDIA countries.
In other words, the provided funds supported the development of 77 Croatian films and TV series, 3 short films and 4 Croatian video games, and the production of 2 television projects, while 160 organizations participated in 544 projects.
Croatia is also strong in the field of promotion and distribution of European films - as many as 16 Croatian cinemas are part of the unique network of Europa Cinemas cinemas, 6 Croatian film festivals are on the list of MEDIA festivals, while 10 Croatian distributors have provided support for the distribution of European films.
The MEDIA desk provides advice and responds to the inquiries of Croatian audiovisual professionals, explains different funding strategies and the eligibility criteria of their works, as well as creates and organizes innovative and creative workshops – the essential tools for training, informing, and networking Croatian and European film professionals.
Thus, the Croatian MEDIA Office has (co)organized as many as 341 events since its establishment.
EUROPE DAY
Every year on May 9, we are celebrating ‘Europe Day’ - it is the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration from 1950, but also the first official step in the creation of the European Union. Throughout Europe, numerous events are held that focus on contents that glorify the multiplicity and diversity of the Old Continent, thus introducing the public to the work of all relevant European institutions and organizations whose goal is the promotion of European values.
This year, on May 9, starting at 5 p.m., the focus of the central event is on recent Croatian MEDIA success stories. Thus, producer Rea Rajčić (Eclectica) and director and screenwriter Judita Gamulin will take part in the conversation, presenting the debut feature film 'Leave the Door Open', producer, director, and screenwriter Karla Lulić (Dobar film) and actress Judita Franković Brdar presenting the debut feature film ' Mirror of Nightingales’ director and screenwriter Petar Orešković presenting his feature film for children ‘Young Tesla and Idea Poachers' and the documentary film 'Measuring the Sky'. The conversation will be moderated by Martina Petrović, Head of the Croatian MEDIA Office.
After the talk, the screenings of three short films will be organized as well:
‘Flowers’ by Judita Gamulin: https://vimeo.com/145507084
‘In the name of the Strawberry, the Chocolate and the Holy Spirit’ by Karla Lulić: https://youtu.be/pPso_V7XTA0
'Get a Move On!' by Petar Orešković: https://youtu.be/BV1EQcpOGXY
The opening remarks will be made by the Minister of the Croatian Ministry of Culture and Medi, PhD Nina Obuljen Koržinek, the Head of the European Commission Representation, Mr. Ognian Zlatev, and the director of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, Mr. Christopher P. Marcich, and Martina Petrović, Head of the Croatian MEDIA desk.
The celebration of ‘Europe Day’ and the central event '15 years: MEDIA & Croatia' will be held in the Zagreb, at Urania – Space of Creation.
For more information, follow the Facebook page @CEDCroatiaMEDIA or visit www.mediadesk.hr.
