Kino Edison, a multimedia center for cultural and tourism content in Karlovac, held a press conference today at which it officially presented its first original festival. The event is a unique international gathering titled “Stunt Festival – 3, 2, 1 Action!”
As stated by Director Ivan Gojmerac, an event of this kind practically does not exist outside the United States and is dedicated to a profession without which some of the greatest films would not be what they are today.
“With this Festival, we aim to pay tribute to the stunt profession, bring the world of stunt performance closer to audiences, promote Karlovac and Karlovac County as places of active living with a rich film tradition, and enrich the cultural and tourism offerings of both the city and the country, which is becoming increasingly attractive to representatives of the seventh art from around the world.”
Details of the exciting and dynamic program were revealed by Lana Dojčinović Matovina, Program Director, who expressed great satisfaction and pride in the fact that, although this is the Festival’s first edition, it has already received international support. Among the participants, the Festival will host three-time Taurus World Stunt Award winner Carl Stück from Germany, world-renowned stunt coordinator and action producer Rok Cvetkov from Slovenia, and internationally recognized Croatian stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actor Goran Stjepanović.
“Some of the titles these three stunt greats have worked on include Dunkirk, Rush, A Good Day to Die Hard, Schindler’s List, Hitman’s Bodyguard, and The Expendables. It will certainly be fascinating to hear their experiences and to witness top-level stunt skills live.”
The program begins on May 24 at 4:00 PM in Duga Resa with a dynamic stunt demonstration. The official opening ceremony, including a screening of the most significant Croatian action film Number 55 and a discussion with director Kristijan Milić and part of the stunt team, is scheduled for the same day at 7:30 PM.
All festival events on Sunday will take place at Kino Edison, on the terrace, in the main hall, and in the park in front of the cinema. Visitors can expect adrenaline-filled action alongside relaxed conversations with participants. Full program details are available at: https://stunt-festival.com/en/program/
As an additional highlight, Dojčinović Matovina announced that awards will be presented for the most successful stunt in both male and female categories, with winners selected by an expert jury.
The Festival is intended for all film industry professionals, individuals and organizations engaged in artistic creation, film enthusiasts, sports and adrenaline lovers, representatives of related industries, and anyone who wishes to experience what it means to “step into a stunt performer’s shoes” and safely experience the unsafe. The Festival offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of stunt performance and feel the adrenaline in a safe environment.
Marija Šćulac, Head of the Administrative Department for Education of Karlovac County, praised the Festival idea, which the County supported through its public call for cultural projects, and expressed satisfaction that part of the Festival is also being held in Duga Resa. Karlovac Mayor Damir Mandić concluded by stating that he is extremely pleased with the initiative and confident that the Festival will continue in the future and become another strong success story for Karlovac.
The Festival is held under the patronage of the City of Karlovac, Karlovac County, and the Karlovac Tourist Board, and is organized by Kino Edison.
