by Ponta Lopud
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by Ponta Lopud
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After five days, the third Ponta Lopud Festival has come to a close. Many prominent professionals from the film industry gathered in one place, either as lecturers or participants, engaging in direct interaction, exchanging opinions and experiences, gaining valuable knowledge, and finding inspiration for new film projects.
Award-winning director Ruben Östlund and actor Edward Norton delivered lectures and workshops for directors and actors, while acclaimed cinematographer Urszula Pontikos led specialized programs for female cinematographers.
The festival also featured lectures by talent agent and partner at United Talent Agency, Brian Swardstrom; Academy Award-winning producer Peter Spears; acclaimed Mexican director, screenwriter, and producer Michel Franco; Finnish director and screenwriter Juho Kuosmanen; executive producers Giorgos Karnavas and Konstantinos Kontovrakis, and Academy Award-winning producer Mollye Asher.
Among the distinguished guests of the festival, many of whom returned to Ponta Lopud for the second or even third time, were Polish director and Academy Award winner Pawel Pawlikowski, renowned producer Philippe Bober, Serbian director and film producer Ognjen Glavonić, and British cinematographer Nina Kellgren.
This year, twenty-one exceptional young artists from the region who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of film were invited to the festival. The group included directors such as Marija Apčevska, Kukla – Katarina Bogdanović, Matija Gluščević, Juraj Lerotić, Ivan Salatić, Norika Sefa, Ena Sendijarević and Dušan Zorić, actors Florist Bajgora, Lazar Dragojević, Jurij Drevenšek, Gracija Filipović, Muhamed Hadžović, Tihana Lazović, Milan Marić, Natalija Teodosieva and Ivana Vuković, and cinematographers Bojana Andrić, Sara Bernarda Moritz, Jana Plećaš, and Gaja Naja Rojec. In a relaxed and intimate atmosphere of the event, the participants engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing their personal dilemmas and exchanging knowledge. They found inspiration in the experiences shared by their fellow colleagues. Notably, renowned actor Edward Norton expressed his delight in the festival’s distinctive format, which prioritized learning and personal development over competition.
All speakers emphasized the importance of watching a film together. Ruben Östlund, announcing the screening of his film, stated that “after watching a film together, we discuss it with others, it forces us to think and process what we saw on the screen. This is exactly what makes cinema special. I believe it is important because this kind of interaction shapes the way we perceive the world around us.”
Edward Norton, who conducted a series of lectures for participants in the acting category, as well as a few attended by all invited participants, concluded his masterclass with an encouraging message to his younger colleagues: to be persistent, active, and never give up because with new, incredible opportunities and chances, they have nothing to lose. Regarding the screening of the THE PAINTED VEIL he highlighted it as an outstanding example of a highly demanding production with a low budget, an experience from which young filmmakers can learn a great deal.
In addition to cinematography workshops, Ursula Pontikos spoke about the importance of the relationship between cinematographers and directors, particularly in the case of emotional storytelling. She shared some of her personal experiences and advised all participants not to engage in projects they don’t truly believe in.
Night after night, film screenings on the beach of RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness were filled to capacity. Classic films directed by or featuring guests of this year’s festival were shown, including FORCE MAJEURE and THE TRIANGLE OF SADNESS by Ruben Östlund, AFTER LUCIA by Michel Franco, THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI directed by Juho Kuosmanen, and THE PAINTED VEIL, a drama by John Curran starring Edward Norton.
Co-founder of the festival, Miro Purivatra, stated, “The third edition of the festival has confirmed the quality of its concept, marked by exceptionally high-quality masterclasses and lectures by prominent figures from the world of cinema, such as ‘Pitching as a method how to write a project’ by Ruben Östlund or ‘Money is not the most important element to make a film’ by Michel Franco. Above all, I am delighted that the participants leave grateful and satisfied, considering Ponta Lopud the most beneficial experience in their careers. It’s wonderful to see that the residents, as well as the businesses of Lopud, have embraced the festival as their own, contributing to the unforgettable experience of Ponta Lopud guests, who without exception, leave with a desire to return. Perhaps the greatest compliment to the festival was given by Juho Kuosmanen when addressing the audience before the screening of his film, stating that this is his favourite film festival, despite him being a festival director himself.”
Tilda Grossel Bogdanović, co-founder, expressed her satisfaction after another edition of the festival, saying, “I am confident that this year’s festival will leave us with countless cherished memories, and that we have all acquired a wealth of knowledge and insights. In addition to fostering fresh projects and artistic cooperation, the festival nurtures new and deep friendships, enticing everyone to revisit the captivating ambiance of Lopud.” In the end, she thanked the sponsors and donors, volunteers for their dedicated work, all the residents of Lopud for their hospitality, and especially the members of the Ponta Lopud Club.
Representative of the Ponta Lopud Club and festival partner, Jadranka Drinić, emphasized the importance of the festival’s international character and expressed delight in the held programs, which club members enthusiastically support. “Famous names from the world of cinema are always a guarantee of quality, and their presence on Lopud not only enriches the festival with insightful lectures for filmmakers but also contributes to the tourism development that this magical island truly deserves. As guests of this festival, driven solely by love and enthusiasm for filmmaking, we feel inspired to take on new projects and eagerly look forward to returning to Lopud.”