June 21 – 23, 2013, at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres

The first "live pictures" in Croatia were shown on October 8, 1896, just ten months after the art of cinema was born in Paris. The venue was a small theater hall in the building that is now home to the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. For generations, within these walls, young Croatians learned the skills needed to become actors, directors and cinematographers on the short list of modern Central European masters.

Since the 1960s, Croatian cinema has combined a haunting, often savagely bleak outcry against political and personal repression with humor, lyricism and a tenderness born of constant conflict and adversity. However, it was little known before late 2000, when the American Cinematheque and CAMEO presented “Wednesdays in Croatia,” the first comprehensive overview of Croatian cinema ever mounted on the West Coast.

This year Kino Croatia’s series lineup includes first-time director Vlatka Vorkapić’s charming romantic sparring match SONJA AND THE BULL, Branko Schmidt’s chilling 2012 Oscar entry VEGETARIAN CANNIBAL, Tomislav Radić’s acclaimed domestic drama KOTLOVINA, Dražen Žarković’s hit family adventure THE MYSTERIOUS BOY and Igor Mirković’s seniors-on-the-road comedy NIGHT BOATS.

Series compiled by Gwen Deglise and Matko B. Malinger. Produced by Matko B. Malinger. Program notes by Andrew Motz. Print Sponsor: UPrinting.com

See the trailer for this year's film series!