November the 11th, 2024 – Meet Fest 640, the Croatian Patriotic Film Festival and an ode to the bravery and heroism shown by Croatia’s defenders in the face of condemned Greater Serbian terror.
Croatia is famed for its natural beauty, and since gaining its hard earned independence just over thirty years ago, it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of Europe’s tourism gems. In the grand scheme of things, thirty years is but a drop in the ocean, and it is always wise to forever remember the suffering the country went through while the international community, at least officially, failed to intervene.
Vukovar and Dubrovnik, the former in the far east, the latter in the far south, two cities situated at extreme opposite ends of the country – and yet both can tell strikingly similar and horrendous tale. Many other towns and cities nationwide have their own painful memories. The collapse of Yugoslavia saw Croatia thrown into a bloody war for the right to its own territory, and although the likes of the sun drenched Dalmatian coast may seem an eternity away from those dark days – it isn’t.
That’s why events and initiatives such as Fest 640, the Croatian Patriotic Film Festival, come into the picture and are as necessary in today’s very different world as they were not long after independence was won. As we come closer to the 18th of November, when Vukovar fell and the crimes against humanity began at the hands of the Serbs, it’s important to look back and remember what tragedies Croatia suffered, left alone by the world, and just how far it has come.
the croatian patriotic film festival – a unique event
Set to be held between the 14th and the 16th of November at Kino SC (Studentski Centar/Student Centre) on Zagreb’s busy Savska Cesta, the Croatian Patriotic Film Festival should be of interest to all those wanting to know Croatia on a deeper level. It should also be marked down on the calendars of all those who wish to remember the sacrifices they, their friends or their family members made to ensure Croatian independence could become a reality.
This is otherwise a unique film event dedicated to the promotion of Croatian patriotism, rich historical heritage and what it means to have a national identity. All of this will be presented and put to the audience through film art.
640 – an ode to vukovar’s tragic suffering
The name of the festival was inspired by the number 640, because that is precisely how many shells hit the now famed Vukovar water tower during the siege. However, despite so many blows, the Serbs never did manage to bring down the water tower. Just like this symbol of resilience, Fest 640 celebrates the indomitable and unwavering strength and endurance of the Croatian people, through interesting stories and unique angles played out on the big screen.
The Vukovar water tower withstood all these blows and became a national symbol of patriotism and courage, hope and faith in the survival of the Croatian identity even during the worst of times. Through the Croatian Patriotic Film Festival, footage that defies terror, preserves memories and resists any form of “imposition” will be showcased. The festival asks questions, opens up the possibilities of choice, connects the past and the present into one whole, and solemnly celebrates Croatia’s incredible resilience.
Find out more here and peruse the programme of the festival under Stipe Majic, which also includes panels, here.
