Jadran Film opens its doors again after major overhaul

(Photo: Jadran Film)

ZAGREB, 16 June 2026 – Jadran Film has reopened its doors following a multi-year investment, renovation and expansion programme, marking a new chapter in the history of one of Croatia’s most recognisable film studios.

The reopening comes as the Zagreb-based company celebrates the 80th anniversary of its founding and follows its presentation to international partners during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

In a statement, Jadran Film Chairman of the Board Vinko Grubišić said the company is entering its ninth decade with renewed capacity and ambitions to serve international film and television productions.

Over its history, Jadran Film has co-produced and provided production services for more than 300 international film and television projects, working with major studios, independent producers and television networks from Europe and the United States.

The studio has been involved in numerous productions recognised at leading international film festivals and award ceremonies.

Three Jadran Film productions received Academy Award nominations in the Best Foreign Language Film category: The Year Long Road (1958), directed by Giuseppe De Santis, The Ninth Circle (1960) by France Štiglic, and The Battle of Neretva (1969) by Veljko Bulajić.

The company was also involved in two Oscar-winning productions. The Tin Drum (1979), directed by Volker Schlöndorff, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, while Sophie’s Choice (1982), directed by Alan J. Pakula, earned Meryl Streep the Oscar for Best Actress.

Jadran Film productions have also received recognition at major international festivals. Several titles competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes, including Train Without a Timetable (1959), The Ninth Circle (1960) and Occupation in 26 Pictures (1978). The co-produced The Tin Drum won the Palme d’Or in 1979.

At the Venice Film Festival, a number of Jadran Film productions were recognised in short film, documentary and children’s categories, while the Berlin International Film Festival awarded the Golden Bear to Grbavica in 2006.

According to the company, the award demonstrated Jadran Film’s continued relevance on the international stage in the modern era.

A key part of the latest relaunch is a significant expansion of production infrastructure.

During its peak years, Jadran Film operated up to three studios. Today, following extensive construction and restoration works, the company operates nine studios with a combined area of 8,000 square metres.

Each studio offers different technical specifications and flexible configurations, supported by production and ancillary facilities. The company has also renovated more than 5,000 square metres of additional space dedicated to production support, logistics, administration and base-camp infrastructure.

Studio 1 (Photo: Jadran Film)

Jadran Film is also considering the construction of a new flagship facility, Studio 10, with two potential configurations currently under evaluation. Plans include either a 2,500-square-metre or a 3,200-square-metre studio.

The company said the upgraded complex is intended to meet the requirements of large-scale international film and television productions and strengthen Croatia’s position as a filming destination.

Known during its most successful years as “Little Hollywood”, Jadran Film highlighted Zagreb’s strategic location between Venice and Vienna, Croatia’s experienced film workforce and the availability of modern production technology as key advantages for international producers.

Alongside servicing international productions, the company revealed it has also been developing several of its own projects in recent years, including The Witch of Grich. 

Studio 2 (Photo: Jadran Film)

Jadran Film said it remains open to new investments, partnerships and strategic collaborations as it seeks to further expand its role as a full-service production destination for global film and television projects.

Celebrating eight decades of operation, the studio says it is looking to build on its historical legacy while positioning itself for future growth in the international screen industry.