(Photo: Grad Osijek)
A press conference was held on Wednesday in Osijek to announce the world premiere of 260 Days, a new feature film directed by Jakov Sedlar and based on the autobiographical novel by Marijan Gubina.
The highly anticipated film will premiere on 2 November at Gradski vrt Hall in Osijek at 6 p.m., with tickets now available in presale.
The film tells a deeply moving story of the suffering of the Croatian people during the Homeland War, seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy. Beyond its historical roots, 260 Days delivers a universal message of peace, forgiveness, and resilience.
Among those present at the press conference were director Jakov Sedlar, author Marijan Gubina, Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić, Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Nataša Tramišak, and Dražen Majstrović, director of the production company 260DAYS d.o.o.
Mayor Radić expressed his gratitude to the creators for choosing Osijek for the world premiere, emphasising the symbolism of the time and place.
“The film speaks of courage, dignity, and unity of the Croatian people, and it will be shown in the month when we remember the victims of the Homeland War. That is a powerful message,” he said.
He also highlighted the project’s potential to enhance Osijek’s international recognition.
“With actors such as Tim Roth and Armand Assante taking part, Osijek will gain visibility on the global film map, which will also benefit the city’s image and tourism,” Radić added.
County Prefect Nataša Tramišak noted that 260 Days not only preserves the memory of tragic wartime events but also encourages reflection on a shared future.
“The film evokes strong emotions, especially among generations who grew up during the war. It reminds us of sacrifice, but also of renewal and the possibility of living together. It is a message of hope and faith in a better future,” she said.
Director Jakov Sedlar expressed his pride that the world premiere will take place in Osijek, describing it as both an act of love and a tribute to the region’s support.
“Making such a complex film is never easy, and without the help of people from Osijek, Đakovo, Gorjani, and the whole of Slavonia, we would not have succeeded,” he said, adding that early screenings in Croatia and the US have received “outstanding reactions”.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Sedlar also revealed plans for another film project in Slavonia next year, potentially featuring two Academy Award winners.
“A Croatian story that begins from the heart of Slavonia”
Author and producer Marijan Gubina emphasised that the decision to premiere the film in Osijek was unanimous, despite strong interest from international partners.
“This is a Croatian story that must begin from the Croatian heart – from Slavonia. The film shows tragedy, but also the greatness of the Croatian people who, despite suffering, are not vengeful. The message we are sending to the world is that we are building peace,” he said.
The premiere will take place in a 2,500-seat sports hall – an unusual but symbolic choice reflecting both the high anticipation for the film and strong public support for Croatian cinema.
Production company director Dražen Majstrović revealed further details about the event.
“The doors of the hall will open at 4 p.m. Visitors can expect a specially designed fan zone with the cast, and a short music programme featuring Miroslav Škoro,” he announced.
The screening will use cutting-edge technology previously seen at this year’s Pula Film Festival. Majstrović added that the film has already had a positive economic impact, with an estimated €650,000 invested into the local economy.
“We have shown that Osijek can be a destination for the global film industry. We have the people, the locations, and the potential. This film proves that boundaries can be crossed,” he concluded.