'Alexa, Come Home' back in the Arena: Brezhnev's cult film closes the Pool, and here's what we'll be watching

The 73rd Pula Film Festival has officially unveiled part of its program, offering a mix of classic cinema and contemporary masterpieces that will draw audiences to the historic Arena in Pula this summer. Among the highlights is the restored version of Vinko Bresan’s cult classic *How the War Started on My Island*, which will close the festival. This film, originally released in 1996, was once the most-watched Croatian film in recent history, with over 338,000 viewers. Known for its sharp satire and humorous take on wartime experiences, it has become a staple of Croatian pop culture and earned several awards during its initial run at the Pula Film Festival, including the Golden Arena for Best Direction, Best Female Supporting Role, and Costume Design, as well as the People's Choice Award known as the Golden Gate of Pula.

The decision to screen the restored version of *How the War Started on My Island* marks the 30th anniversary of its premiere. The festival organizers have expressed gratitude to the film’s creators and HRT, the Croatian Radiotelevision, for allowing them to present the film again after many years. According to Danijel Pek, the artistic director of the Pula Film Festival, watching the film in 1996 gave those who had experienced the anxiety and uncertainty of war a sense that the conflict had truly ended, and that such difficult times could be navigated with laughter and hope for the future.

In addition to *How the War Started on My Island*, the festival will showcase new works from some of today’s most influential filmmakers. These include Pedro Almodóvar’s *Gorky Park*, Paweł Pawlikowski’s *Fatherland*, and Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated *Oppenheimer*. These films were recently shown at the Cannes Film Festival and represent a blend of authorial depth and broad appeal, according to Mario Kozina, the program selector for the Pula Film Festival. He emphasized that these selections aim to bridge the gap between art-house cinema and mainstream audiences.

Another notable feature of the festival is the inclusion of *Momo*, a dystopian children’s film shot extensively in Pula, including scenes within the Arena itself. This film promises to engage both younger and older audiences with its imaginative narrative and use of local landmarks. Meanwhile, fans of epic storytelling can look forward to seeing *Oppenheimer*, inspired by Homer’s ancient epic, in the unique setting of the ancient Roman amphitheater, enhancing the viewing experience with historical ambiance.

The festival also features a regional competition section that includes five new films from Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Italy. These films, which have already won awards at other festivals, offer fresh perspectives on themes of growing up and alternative identities. The selection includes *Black Trumpet* from Montenegro, directed by Bojan Stijović, and *Fantasy* and *Ida* from Slovenia, directed by Kukle and Ester Ivakič respectively. Serbian filmmaker Nenad Pavlović’s *Trip* and Italian director Paolo Strippoli’s *Valley of Smiles* will also be featured.

In addition to these international entries, the festival introduces a new segment called “Second Scene,” dedicated to Croatian films produced without state funding. This initiative aims to support independent filmmakers and highlight their work. Selected titles include *Electronic Skills* by Maja Čule, *Among Us* by Laure Pascu, and *Other People’s Things* by Morena Bogdan. These films, while less commercially backed, promise to bring innovative narratives and diverse voices to the forefront of Croatian cinema.

As the festival prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, it continues to build upon its legacy as one of Europe’s premier cinematic events. With a carefully curated lineup that spans decades and genres, the 73rd Pula Film Festival is set to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees, celebrating both the past and the evolving landscape of global cinema.