Checkers is the national short film competition program highlighting new authors who have not made a feature film yet. Introduced in the early days of Zagreb Film Festival, the program has featured premieres of Croatian shorts whose authors are today renowned directors. Therefore, Checkers is considered one of the most important platforms for the promotion of young cinematic talent in the country. This platform builds on the Checkers program and is a continuation of the films selected for the festival, offering the viewers a comprehensive overview of the national short film production, available at any moment anywhere, which is why this year’s Checkers merits a ‘special mention.’

This year’s Checkers featured authors whose works have already appeared in this popular program, such as Dubravka Turić (Tina), Judita Gamulin (Sedra), Tomislav Šoban (Fragile), Josip Lukić (Summer Fruits), Lakov Nola (Homely), Lovro Mrđen (The Stamp) and Filip Mojzež (Elephant’s Graveyard), as well as program newcomers Zoran Stojkovski (Labour Day Waltz), Bojan Radanović (Letters), Rino Barbir (Snitch) i Jasmina Beširević, whose film The Last Picture Show, about Joža, the unofficial caretaker and the friendly spirit of the cult cinephile hangout, Europa cinema, screened out of competition.  

The Golden Pram for best film in the Checkers program went to Snitch, by Rino Barbir. The short film jury explained the choice with the following words: “Masterfully combining comedy and social criticism, Snitch brings us a stylized, yet convincing high school coming-of-age-story. The director develops the story precisely, leading the youth to clash with the surroundings to which he desperately wants to belong.” Special mention in the Checkers program went to the film Summer Fruits by Josip Lukić. “With this special mention, the jury wants to encourage the young director whos film reveals clear potential. Summer Fruits stands out by excellent acting performances and natural dialogue, which make the whole story convincing and distressing.”