About festivals

The festival programs of the Croatian Film Association encompass a range of events that enable amateur filmmakers—children, youth, and adults—to present their work to the public and connect with other creators, mentors, and film professionals. The aim of these showcases is not solely competitive, but also educational, encouraging, and creative.

These events not only offer an opportunity for films to be screened but also promote networking among authors, the exchange of experiences, and ongoing education and professional development. They serve as a meeting point for enthusiasts and professionals alike, thereby strengthening the Croatian audiovisual scene. The festival programs of the Croatian Film Association form the foundation of non-professional filmmaking in Croatia. By fostering creativity, providing education, and encouraging public presentation, HFS builds a bridge between creators and audiences, shaping the future of Croatian cinema from an early age.

The Children’s Film Festival is dedicated to primary school students and promotes filmmaking among the youngest while encouraging the development of film literacy. In addition to screenings, the program includes workshops and meet-the-author sessions.

The Youth Film Festival & Four River Film Festival focuses on high school students and young authors. This festival gathers emerging filmmakers from both Croatia and abroad. A professional jury evaluates the films, while the event also features lectures, workshops, filmmaker Q&As, case studies, and excursions.

The Croatian Non-Professional Film Festival is one of the oldest festivals of non-professional film in the Republic of Croatia. It offers recognition for the work of independent filmmakers and film clubs. Films are judged in several categories (experimental, fiction, documentary, animated), and the program regularly includes retrospectives, themed discussions, and guest screenings.