The third edition of Slano Film Days, held from 16-20 June, brought together an important roster of international and regional filmmakers in the Croatian coastal town of Slano, further consolidating the event’s reputation as a forum dedicated to creative exchange and artistic dialogue.

Among this year’s guests were Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Paweł Pawlikowski, Ruben Östlund, Liam Cunningham, Michel Franco, Joanna Kulig, Maura Delpero, Lili Horvát, Michael Seresin, Jasmila Žbanić and Danis Tanović, alongside producers, sales agents, casting directors and emerging filmmakers.

Unlike conventional industry gatherings, Slano Film Days operates without a competition programme, awards or market activities. Instead, the event combines elements of a creative residency, workshop and discussion platform, with a programme featuring Film Talks, Career Talks, screenings and informal meetings designed to foster direct interaction between established and emerging talents.

According to founder Mirsad Purivatra, who also created the Sarajevo Film Festival, the initiative was conceived as a space where filmmakers can engage freely, away from the pressures typically associated with the industry. Over the years, the event has increasingly become a place for inspiration, reflection, and the development of new ideas and collaborations.

The event also provided a platform for dialogue between established and emerging filmmakers. Speaking at Slano Film Days, Paweł Pawlikowski highlighted the value of the event’s informal format. “Fellow directors sometimes place your work in a completely new context. It makes you look at your own films from a different angle,” he said, stressing that the absence of industry pressure encourages a more open exchange of ideas.

A highlight of this year’s edition was the Croatian premiere of Pawlikowski’s latest film, Fatherland. Throughout the gathering, participants took part in discussions, screenings and workshops aimed at stimulating creative thinking and encouraging connections across generations and filmmaking backgrounds.