Immediately afterwards, we continue the program with the documentary film Empty boxcars, which tells the amazing story of the survival of over 50.000 Jews in World War II and the mass murder of 11393 Jews from territories under Bulgarian control in Greece and Macedonia. The plot to murder all European Jews was marked ‘top secret’ but was brazenly public. Footage of the trains renders the crime visible. When the plot is exposed, Bulgarians from many walks of life, church leaders and labor leaders, lawyers and doctors, rose up in protest. Would we risk our lives to save someone in deep trouble? These courageous Bulgarians urge us to think we can and we must.

The final program begins at 9 PM. It consists of the screening of a short meter film Games, made at the Festival’s International Talent Workshop, featuring Croatian stars Jadranka Đokić i Janko Popović – Volarić, and the screening of the feature film Giraffada. Yacine is the veterinarian of the only zoo remaining in the Palestinian West Bank. He lives alone with his 10-year old son, Ziad. The kid has a special bond with the two giraffes in the zoo. He seems to be the only one to communicate with them. After an air raid in the region, the male giraffe dies. His mate, Rita, won’t survive unless the veterinarian finds her a new companion. The only zoo that might provide this animal is located in Tel Aviv.

The entrance to all the programs is free of charge,

Today’s program starts at 19.00 with the screening of the Croatian documentary film Some things shouldn’t be hidden, which will be presented in Rijeka just after its premiere in Zagreb. The film follows Nives Jagodić in her research about her grandfather Dr. Joza Jagodić, doctor in Bjelovar’s general hospital, who posthumously got the acknowledgement of “Righteous among the Nations”. Through her travels and conversation with the man whose life was saved by Dr. Joza Jagodić, we will find how much he risked throughout the whole WW2 in order to save civilians from certain death. His example will show us what makes people do something noble and righteous and even risk their own lives.

Right after that, we continue the program with the Broken Silence, documentary in which Roma radio reporter Orhan Galjus, born in Kosovo, along with filmmaker Bob Entrop, travels through Germany, Poland and Kosovo. They try to discover why the Sinti and Roma people kept silent about the genocide committed on their people. During the World War II, nearly half a million of them were murdered. Step by step, Orhan finds that this part of the history of the Sinti and Roma is hidden – as a kind of treasure. He fears that future generations will become alienated from their roots. What do these people – that for centuries lived in Europe – have to do to be taken seriously? Why do they deny their origin, as at the time Picasso and Charlie Chaplin did? What about the current generation of so-called “Gypsies”? Do they see the parallels between the persecution in history and exclusion and discrimination today? Does history repeat itself?

At 21.00, the official opening of the Festival will be held, during which the Festival Director Natasa Popovic will greet the audience. Today’s program will be concluded with The Jewish Cardinal, which has opened the Zagreb edition of the Festival. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a fascinating tale told with uncommon depth and nuance”. The Independent stated it is “robust, sumptuously produced and impeccably cast!” The film is based on the true-life story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, who, born of Polish Jews, joined the Catholic priesthood and was appointed Archbishop of Paris. There, he openly celebrated his dual identity as a “Catholic Jew”, which brought him friends and enemies from both religions. Lustiger’s split allegiance is tested to the core when a group of Carmelite nuns decides to build a monastery on the edge of Auschwitz. Where will Lustiger stand?

Entrance to all the films is free of charge. We are looking forward to your arrival!

The film is based on the true-life story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, who, born of Polish Jews, joined the Catholic priesthood and was appointed Archbishop of Paris. There, he openly celebrated his dual identity as a “Catholic Jew”, which brought him friends and enemies from both religions. Lustiger’s split allegiance is tested to the core when a group of Carmelite nuns decides to build a monastery on the edge of Auschwitz. Where will Lustiger stand?

The Jewish Cardinal has received the Grand Prix for best French TV drama at the Festival in Luchon. At the Festival in Monte Carlo, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Do not miss the opportunity to see the film which drew at lot attention in Zagreb. The film is schedule for June 9th at 21.00 hours at the Art-cinema Croatia.

To apply, please send a mail to iva.grahor@jff-zagreb.hr or call 091/ 4813 666.

Do not miss the opportunity to become a part of an exceptional cultural event and have great fun. We look forward to working with you!

Among other films, we will screen the feature film which has opened the Zagreb edition and which attracted around 600 visitors – The Jewish Cardinal, as well as the short meter film Games, which was produced at the International Talent Workshop at our Festival.

The entrance to all our screenings is free of charge. Welcome!