Last night marked the beginning of the third edition of the festival that will provide talents from the entire region with the opportunity to directly engage with some of the most significant names in the world of the film industry. Lopud will once again transform into a creative cultural hub for film industry professionals, a place for meetings, exchange of ideas, and enjoyment of the cinema art over the course of five festival days.

Participants, as well as lecturers and masters Edward Norton, Ruben Östlund, and director of photography Urszula Pontikos, attended the press conference on the terrace of the RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness. They will be conducting masterclasses for actors and directors, as well as specialized programs for female cinematographers.

“Filmmaking is a craft, a highly technical matter, and I would say that we, as practitioners, don’t talk enough to each other about it. That’s why it’s great to gather people and discuss the process of making films. Most festivals are competitive in nature, so I really like this concept, based on sharing ideas and techniques,” said Edward Norton.

Regarding her role at the festival, Urszula Pontikos said, “When I enrolled in film school, I met Nina Kellgren, who is also my mentor and from whom I learned a lot. I look forward to meeting fantastic women cinematographers from the region, and I’m convinced we will spend a few wonderful days learning from each other.”

 Ruben Östlund expressed his hope of encouraging masterclass participants to be open and transparent. “When I was younger, we were taught that if someone is a creative genius, they shouldn’t talk about their work until they are ready to present a masterpiece—I try to do the exact opposite. I talk about everything to everyone I’m working with. I look forward to discussing my current projects with the participants, and I would also love to talk about the experience of watching films and encourage people to discuss cinematography in terms of shared cinematic experiences. When we do that, the way we approach content changes compared to sitting alone in front of a screen.” Norton, in line with this sentiment, concluded, “There is something special about coming together to watch movies. I hope that as a community, and not just in the film industry, we will continue to gather and watch stories together.”

The festival organizer, Miro Purivatra, did not hide his satisfaction, stating, “It’s wonderful to see that we have gathered here for the third year in a row. This proves that we have a good concept and that Ponta Lopud has become a true meeting place for film artists and professionals. A beautiful creative energy has formed, and, most importantly, there is a genuine family atmosphere here, with many guests returning for the third time. We welcome all the masters, participants, and guests and wish them successful and enjoyable work.” Tilda Grossel Bogdanović, co-organizer, reflected on this special energy and synergy between the local community and all festival participants, saying, “I am aware that we are creating a top-quality cultural project. We are hosting the greatest film artists, prestigious national and international media are following us, numerous sponsors and partners support us wholeheartedly, but above all, I am delighted, encouraged, and motivated by the support and trust of the local community. All the people of Lopud, both its residents and those who have chosen it as a home away from home, contribute to the development and success of the Ponta Lopud Festival.”

Following the press conference, a fully-booked screening of THE PAINTED VEIL, starring Edward Norton and directed by John Curran, took place on the beach of the RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness. Norton, who chose to showcase THE PAINTED VEIL at the festival, described it as a film made with a lot of love over ten years, and the romantic atmosphere of the screening venue perfectly intertwined with the romantic thread running through the film. “When I thought about what to show to young people trying to make their own films, I felt that this film could definitely teach them something.” He also emphasized that the entire idea of exchanging knowledge and experiences among filmmakers is very special and expressed gratitude to the organizers for inviting him to the festival.

The evening continued with socializing and a traditional fireworks display.

Tickets for the film screenings at the beach of the RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness, as well as boat transfer tickets, can be purchased directly via the link ulaznice.hr/r/Ponta-Lopud.