Croatian history on the big screen: ‘Zrinski’ film premieres in Zagreb

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

A new historical film telling the story of one of Croatia’s most influential noble dynasties has premiered in Zagreb, drawing significant public interest and attention from political and cultural figures.

The film “Zrinski”, directed by Alen Matušin, had its official premiere at the Kaptol Boutique Cinema, where strong demand saw a second screening hall opened to accommodate the audience.

The premiere followed successful pre-premieres in Čakovec and Varaždin, where more than 1,000 viewers attended just two showings.

Among those present in Zagreb were numerous guests from Croatia’s public and cultural life, including Matija Posavec, Prefect of Međimurje County.

Highlighting the heritage of the Zrinski family

Officials from Međimurje County emphasised that the film plays an important role in promoting the region’s historical heritage and tourism identity.

The powerful Zrinski family was one of the most significant noble dynasties in Croatian history, shaping political, cultural and social life across the region for centuries.

Alen Matušin, Vini Jurčić, Denis Bosak (Photo: Nikola Zoko)

“Zrinski tells the story of our region’s history and of a man whose existence is extremely important for our past,” representatives from Međimurje County said, adding that the project helps bring the legacy of the Zrinski family back into the spotlight of Croatian history.

The county, together with the local tourist board, co-financed the film’s production as part of efforts to strengthen the cultural and tourism profile of the region.

Ahead of the screening, a panel discussion with the production team and main actors was held, moderated by Croatian television presenter Doris Pinčić Guberović.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Directed by Matušin, the film presents a powerful and visually striking portrayal of the rise and fall of the Zrinski dynasty, which built fortresses, forged alliances and played key roles in major historical events.

The story places particular focus on dramatic periods marked by struggles to preserve autonomy and complex relations with the great powers of the time.

Matušin said that lesser-known aspects of the dynasty’s history inspired the project.

“The fact that within such a long historical dynasty there is a member of the Zrinski family who remained in the shadows, and whose story has reasons we explain in the film, was enough to inspire this project,” he said.

The director also served as producer, allowing him to balance artistic and production decisions throughout the project.

Matija Posavec, Ivo Josipović and Stjepan Mesić ((Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The film combines dramatic scenes with documentary-style elements, giving it a dynamic narrative structure designed to appeal to a wide audience.

Authentic filming locations play a major role in creating the film’s atmosphere, particularly the historic town of Bakar, where the Zrinski family once left a significant mark.

Bringing the 17th century to life

The film’s central role is played by Denis Bosak, who portrays Nikola VII Zrinski.

He is joined by young actress Vini Jurčić as Maria Sophia Löbel, the nobleman’s wife.

The cast also includes well-known regional actors such as Emir Hadžihafizbegović and Anita Matić Delić.

Bosak described portraying Nikola VII Zrinski as both an honour and a responsibility.

“It was a great privilege to play such an important historical figure and to work with the remarkable costumes and sets, which are rarely seen in our acting world,” he said.

Antonela Malis (Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Jurčić described the experience of stepping into the 17th century as “phenomenal”, noting the audience’s enthusiastic response at the premiere.

The film’s visual identity was shaped by cinematographer Mario Delić, who also contributed to developing the film’s narrative structure and interpretation of historical sources.

Alen Matušin, Matija Posavec, Ivo Josipović, Vini Jurčić, Denis Bosak, Rudi Grula (Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Delić explained that the team worked carefully to select locations and visual elements that would help make the complex story of the Zrinski dynasty accessible to modern audiences.

“We tried to find locations that would help tell this complex story. With excellent actors, costumes and historical context, the cinematography ties together the entire historical narrative,” he said.

Alen Matušin and Hrvoje Petrić (Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Thanks to its combination of strong storytelling, authentic locations and rich production design, Zrinski presents Croatian history in a cinematic style increasingly seen in major international productions from platforms such as HBO and Netflix.

Rudi Grula and Doris Pinčić Guberović (Photo: Nikola Zoko)