First-timer Čučić wins Grand Golden Arena for A Letter to My Father

by Vladan Petkovic

30/07/2012 - The 59th Croatian national Pula Film Festival ended with first-time director Damir Čučić's film A Letter to My Father [trailer, film focus] winning the main prize.

At the festival, which took place from July 21-28, the peculiar drama with only two characters (played by Milivoj Beader and Mate Gulin, who also won the Golden Arena for Best Actor in a Supporting Role) proved to be a true 'dark horse', as the film was not even screened at Pula's Arena, showing instead at the Kino Valli.

Branko Schmidt's Cannibal Vegetarian , a moderate hit in local theatrical distribution, scooped five Golden Arenas, including best director.

In the minority co-production category, two prizes went to The Parade [trailer]: best script for Srdjan Dragojević and best actress for Hristina Popović.

FULL LIST OF NATIONAL AWARDS

Grand Golden Arena for Best Film: A Letter to My Father [trailer, film focus], produced by Vera Robić-Škarica, directed by Damir Čučić

Golden Arena for Best Director: Branko Schmidt for Cannibal Vegetarian

Golden Arena for Best Screenplay: Vlatka Vorkapić for Sonja and the Bull [trailer]

Golden Arena for Best Actress in a Leading Role: Ana Karić for her role in Night Boats [trailer, film focus] by Igor Mirković

Golden Arena for Best Actor in a Leading Role: Rene Bitorajac for his role in Cannibal Vegetarian

Golden Arena for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Olga Pakalović for her role in Halima's Path by Arsen A. Ostojić

Golden Arena for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Mate Gulin for A Letter to My Dad

Golden Arena for Best Cinematography: Dragan Ruljančić for Cannibal Vegetarian

Golden Arena for Best Editing: Hrvoje Mršić and Damir Čučić for A Letter to My Dad

Golden Arena for Best Music: Stanko Kovačić, Damir Martinović and Ivanka Mazurkijević for Sonja and the Bull

Golden Arena for Best Art Direction: Ivana Škrabalo for Cannibal Vegetarian

Golden Arena for Best Costume Design: Slavica Šnur for Sonja and the Bull

Special Golden Arena for Best Make-Up: Jasna Rosini for Cannibal Vegetarian

Special Golden Arena for Best Sound: Martin Semenčić for A Letter to My Dad

Special Golden Arena for Technological Innovation: Jozo Patljak, the producer of the film Accidental Passer-by for the introduction of 3D technology into Croatian film industry

The Breza Award for best debutant director: Damir Čučić

Audience Award: Halima’s Path by Arsen A. Ostojić