Croatian Film Festival 2025: A cultural celebration hits Sydney this September

Love Croatia? Then buckle up, because the 2025 Croatian Film Festival is back from September 3–8, and this year, your cinema seat might just be your boarding pass to Dubrovnik’s cobblestone streets, thanks to Turkish Airlines.

The 2025 Croatian Film Festival returns to Sydney from Wednesday 3rd – Monday 8th September 2025, bringing a vibrant celebration of Croatian storytelling to the big screen by Croatia House.

Hosted at Palace Norton Street Cinema, this year’s festival features a curated selection of acclaimed Croatian films, including seven feature films, and five acclaimed short films in one feature length session. Ranging from powerful biopics and dark dramas to nostalgic comedies and animated tales, this year’s Croatian Film Festival is not to be missed.

Opening Night – A Celebration of Culture and Legacy

The festival opens with the powerful biographical drama, Dražen: The Story of Dražen Petrović. Rising talent Domagoj Nižić as the legendary Croatian basketball icon, exploring the man behind the myth. More than a sports film, it offers an intimate look into Dražen’s passion, sacrifice, and personal struggles.

Join us for an unforgettable Opening Night festa, where you’ll get to experience Croatian food, wine, music, and colour, including a live performance by the much-loved Croatian Australian tambura band, Pajdai.

Special Sponsor Spotlight:

We are delighted to announce our partnership with Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s largest and most renowned carriers, underscoring their global reach and commitment to connecting cultures through travel.

As our esteemed festival sponsor, Turkish Airlines is offering an incredible prize – two return flights to Croatia. Every ticket purchased to the Croatian Film Festival 2025 gives you the chance to WIN two economy-class return tickets to Croatia.

Plus, private tours of historic Dubrovnik, Korčula and Ston, thanks to Horizon Tours. It’s more than just a prize, it’s a promise of exploration, cultural exchange, and celebration of Croatian cinema.

This exciting opportunity underscores Croatia House’s commitment to delivering remarkable experiences, both on screen and off, and reflects the high standards and international aspirations of our festival partners.

Festival Highlights – Films That Will Move, Inspire and Delight

Good Times, Bad Times

A poetic reflection on a man’s life viewed from a restaurant that serves as a limbo between worlds. A story of regret, choices, and mortality.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/43nebFKu788?si=O8JwgjgMDcGa01Gh

Holy Family

A tale of rural illusion and hidden truths, where a dream marriage turns into a disturbing reality.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/2Y6Gn4jger0?si=vtCLZNWwsRK3Lje_

Unspoken

Set in 1979 Sydney during Croatian independence protests, this film tells a love story torn apart by political violence and secrecy.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/830438429?fl=pl&fe=sh

Festival Details

Venues
Palace Norton Street Cinema, Leichhardt
Dates
Wednesday 3rd – Monday 8th September 2025

Tickets

Available now via https://www.croatiahouse.org.au/2025-films

About Croatia House

Croatia House is dedicated to promoting Croatian culture in Australia through vibrant events across the visual and performing arts, supporting cultural exchange and connecting communities. The Croatian Film Festival is its flagship event celebrating the rich storytelling and creative voices of Croatia.