Vanja Jambrović and Tibor Keser Receive Albert Kapović Award

At the opening ceremony of the 23rd the Zagreb Film Festival, the traditional Albert Kapović Award was presented to the producers Vanja Jambrović and Tibor Keser.

Established in 2010 to commemorate the early departed founder of Croatian Audiovisual Center, Albert Kapović, the award is granted by the Croatian Producers Association to physical and legal persons who have distinguished themselves in their work in the art of film in the past year or whose activities have substantially contributed to the quality and promotion of Croatian film. The award is presented annually, during the Zagreb Film Festival.

This year’s Albert Kapović Award is presented to Vanja Jambrović and Tibor Keser in recognition of their exceptional production role in the realization of one of the most significant films of the year, and also as an encouragement for their continued dedication to auteur film, artistic excellence, and the development of Croatian cinema. The film Fiume o morte!, directed by Igor Bezinović, reaped great success both at festivals and with the audiences, captivating with its unexpected spectacularity, cheerful spirit, and dazzling energy of social engagement.

The Albert Kapović Award, by its very nature and name, is intended for something broader than recognition of an outstanding work, whatever it may be. The award bearing Albert’s name is intended for those who, through their work, have made a difference for the entire community, moved cinema toward something new and better, paving the way for others.

Through their work, Vanja and Tibor have shown how a project with a modest initial budget can develop into a large-format film and an unexpected cinematic event of the year. The entire large city, its citizens, and its authorities were involved in performances and the creative effort. The camaraderie and goodwill that allowed Igor’s talent to express itself freely and powerfully were achieved through the extraordinary coordination and immense work of his awarded colleagues. Along with the art of collaboration and understanding, these qualities were more valuable in the production of the film than any budget amount could express.

By connecting the film project and the community, they revealed to us that the need for creation and good film has not been extinguished and is dormant among our people, waiting to be awoken.

The producers of this film have succeeded, and we thank them sincerely for their skill and hereby award them the 2025 Albert Kapović Award.