Bill Murray to Topline Second Annual Croatia International Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE)

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Bill Murray is heading to Croatia International Film Festival.

Murray is set to showcase his movie titled “The Friend” at the CIFF, with the screening scheduled for August 8 in the picturesque coastal city of Sibenik, Croatia, where the festival will kick off.

The movie “The Friend”, adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s popular novel, focuses on the character Iris (played by Naomi Watts). After her friend and literary guide (character portrayed by Murray) passes away, he leaves behind his cherished Great Dane for her.

Based on the novel by Sigrid Nunez, “The Friend” – a film directed by Scott McGhee and David Siegel – made its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival last year, followed by screenings at Toronto. It was distributed across North America by Bleecker Street in March.

McGhee and Siegel will also attend CIFF, a four-day event, with Murray.

As ardent cinema enthusiasts, my partner and I have longed to explore the captivating landscapes of Croatia since collaborating with the exceptional Croatian actor Goran Visnjic in our film ‘The Deep End’. Now, we’re bursting with anticipation as we prepare to present ‘The Friend’ at CIFF.

The previous year, during its debut, the movie “Sasquatch Sunset” from Bleecker Street, featuring Jesse Eisenberg, was shown at the first CIFF.

Bleecker Street’s marketing president, Tyler DiNapoli, expresses gratitude for fresh platforms that amplify diverse global voices in cinema. Last year, they were delighted to contribute a little at the festival with ‘Sasquatch Sunset’, and now, they’re thrilled about ‘The Friend’ being chosen as the opening film this time around, allowing international viewers to discover it,” says Bleecker Street.

Established by Ella Mische, a Croatian native residing in America, the Croatia International Film Festival (CIFF) was designed with the intention of enhancing Croatia’s status on the global film scene. The festival seeks to draw top-tier talent and exhibit outstanding works from around the world, ultimately positioning Croatia as a leading spot for culture and artistic pursuits.

Mische, a member of the casting team on the 2022 Adam Sandler film “Hustle,” has spent the past two decades immersed in the entertainment industry, taking on roles as a caster, director, actor, and producer. In response to the writers’ and actors’ strikes that took place in 2023, she chose to initiate CIFF (Creative Industry Film Festival).

At that point, many of my friends were struggling with depression,” Mische shared with EbMaster. “With friends based in New York and L.A., our conversations often revolved around the lack of job opportunities. This made me think, ‘Now is the ideal moment for creation.’ I felt compelled to come up with a solution.

During its first year, CIFF drew approximately 5,000 attendees physically. Mische aims to boost the festival’s global standing within the film festival circle by premiering “The Friend” as the opening film and inviting Murray, McGhee, and Siegel to attend the event.

The second edition of the CIFF will follow the 72nd installment of Croatia’s longstanding and illustrious Pula Film Festival, starting on July 17. A week later, the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival – the premier platform for Southeast European cinema – commences. As Croatia shares a border with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mische anticipates that in time, participants of the Sarajevo Film Festival might first visit CIFF before continuing their journey.

In addition to “The Friend,” CIFF will feature a lineup of seven narrative and documentary films.

The documentary titled “Wisdom of Happiness,” produced by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, is among those thought-provoking films. This movie centers around the Dalai Lama and had its premiere at the Zurich Film Festival in October 2024. It has been selected as the main film for the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).

As a film aficionado, I eagerly anticipate “Wisdom of Happiness,” a captivating production that brings the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, at 89 years young, into our living rooms. He shares profound insights, speaking directly into the lens, about the universal journey we all embark on in search of inner tranquility and joy. This film holds promise for ushering in a peaceful and content century ahead. Last July, Richard Gere and visionary director Oren Moverman joined forces to executive produce this thought-provoking project.

Miller is excitedly anticipating the opportunity, as a director, to share ‘The Wisdom of Happiness’ by the Dalai Lama with the public at CIFF 2025,” Miller says, noting that he will be present at CIFF for a Q&A session after the film screening.

In the movie, the Dalai Lama ponders how to blend ancient Tibetan Buddhist teachings with modern values typical of today’s globalized world. This exiled spiritual and political figure of Tibet received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his peaceful struggle against China’s control over Tibet.

Gere remarks, ‘This is a timeless film and document,’ stressing he won’t be present at CIFF. He refers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as he shares his sincere thoughts, speaking straight into the camera, touching the minds and hearts of all viewers.

Beyond the 27 movies being shown at the CIFF, the festival will also highlight an area known as the Student Film Showcase. This special section gives college students from Croatia and surrounding countries a platform to screen their graduation projects. One of the 20 short films showing this year at CIFF is “Harfa,” a short documentary produced by Mastercard and directed by Miche.

Mische expressed his enthusiasm about creating projects in Croatia, specifically his film festival, stating that his office is situated right in the heart of the ancient city of Sibenik. He explained that it’s almost inevitable to encounter everyone necessary for the production with each step taken, making it feel like being within a sprawling Paramount studio lot. In essence, the entire city seems to be an integral part of the production, with locals and international visitors playing their respective roles.

This year, Mische, together with ten other members of the CIFF team, reduced a record-breaking 500 entries – an increase from last year’s 150 – to just 27. Among these chosen films, seven hail from various countries such as Croatia, Spain, Australia, the UK, France, Austria, and the USA, which will be showcased at the CIFF.

2025’s edition of CIFF (China International Film Festival) will emphasize distribution, be it domestic or global, by inviting companies such as Bleecker Street to engage in a variety of panel discussions at the festival. One of these discussions is titled “Unveiling International Distribution”.

According to Mische, working across two continents provides a distinct viewpoint on both the vast American film industry and Europe. This perspective serves as a kind of telescope for him, allowing him to understand and navigate the business from an elevated vantage point. It also aids in bridging markets and cultures to attract larger, more diverse audiences.

All in all, CIFF is organizing a total of five engaging panel talks: Discussions with Filmmakers, Actor Dialogues, Unveiling Global Film Distribution, Insights from Behind the Camera, and Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship.

At the CIFF, films that have been officially endorsed and will be financially supported by both the Croatian Ministry of Culture and the Croatian Audiovisual Center, will be shown at iconic locations throughout Sibenik. These include the Square of the Republic of Croatia, St James Cathedral, and the Barone Fortress – a UNESCO-protected site, recognized by the United Nations for its educational, scientific, and cultural importance.

2025 CIFF Feature Film Selection:
THE FRIEND – Directed by Scott McGhee and David Siegel
WISDOM OF BLISS – Directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis
AN AMERICAN JOURNEY – Directed by Marcia Kimpton
THE DEEP ROOTS – Directed by Omar Budemez
BEHIND THE CAMERA’S EYE – Directed by John Benitz
STOLEN MONEY – Directed by Stefano Da Fre
FAITH IN LOVE – Directed by Mick Davis

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2025-06-03 21:17