Zagreb Film Festival – Croatia 2025

Background & History

The Zagreb Film Festival (ZFF), established in 2003, is Croatia’s largest international film festival and a cornerstone cultural event, attracting over 20,000 visitors annually. Held in Zagreb’s vibrant city center, ZFF focuses on promoting debut and second films by emerging global and Croatian filmmakers. Evolving from a modest showcase, it has screened early works by directors like Steve McQueen, Sofia Coppola, Xavier Dolan, and Taika Waititi.

The festival’s main competition includes international feature films, short films, and the national Checkers program for Croatian shorts, with additional non-competitive sections like KinoKino (children’s films) and Together Again (returning auteurs). Since 2006, the Golden Pram, designed by Nedjeljko Mikac, has been the festival’s signature award, accompanied by cash prizes. ZFF’s green initiatives, launched in 2021, emphasize sustainability through digital materials, hybrid vehicles, and recycling, earning praise from European film networks like EUNIC Croatia.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: Over 100 films across three competition categories: International Feature (first/second films, 70+ minutes, 2024/2025 productions), International Short (up to 20 minutes, no prior features), and Checkers (Croatian shorts, up to 30 minutes). Non-competitive sections include KinoKino (children’s films), Together Again, and Network of Festivals in the Adriatic Region. 2024’s Best Feature was Julie Keeps Quiet by Leonardo Van Dijl; 2025 lineup TBD (October 2025).
• Awards:
  • Golden Pram for Best Feature Film: €4,000 (~$4,640 USD) and a trophy.
  • Golden Pram for Best Short Film: €1,000 (~$1,160 USD) and trophy.
  • Golden Pram for Best Croatian Film (Checkers): €2,000 (~$2,320 USD, with Croatian Film Directors Guild) and trophy.
  • Golden Bicycle: Best film in the Together Again program.
  • PLUS Award: Best film by Young Jury (teen/high school voters).
  • Adriatic Audience Award: Voted by audiences, presented at Auteur Festival in Belgrade.
• Industry Program: Workshops (e.g., My First Script, mentored by filmmakers like Pjer Žalica), pitching forums, masterclasses (e.g., 2022’s Zlatko Burić), and co-production meetings with regional festivals. Focuses on emerging talent and networking.
• Green Initiatives: Digital-only programs (website/app), hybrid cars (Carwiz), recycled materials (FED), public bikes (Nextbike), organic gifts (Bio Boutique, Bio & Bio). “We recycle everything but the films” slogan since 2021.
• Cultural Events: Opening Gala (10 November, 19:00, speculative), Closing Gala with awards (16 November, 19:00), Croatian cinema history exhibition (Kinoteka foyer, speculative). Live music and DJ events at MSU (speculative, based on 2024).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues, English subtitles (except English films), audio descriptions (select screenings, contact for availability). Contact info@zff.hr for assistance.
• Eco-Friendly Transport: Free Nextbike access for festival pass holders, shuttle buses between venues (~€1–€2 USD, speculative).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 10–16 November 2025 (7 days).
• Hours: Screenings 10:00–22:00 (speculative, based on 2024). Galas at 19:00. Industry events 12:00–18:00 (speculative).
• Note: All-ages; under 14s need adult supervision and tickets. November weather (40–50°F, rain likely); bring raincoats, comfortable shoes. Full schedule at ZFF.hr (October 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues:
  • Kino Kinoteka: Kaptol 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (main venue, screenings, galas).
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU): Avenija Dubrovnik 17, 10000 Zagreb (screenings, Checkers, KinoKino).
  • CineStar Branimir: Branimirova 29, 10000 Zagreb (main program, PLUS).
  • Dokukino KIC: Preradovićeva ul. 5, 10000 Zagreb (documentaries, industry events).
  • Kino SC (Student Centre): Savska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb (special screenings).
• Administrative Contact: Zagreb Film Festival, Ulica grada Vukovara 35A, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (office: Zrinjevac 10, 10000 Zagreb); info@zff.hr; +386 91 5970 415 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible venues, toilets, and screenings. English subtitles standard (except English films). Public transport: trams (lines 6, 13 to Kaptol, 5-minute walk to Kinoteka) or buses (Zagreb Centar, 10-minute walk). Limited parking (€2–€5 USD/day, disability parking free with permit). Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@zff.hr (inquiries, accessibility, accreditations, volunteer applications).
• Phone: +386 91 5970 415 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Website: https://zff.hr
• Social Media: @ZagrebFilmFestival (Facebook, Instagram, X).
• Press: Contact info@zff.hr for accreditation (deadline 3 November 2025).
• Tickets: ulaznice@zff.hr or +386 91 5970 415 for inquiries.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteers needed (apply by September 2025 via zff.hr).

Ticket Information

• Admission (based on 2024, likely similar for 2025):
  • Regular Screening: €5 (~$5.80 USD).
  • Discounted (students, pensioners, X-ica card holders, wheelchair users + escort): €4 (~$4.64 USD).
  • KinoKino (children’s program): €3 (~$3.48 USD).
  • Piran Residents: Not applicable (Zagreb-based).
  • Special Offer: Pre-sale (16 October–3 November 2025), €1 discount on all tickets (except KinoKino).
• How to Buy: Online at kupiulaznicu.zff.hr (card only, pick up at Kino Kinoteka). On-site at venue cash registers (Kinoteka, MSU, CineStar; card preferred, cash accepted). No reservations; avoid touts.
• Accreditation: Free for press, filmmakers, students (apply by 3 November 2025 via zff.hr).
• Ticket Range:
  • EUR: €3–€5.
  • USD: ~$3.48–$5.80.
• Note: Prices per 2024 data; €1 ≈ $1.16 USD (mid-2025). No refunds unless screening is cancelled. Online platforms (Croatian film) offer select Checkers/Festivals in the Spotlight films during the festival.

Cultural Experience

ZFF celebrates Croatia’s cinematic heritage while spotlighting global emerging talent, fostering a dialogue between new filmmakers and established names. The Checkers program, Croatia’s leading platform for short films, has launched talents like Juraj Lerotić (Safe Place, 2022 Sarajevo winner). The festival’s focus on debut/second films aligns with its mission to nurture creativity, with past screenings of works by Steve McQueen and Sofia Coppola.

Industry events like My First Script and masterclasses connect regional filmmakers with international networks (e.g., EUNIC Croatia, Rotterdam IFF). The seaside-inspired Golden Pram symbolizes Zagreb’s cultural vibrancy, while green initiatives reflect modern sustainability values. KinoKino engages young audiences, ensuring a multi-generational appeal.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Snack bars at Kinoteka, MSU, CineStar (sandwiches, pastries, Croatian snacks like čvarci, ~€2–€6 USD). Drinks (coffee, beer, rakija, ~€2–€5 USD, age 19+). Organic snacks (Bio & Bio, ~€3–€5 USD). Card/cash accepted; card preferred. Reusable cups (€1 deposit, speculative).
• Nearby Dining (Zagreb Old Town):
  • Vinodol (Teslina 10, Croatian, $8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from Kinoteka).
  • La Štruk (Skalinska ul. 5, štrukli, $5–$12 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • Mali Bar (Vlaška ul. 63, modern Croatian, $10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Note: Bring reusable water bottles; no glass containers. Water stations at Kinoteka/MSU foyers.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages; KinoKino program for children (elementary age, €3). PLUS program for teens. Under-14s need adult supervision and tickets. Earplugs available (free at info points). Guide dogs only; no other pets.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues, toilets, and screenings. English subtitles standard; audio descriptions for select films (contact info@zff.hr). Disability parking is free with a permit. Nextbike access for pass holders.

Getting There

• By Air: Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG, 15 km, 20-minute drive, $15–$30 USD taxi).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 6, 13 to Kaptol (5-minute walk to Kinoteka), lines 4, 8 to MSU (5-minute walk). €0.53–€1.33 (~$0.60–$1.50 USD, ZET app).
  • Bus: Zagreb Centar to Kinoteka (10-minute walk, ~€1 USD). Festival shuttles between venues (~€1–€2 USD, speculative).
  • Nextbike: Public bikes free with festival pass (stations near Kinoteka, MSU).
• By Car: Limited parking at Kinoteka/MSU (€2–€5 USD/day). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free). Walkable between venues (Kinoteka to CineStar, 15 minutes).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt/Uber from Zagreb center ($5–$10 USD). Local taxis (+385 1 970, $7–$15 USD).

Program Details

• October 2025: Full lineup announced (zff.hr).
• 10 November 2025: Opening Gala (19:00, Kinoteka, speculative), opening film (TBD).
• 11–15 November: Screenings (10:00–22:00, all venues), industry events (My First Script, panels, 12:00–18:00), KinoKino (14:00–17:00).
• 16 November: Closing Gala (19:00, Kinoteka), Golden Pram Awards, Adriatic Audience Award.
• Note: Schedule speculative based on 2024 (,,). Some films are N15+ (e.g., experimental). Check zff.hr for age ratings.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: 22nd edition, 4–10 November, Julie Keeps Quiet won Best Feature, Stag (Best Short), Spot (Best Croatian Short). ~20,000 attendees.
• 2022: 20th edition, opened with Safe Place (Juraj Lerotić), Croatia’s Oscar entry.
• 2019: Introduced Adriatic Audience Award with regional festivals.
• 2006: Golden Pram replaced Golden Bib as the main award.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Showcases Croatian cinema’s evolution, from the 1960s Yugoslav “Black Wave” to modern debuts. Free foyer exhibitions (Kinoteka, speculative). Ideal for film studies.
• Community Engagement: My First Script workshop and industry panels foster emerging talent. Partnerships with EUNIC Croatia and Croatian Audiovisual Centre.
• Historical Context: Highlights directors like Steve McQueen and Croatian pioneers via retrospectives (speculative).

Cultural Activities

• Screenings: Features, shorts, Checkers, KinoKino, Together Again (10:00–22:00).
• Gala Events: Opening (10 November), Closing (16 November) with awards.
• Industry Events: Workshops, masterclasses, and co-production meetings (11–15 November).
• Exhibition: Croatian cinema history (Kinoteka foyer, speculative).
• Music/DJ Events: Post-screening parties at MSU (speculative, 22:00).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Hotels fill in November; book 6–12 months. Tickets available October 2025.
• Weather Prep: November (40–50°F, rain likely); bring raincoats, comfortable shoes.
• Explore Locally: Ban Jelačić Square (free, 5-minute walk from Kinoteka), Zagreb Cathedral (free, 7-minute walk), Dolac Market (free, 5-minute walk).
• Transport: Use the ZET app for trams/buses. Nextbike for pass holders. Walkable venues (15–20 minutes).
• Crowd Tips: Book gala screenings early; daytime screenings are less crowded.

Local Attractions

• Ban Jelačić Square: Free (5-minute walk from Kinoteka).
• Zagreb Cathedral: Free (7-minute walk).
• Dolac Market: Free (5-minute walk).
• Museum of Broken Relationships: $7 USD (Radićeva 2, 10-minute walk).
• Mirogoj Cemetery: Free (20-minute bus).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (Mihanovićeva 1, $100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Hotel Dubrovnik (Gajeva 1, $80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: B&B Studio Kairos (Vlaška ul. 92, $50–$100 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($40–$90 USD/night, city center).
• Note: Book early for November; limited central availability.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Kinoteka/MSU; nearest hospital is KBC Zagreb (15-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (October 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children during crowded galas.