The Croatian International Film Festival (CIFF) returned to the picturesque Adriatic city of Šibenik for its second edition. Held from August 8 to 11, 2025. Spearheaded by the founder Ella Mische, this women-led festival delivered four days brimming with global cinema. industry panels, and a jubilant awards ceremony all set amid Šibenik’s historic architecture and seaside charm.
Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Opening Night
The festival launched with a glamorous Red Carpet Gala at Trg Republike Hrvatske. The night featured opening remarks from CIFF’s founder and director Ella Mische and Šibenik’s mayor Dr. Burić, before unveiling the opening screening of The Friend, starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts.
Panels & Programming
Across historic venues from Kuća Arsen, Civitas Sacra and Sibenik City Museum, audiences discovered a notably international program, offering a rich combination of screenings, Q&As, and industry panels.
Photo by: Sarah Miller Media
Highlights included:
- On August 9 at Civitas Sakra and Sibenik City Museum about 20 short films were shown throughout the day. Special documentary, Harfa by Mische herself, and the student film The Missing Teacher were presented at Kuca Arsen. The evening featured Demystifying Distribution International panel with Tyler DiNapoli (Bleecker Street). Swiss director Barbara Miller presented Wisdom of Happiness – A Heart-to-Heart with the Dalai Lama. Strong local interest was amplified by a greeting to CIFF from longtime Tibet advocate Richard Gere. Trust in Love ended the evening.
- On August 10 at Kuća Arsen attendees saw The Roots and Stolen Dough, followed by a Directors on Directing, Behind the Lens and Promote to Success panels. Behind the Lines ended the evening. International student shorts were showcased in the City Museum , featuring works from eight countries, including Croatia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Slovenia, and Serbia.
- The final day offered An American Abroad with director Marcia Kimpton’s Q&A before heading to Fortress Barone for the Awards Ceremony at 9:30 PM
Ella Mische attends Croatian International Film Festival / Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Spotlight on Ella Mische, CIFF Founder
Ella Mische, a Croatian-American actress, producer, and founder/director of CIFF, conceived the festival to fill a vital gap in film distribution across South-Central Europe. With her personal connection to Croatia and industry ties in the USA , she sought to create a festival that would bring international independent cinema to Šibenik while also exposing American indie filmmakers to European audiences.
In 2025, the festival expanded dramatically. More than 40 films were screened over four days, incorporating student films and high-profile panels. Through her leadership, CIFF has become a vibrant cultural touchstone uniting Croatian heritage and global cinema, while positioning Šibenik as an Adriatic hub for independent film and cross-cultural collaboration. With captivating screenings, thoughtful panels, and the triumphant return of its “Oko Didino” awards, the 2025 CIFF under Ella Mische’s guidance has firmly established itself as a meaningful fixture in the international festival circuit. One that mixes cinematic artistry, cultural pride, and the empowerment of women and emerging filmmakers. By blending red-carpet glamour with craft-focused panels and a globally sourced lineup, CIFF’s sophomore year underscored Šibenik’s emergence as a serious Adriatic hub for independent cinema and one committed to elevating women’s leadership and international collaboration. With packed houses, engaged Q&As, and an expanded awards roster, the 2025 edition set a confident course for an even more ambitious third year.
CIFF Award Winners:
Best film – “Wisdom of Happinesss,” director Barbara Miller
Best actress – Marcia Kimpton, “An American Abroad”
Best direction –”Stolen Dough,” director Stefano Da Fre
Best story – “Lonely,” director Bobby Grubic
Best music score – “Trust in Love,” film’s screenwriter, star and producer, Jimi Petula accepted the award
Best short film –”Snow Flakes,” film’s star Laurenz Prader accepted the award
Best documentary – “Behind the Lines,” director John B. Benitz
Best international film short- “Donna’s Got It”
Best student film – “StarVation,” director Alexandra Stosic