The authors of the film, Ivo Čolak and Marko Mikulić, pointed out that the idea for the film was created six years ago, and that in addition to what had happened, they also wanted to show what the status of these people is today. 

‘This topic wasn’t attractive to me initially, and in the end I agreed to do it only on the condition that it would be a film that could evoke emotion for everyone, not only for people from B&H and not only for war prisoners. The aim was to show their lives today too, the position they have in society today. They are full of humour and optimism, but you can feel the bitterness’, Čolak said before the film in the packed Borak cinema theatre.  

The documentary about the artist Stjepan Skoko ‘Sculptor from Grab’, directed by Tomislav Topić, also attracted great interest from the audience. It is a film that follows the sculptor from a small Herzegovinian village, his education and work, which is characterized by a high degree of authorial invention, critics say. 

Topić pointed out that he wanted to show Stjepan Skoko froma different perspective, and that this is the beginning of a series of films about artists from Herzegovina. 

The man with the most friends in the world - Speedy, a representative of the Herzegovinian entertainment scene was ‘captured’ by a young director Karmen Obrdalj, who is also a member of the jury at this year’s festival.  As she said, the premiere screening of this film, right here in Široki Brijeg, has a special meaning for her.  

The young director Zdravko Terkeš, who saw his film 'Night of Silver and Gold' on the big screen for the first time at this festival, shares her opinion. 

‘This is the first screening I am attending in person, and therefore I am especially happy to see my own film together with the audience on the big screen. Also, I am happy that I am participating in the program as one of the local authors, and I think that 24 years behind the organisers of the MFF is a heroic deed'', he pointed out and added for young authors it is priceless to have a meeting place like this, a place where they can exchange ideas and create new collaborations.  

Young director Tvrtko Bubalo presented to the audience with his film ‘Tomorrow is a New Day’, which talks about drug addiction. This short documentary explores the challenges that medical professionals face in such communities while trying to help those who are struggling with the effects of drug consumption and overuse. 

There were also two animated film in the program – ‘Purpose’ by Tvrtko Karačić and ‘Hope’ by Pero Petrušić.  

‘I am glad that we presented our work, which was a worldwide success, here’, Petrušić said  referring to the recognition this film received at the prestigious festival in Cannes. 

The film that follows the little girl Nada and shows the time in Herzegovina from 1907 to 1922, and the great significance of Fr. Didak Buntić, who lived, worked and contributed to Herzegovina at the time, won ‘International Grand Prize’ in the category of animation for the best animated film at the Cannes 7th Art Awards.  

‘The idea was born mainly because of Fr. Didiak, because I am disappointed with the departure of young people from our country. It's as if they have no hope for a better tomorrow, and we are aware that it was very difficult for our people before, when children were dying of hunger, but we still stayed here. I feel sorry for that, and that's why this hope was born to give people comfort that we can build a better tomorrow here’, the author said.  

We remind you that the Mediterranean Film Festival takes place from October 10 to 14 in Široki Brijeg. The competition includes ten feature-length documentaries that compete for the MFF "Grand Prix" award, and ten short documentaries that compete for the MFF "Best Short" award. The best film will be chosen by the audience, and that film is waiting for the MFF Audience Award. This year’s novelty is the ‘Best Camera’ award that will be awarded by the festival in collaboration with the Association of Cinematographers of B&H.  

The award ceremony will be held on Friday, October 13, while the festival will close on Saturday, October 14, with the screening of the documentary film about the basketball genius Dražen Petrović - 'Our Little Boy', directed by Ivana Guberina. 

The general sponsor of the Mediterranean Film Festival is HT Eronet