In Split we know: summer begins with films watching. And it begins with a bang, with one of the most interesting and most visited film festivals in Croatia - Mediterranean Film Festival Split. Starting from June 8 85 films from 26 nations and in ten days will be screened at three venues, open air cinema Bačvice, Zlatna vrata cinematheque, and cinema Tesla terrace.

Those who attended in previous years know that FMFS (acronym for Croatian name of the Festival mediteranskog filma Split) is an event not to be missed, for several reasons. First, this is a chance for any filmgoer to see films which are hard to see elsewhere, because they are everything but commercial, not something regular cinemas would prefer. Second, most of those films are worth to be seen, mostly internationally awarded and recognized. Third, it's a perfect way to learn about other cultures. Fourth, it's a chance to meet people. Fifth, it's plain fun, with nightly parties after main film at Bačvice. Sixth, it's hard to find more relaxed film festival (check out photo gallery on web site if you don't believe). Seventh, people in Split love FMFS so should you. Last but not least, films are double-subtitled, in Croatian and English.

What are we going to see? Program is rich, maybe richer than ever, with feature, short, animated and documentary films in several categories. Here are some of the highlights. Opening night belongs to Bulgarian-Greek co-production of Glory, directed by Kristina Grozeva. Then, there is a real treat, Last Men in Aleppo by Feras Fayyad, winner of Jury Award at Sundance Festival. Further, possible hit might be I Still Hide to Smoke by Rayhana Obermeyer, and Israeli The Burglar by Hagar Ben Asher. Spanish selection includes Catalonian Uncertain Glory by Agusti Villaronge, The Reconquest by Jonas Trueba (coming from San Sebastian Official Selection). FMFS will be a rare chance to see controversial Skins by Eduardo Casanova. Those interested in Croatian contemporary films will have a chance to see My Life Without Air by Bojana Burnać, and two co-productions; My World is Upside Down by Petra Seliškar and Funne: Sea Dreaming Girls by Katia Bernardi. Finally, off the competition we will also see Norwegian From the Balcony by Ole Giæver. To mention all other treats from FMFS we would need much bigger space. BTW, don't be late to main screening, because before main film you will be able to see some of the finest short features by young Croatian authors, usually in some way connected with Split.

Tickets are available for online purchase via official web site, and at the gate. Make sure to arrive earlier, since seats are not numerated. Screenings at Tesla are free.