VIDEO: Richard Gere greets Šibenik and Croatia in a special video

Richard Gere (Screenshott/Info Kadar/CIFF)

ZAGREB, 10 Aug (Hina/CW) – The second Croatia International Film Festival was officially opened on Friday evening in Šibenik, with the premiere screening of The Friend, a film starring Hollywood actors Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, held at the Trg Republike Hrvatske square.

Prior to the screening, which took place in the square in front of St James’ Cathedral, former US Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes was presented with an award in recognition of her ongoing dedication to strengthening cultural ties between the United States and Croatia.

The Croatia International Film Festival will run in Šibenik until 11 August, under the direction of Ella Mische.

The opening ceremony was attended by numerous international filmmakers, including Barbara Miller, whose documentary film Wisdom of Happiness, featuring the words of the Dalai Lama, will be shown as part of the festival programme; visual effects expert Ante Deković, who has built an impressive Emmy-winning career in Los Angeles; acclaimed writer and playwright Miro Gavran; and others.

One of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Richard Gere, also sent a personal video greeting to the organisers and audience of the Šibenik International Film Festival.

In the message, Gere expressed his regret at not being able to attend the event in person due to numerous other commitments. However, he warmly greeted both Šibenik and Croatia, encouraging the public to see his film Dalai Lama.

“Greetings to my friends in Croatia. I’m sorry I can’t attend the festival,” Gere said in the video. “I’m very proud of this film,” he added, noting that he had greatly enjoyed celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in India.

The video was played as part of the festival programme, giving audiences a unique connection with the star despite his absence.

See the video below.

The Mayor of Šibenik, Željko Burić, (HDZ) expressed his delight that Ella Mische had chosen Šibenik as the location for her festival.

He gave a special welcome to former US Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, who was presented with an award for promoting cultural diplomacy through the film Grandpa’s Eye (“Oko didino” in Croatian)

Rayes thanked them for the award and for the opportunity to return to Šibenik and to Croatia.