Paweł Pawlikowski is heading to Croatia this summer with his Cannes-winning film Fatherland. The Polish filmmaker, fresh off his Best Director win at Cannes, will premiere the film at Slano Film Days, a boutique festival on the Dalmatian coast.
The festival runs from June 16 to 20 next year and has become known as a meeting place for serious cinephiles rather than a typical awards contest. It is built around conversation, not competition, which gives it a different feel from larger film festivals. Pawlikowski has supported the event since its beginning, and his return adds major prestige to this year’s edition.
He will be joined by Ruben Östlund, another high-profile name in world cinema. Their presence is expected to make the 2026 program especially strong. For a small festival in a picturesque Croatian village, attracting directors of this level says a lot about its growing reputation.
Slano Film Days stands out because it focuses on meaningful exchange between established international filmmakers and emerging regional talent. Instead of centering on prizes, the festival creates space for informal discussions, shared ideas, and creative collaboration. That approach has helped it build a loyal following among filmmakers who value substance over spectacle.
The full lineup and screening schedule are expected in early June. Even before the official announcement, this year’s edition is already generating attention. With Pawlikowski bringing Fatherland to the coast and Östlund also on the guest list, Slano Film Days is shaping up to be one of the most interesting events on the summer film calendar.
For a festival of its size, the ability to attract Cannes winners highlights its growing influence. It also shows that many directors are drawn to a setting where conversation, creativity, and craft come first.
