Day 3 - Slano Film Days 2024

The third day of Slano Film Days 2024 featured all participants attending Film Talk on the island of Lopud with cinematographer Michael Seresin and director Alfonso Cuarón. Seresin in the conversation with Cuarón talked about the techniques of legendary cinematographers he has worked with, such as Néstor Almendros and Gabriel Figueroa, as well as the impact of the transition from analog to digital photography on film as an art form.

“It doesn't matter if it's analog, digital, or even a mobile phone, as long as the film gets made. That's the advantage of digital—it has democratized filmmaking,” concluded the renowned cinematographer.

The duo also reminisced about their collaboration: “I have always admired cinematographers who didn't give up on their principles. It's important to have principles and a shared ethos, not only on a formal level but also in life,” commented Seresin on the synergy between directors and cinematographers.

The Film Talk with directors Paweł Pawlikowski and Ruben Östlund, moderated by director Ognjen Glavonić, focused on their specific methods of working with actors, from the initial casting process to directing on set. The Swedish director emphasized the importance of authenticity, especially in more intimate stories.

“Making a film is like a football match. It's crucial to conserve energy, give your best, and work as a team to capture the right moment because we will never get it back,” stressed Östlund. “What matters most is honesty. A director must be honest with themselves and with the audience, and be able to make the right decision, even when it's difficult,” concluded Pawlikowski.

In the afternoon, Timka Grin, a casting director, and Jessica Kovacevic, a partner at the leading talent agency WME, talked with actors and actresses. Producer and executive director dedicated to supporting and producing independent films Emilie Georges, and Hungarian director and screenwriter Lili Horvát led a film talk with young directors, while Michael Seresin continued his film talks with cinematographers.

The third day of Slano Film Days 2024 concluded with two screenings in the beautiful garden of Vila Riva. The Oscar-winning film IDA, directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, was screened, along with a special screening of the short film THE MAN WHO COULD NOT REMAIN SILENT, directed by Nebojša Slijepčević, the first Croatian film to win the Palme d'Or.

After the film screening, director Nebojša Slijepčević and actor Goran Bogdan addressed the audience.

“Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to present my film here. I am happy because I want as many viewers as possible to see it, and I am available for all your comments after the screening,” said Slijepčević.

Goran Bogdan thanked the director for the opportunity to act in his film and concluded: “Thank you all for being here. This film is based on a true event, and I think it is important that this event is not forgotten.”

Paweł Pawlikowski announced the screening of his film: “Thank you all for organizing this wonderful film event. I have met so many talented and creative filmmakers, which is a real refreshment for me, and it is a great pleasure to be part of all this. The film you are about to watch was made ten years ago, but I hope it still resonates today.”