This year’s Albert Kapović Award will be presented posthumously, to our untimely deceased colleague, producer Darija Kulenović Gudan. As a producer, Darija left a deep mark on our community. She pushed the boundaries and possibilities of Croatian cinema, demonstrating by example the way contemporary European producers should work. She indebted Croatian filmmaking with a number of successfully produced works, such as films Night Boats, Aleksi, My Grandpa Is an Alien, Waste, Little Darling, Sevdah, as well as documentary series Housing Issue, drama series In Treatment, children’s series Laboratory at the End of the Universe, REC-i, Njam, Njam and many others. Darija Kulenović Gudan also leaves behind a legacy of advocating for solidarity among her colleagues and a series of young filmmakers whom she championed and selflessly supported, persistently reminding those around her that caring for all living things, love, and cherishing even the smallest gifts in life are the most important of all.

We were unable to bestow this award upon her in her lifetime, however, this act is our way of expressing our gratitude for everything she bequeathed us. Her creativity, empathy and quick-witted humour will remain with us for years to come. Darija’s daughter Enea Kulenović Gudan will accept the award on her behalf.

Darija Kulenović Gudan (1972 – 2021)

Darija Kulenović Gudan worked as a producer for more than 20 years. She was a member of the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE) and the Croatian Producers Association (HRUP), and co-founder of the production company Studio Dim, for which she produced fiction and documentary films, TV series and commercial projects. She was one of the most successful producers of her generation, helping to create a body of work that includes a number of films, documentaries and drama series, as well as children’s series. The quality and warmth of her projects for children and young people has helped create a new audience, teaching them about life values and the appreciation of works of art.