On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the 62nd Pula Film Festival, a press conference was held by the Festival Director Gordana Restović, the President of the Artistic Board Hrvoje Pukšec and the members of the Artistic Board Tanja Miličić and Mike Downey. The Ambassador of the Republic of France in Croatia, Her Excellency Michèle Boccoz, the deputy mayor of Pula Elena Puh Belci and later the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Croatia Vladimir Stojsavljević, joined the Festival Board.
The Artistic Board President Hrvoje Pukšec presented the programme novelties of the 62nd Pula, and stressed the quality of film programmes of this year's Festival: "We are extremely proud of this year's Pula Film Festival because it has never been in recent history, so filled with good films in all the competition categories. Croatian film is at its best since our independence and that's great news for both our cinema and the Festival. Pula is finally starting to realise its potential "concluded the Arts Council President Hrvoje Pukšec.
The International Programme, with over 40 titles from more than 20 countries around the world, was presented by the Artistic Board member Mike Downey who emphasised the quality of the programmes and the variety of themes shown in the selected film titles. "Knowing that the quality of the Croatian programme this year is at a very high level, we put emphasis on the quality of the International Programme too and introduced a new programme category and award, Neighbours and Friends. These are countries whose films have a lot in common cinematographically with Croatian films and countries, from a production point of view, we can achieve good cooperation with." Said Mike Downey.
"Pula Film Festival has focused on aspects of film art that are not the centre of attention on the film scene, but without which of course, there is no film. The focus is on a different film profession every year, and this year special attention will be paid to scenograpghy" emphasised Artistic Board member Tanja Miličić while presenting this year's programme Pula PROfessional, intended for film professionals and students of audiovisual activities.
The 62nd Pula Film Festival Director Gordana Restović spoke about organisational accomplishments and the importance of the Pula Film Festival. "I am glad to say that Pula Film Festival is no longer just a place where to watch films but also a meeting and networking hub for film professionals through our programmes, especially through Pula PROfessional and it is also a place of education and training for future generations of lovers of film art through our film programmes and interactive workshops intended for children and young people. Our goal is to offer Festival visitors and participants the best possible experience of all aspects of film art" remarked Pula Film Festival Director Gordana Restović and announced the official opening in the Arena.
The 62nd Pula Film Festival has received great support from the City of Pula this year and the Deputy Mayor Elena Puh Belci thanked the organisers and the Board of the Festival on behalf of the city. "Pula Film Festival justifiably retains the title of best film festival in the region year after year with its quality and that carries the name of Pula beyond Croatian borders. The festival is one of the most successful and most beautiful cultural projects launched in Pula."
Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of France in Croatia, Michèle Boccoz stressed the importance of the cooperation with the Festival of France in Croatia - Rendez-vous and wished the 62nd Pula Film Festival Board a successful festival. "We welcome this prestigious event and we are extremely happy to participate in it, within the Festival of France in Croatia, Rendez-vous" said Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of France in Croatia, Michèle Boccoz.
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, the Minister Assistant Vladimir Stojsavljević, after the press conference, stressed the importance and the long tradition of the Pula Film Festival. "The Ministry of Culture financially supports the Festival with the amount of 1.8 million Kuna because, together with the city of Pula is supporting the reconstruction and development of audio-visual art. This year's event is extremely rich and provides the citizens with the best that our filmmakers have produced." added Minister of Culture Assistant Vladimir Stojsavljević.
The 62nd Pula Film Festival will be held from July18th to July 25th at 14 different locations throughout the city. During the eight days of the Festival, 128 films will be screened in 12 film programmes. There will be 23 professional events for film professionals as part of Pula PRO programme, two workshops for children and youth - Professor Baltazar’s Adventure laboratory and RED workshops, five exhibitions and eight musical events.
