Neum was the centre on international assembly of authors and underwater films aficionados. Neum Underwater Film Festival began at 5PM with showing films made by students and young authors from all around the world. After the festival opening ceremony, we saw projections of finalists, which gave the audience a chance to enjoy a colorful program.
Juliana Mikulic Jurkovic, which spoke on behalf of Standard Association, stated that she is very pleased with number of film applications, enthusiasm of participants and large number of audience which joined the festival, both live and over streaming services.
Before the official festival opening, Marko Di Ruzza, Italian ambassador spoke to the audience. He pointed out the support that Italian embassy offers to cultural events like Neum Underwater Film Festival. This festival joins both artists, and sea and rivers aficionados, professionals and young people. Each year this festival brings Italian authors of underwater films, which is fully supported by the Italian embassy. His support additionally enriched this event, bith for local community and cultural exchange.
Judges have voted for the winners. Best Eco film award went to French film “Aquaballet” by Marianna Aneturie from France. Best camera award went to a German film “The Breath Of The Depth” by Poul Bracker.
Film “Lumi” directed by Lola Lemuet from France received best music award, composer Loïc Menon.
And main award went to Austrian film “The Mother of Diamonds – Kimberlite” directed by Aleaxander Benedik.
Organizers have prepared rich awards for the audience this year as well, thus ensuring additional participation from all the participators. That way director Mariane Aventurier also received the Audience award for her underwater film “Aquaballet”.
After the awards ceremony, the after party continued with group Le Chicks.
An educational – ecological workshop led by Jurica Gaspar was held say after on saturday. Mr Gaspar is member of the judges and editor and initiator of Morski.hr portal and Morska TV. After the workshop, which topics were relationship between sea and men, energy and power of nature which is neglected by men up until it shows its force and fury, participants tried to answer questions: “How to find synergy of co-existence between us and the sea that we love so much?” The conclusion is that the sea is inexhaustible energy, the true, physical, but also calm and relaxing. Sea flourishes with life which helps our life, so the relationship between sea and men is a constant tale for which we have to find a happier ending. After the workshop run by author professor Jurica Gaspar, “Sea and men”, and after conversation with the participants, there was viewing of the film “Legends of the light” by director Igor Goic.
Neum Underwater Film Festival, run by Standard organization, continues its path of international cultural event which each year attracts authors from all around the world, audience, underwater aficionados and activists.
Festival is supported by
Government of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Neum city
HT Eronet