Checkers is the national competition program of short films that primarily promotes young and aspiring authors who have not made their feature-length films yet. The program dates back to the festival’s beginnings and it includes premieres of short films by Croatian filmmakers who have achieved acclaim in the meantime. This is why Checkers is considered as one of the most important platforms for the promotion of young Croatian talents. This year again, a selection of Checkers will also be available online on our platform after their initial screening.

Spot (d. Sara Alavanić)

Fleka (Spot) does not stray far from his building. He hangs out with his neighbours and sometimes skateboards. Ever since his mom ended up in a mental institution, his best friend is his only family. Sometimes he spends time with a mentally challenged neighbour who has adopted a pig in his apartment. He soon realises this is the only friend he has.

One Day Something (Terrible) Is Going to Happen (d. Dalija Dozet)

Maša’s daily life is filled with miscellaneous chores and the care of her sick mother. Feeling the pressure of anxiety, she escapes to the world of fantasy, where she tries to build her own fairy tale. Her usual routine will be disrupted by a phone call informing her of the death of a man she doesn’t know. Without too much hesitation, Maša decides to attend his funeral.

At the Table (d. Ivan Veljača)

At a usual Sunday lunch with his parents, the son, Ivan, a seemingly calm and composed man in his mid-thirties, in a sudden rush of emotions, causes a scene and opens up revealing his vulnerability and almost childlike need for his parents’ attention and support.

So, Where is Nataša? (d. Sanja Milardović)

Sanja returns to her native village to sell her old house, but as soon as she arrives, her childhood friend Nataša shows up and insists they hang out. As they go through the village and revisit old memories, Sanja feels something is off with Nataša. The day turns into night and they end up at a local club where a drunken Nataša finally confesses her secret, leaving Sanja to decide what to do with it.

Dog of a Famous Person (d. Jozo Schmuch)

Livija and Filip are mother and son. When they steal the dog of the famous Croatian singer Severina at the urging of Livia’s younger boyfriend Roko, Filip’s long-kept secret comes to light, forcing Livia to reconsider the way she has raised him.