Charles Billich honoured at UNESCO after historic Croatia visit
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo: Private album)
By Petra Antolić
After a five-year absence from Europe, Croatian-Australian artist Charles Billich returned to Europe to engage in a series of events.
On July 5, 2025, Billich was part of history when he attended the world record-breaking concert of Marko Perković Thompson, which attracted over 504,000 people.
At the culmination of the concert, Steve Ravić and the Majestic Film entourage escorted Billich onto the stage for the unveiling of a remarkable 1.6-meter-high painting of Marko Perković, which was presented directly to the singer himself.
Marko Perković Thompson with Charles Billich and Steve Ravić (Photo: Private album)
In the days following the concert, Billich spent time in Croatia with colleagues Steve Ravić, who organised the presentation of the painting, Vesna Trokter, and the Majestic Film team.
Their itinerary included a meeting with the Ambassador of Australia Richard Rodgers and meetings with champion common law attorney Don Markušić, including a celebratory dinner attended by notable figures including the celebrated singing duo Samoana, the Samoans Christian and Austin who perform in the Croatian language.
Steve Ravić and Charles Billich with Ambassador Richard Rodgers (Photo: Private album)
Samoana with Don Markušić and Billich (Photo: Private album)
Don Markušić with Charles Billich (Photo: Private album)
Billich and his team also socialised with friends such as Dario and Davorka Marenić of Elda in Nova Gradiška and enjoyed an intimate dinner with singer Dražen Žanko and his wife, Gordana, in Zagreb.
Billich with Gordana and Dražen Žanko (Photo: Private album)
Billich with Davorka and Dario Marenić (Photo: Private album)
Another highlight of Billich’s visit was his trip to Podrumi Andrija, where the Ćorić family, close friends of Ravić, graciously hosted the team at their stunning winery in Paoča, Hercegovina.
Billich and Miro Coric – Podrumi Andrija (Photo: Private album)
Podrumi Andrija Winery (Photo: Private album)
This visit also included a spiritual pilgrimage to Medjugorje, where Billich visited the famous church that he once depicted in his artwork.
In Medjugorje, Miro Ćorić, Charles Billich and Steve Ravić (Photo: Private album)
Medjugorje by Billich
The journey concluded in Split, where Billich and his team attended lunch with Joyce and Shaun of Morrell Films joined by Mara and Branko Perić of SP Production from Tomislavgrad.
Steve Ravic, Diva Perković, Joyce Morrell, Vesna Trokter, Charles Billich, Shaun Morrell (Photo: Private album)
The eventful yet relaxing trip culminated with a dinner hosted by Marko Perković Thompson, alongside his wife Sandra and aspiring actress daughter Diva, in appreciation of Billich’s contributions to promoting Croatia to the world.
Marko Perković with Charles Billich and Steve Ravić (Photo: Private album)
Following this grand farewell, Billich set off for Paris, where his works will be exhibited in September.
The Paris trip commenced with the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the OLYMP’ARTS Founding Charter at UNESCO, where Billich was honored as a special delegate on July 16 for his lifelong dedication to celebrating global culture through the Olympic Games.
(Photo: Private album)
This presentation at UNESCO symbolises the greatness of Charles Billich, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest living artist of our time.
UNESCO certificate for Billich (Photo: Private album)
The new documentary “Billich 90,” directed and produced by Steve Ravić, premiered at Cannes on May 15, a date of profound significance marking the 80th anniversary of the Bleiburg tragedy.
The documentary showcases Billich’s poignant painting of Bleiburg and the torment he endured under communist Yugoslavia.
Billich in Paris (Photo: Private album)
After five years of intense research, investigations, and development by Steve Ravić, final arrangements are now being put in place with global partners for the upcoming film “My Way,” to be based on the real-life story of Charles Billich, for which the script has been completed.
Billich with the Majestic Film crew (Photo: Private album)
Billich’s recent accolade at UNESCO further underscores his significance on the world stage.
