5th Annual Zagreb Jewish Film Festival

For the fifth year in a row, Zagreb is hosting a film festival from 22 - 28 May 2011.  This film festival is unique in the world since it is dedicated to the Holocaust.  It is the only film festival that promotes Jewish culture through its film program, screenings, musical events, meetings with world-renowned film directors, producers, and actors.

The goal of the Zagreb Jewish Film Festival is to educate viewers through movies about the Holocaust, and to emphasize that tolerance and mutual values form a foundation of peaceful coexistence in different national and religious surroundings. The Festival aims to promote multiculturalism, tolerance, respect, and understanding among different people of all age groups. The value of the Festival has been recognized for its rich cultural and educational program, which includes the international talent (film) workshop, educational morning programs, and a versatile music program.

This year the theme is "Women in the Holocaust," dedicated to all women who were forced to cope with all terrors of the Second World War using their strength, courage, and confidence. All 16 feature films, 31 documentaries, and 9 short films speak to the courage of women in their own way.  The selected film program mainly includes renowned films that were awarded prizes at other international film festivals.  The Jewish Film Festival is very proud of the internationally recognized filmmakers who will be guests.

The honorary president of the Jewish Film Festival is Mr. Branko Lustig, the film producer awarded with two Oscars for the "Schindler's List" and "Gladiator."

The Zagreb Jewish Film Festival was organized in Croatia and southeastern Europe for the first time in 2007. The first year it lasted for three days and in the following two years it was extended to five days. The public interest for the Festival grows from year to year.  The first year's total of 2000 visitors grew to 7000 visitors and program participants in the fourth year, which is an increase of 350% in only four years. The Festival has the support of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zagreb, and other governmental, municipal, and economic institutions.

For more information, please visit the website of the Zagreb Jewish Film Festival.