Weather is maybe still not like in full summer, but don't worry, there is another sign the warmest part of the year is coming; on June 17 begins 14th Mediterranean Film Festival Split! This ten days long event is one of the most popular in Split, even under some epidemiology restrictions. It takes place in one of the most beautiful venues in town open air cinema Bačvice, where you will be able to see some of the best films from 18 Mediterranean nations, awarded on festivals and well praised by critics. As a warm-up, each night viewers can see short features by young Croatian film makers, as part of a program called Ješka (Fish Bait). Another program is a selection of international short features at Dom mladih, with free entrance but limited number of seats. This program is always interesting, among others this year brings the best short feature in Cannes, Egyptian "I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face".

It's important to know that all films will be subtitled in both Croatian and English. Tickets sale opens on June 10, and it would be good to hurry up, because audience is limited to only 300 hundred people due to COVID-19 measures. Full program is now available online.

This year FMFS brings no less than ten Croatian premieres, including one film which will be shown in Europe for the first time after Tribeca Film Festival in New York. With many festivals around the world cancelled, this is rare opportunity to see some films which will hardly be shown in commercial cinemas.

Festival's director Alen Munitić told us a few words about this year's program and some of potential favourites, saying that this is one of the best programs this festival ever had. Festival will be opened with Turkish multiple-awarded film about Istanbul hip-hop artist "When I'm Done Dying". Further, only five days after premiere at Tribeca FF Greek-Dutch co-production "Do Not Hesitate" will keep you at the edge of your chair till the end.

One of potential films of the year is "Night of the Kings", a co-production of France and Ivory Coast. Strong competition will also be Maltese flick "Luzzu", story about local fishermen and the first ever film from Malta shown on some A-category festival, awarded on Sundance Film Festival for best actor.

French "Petite maman" arrives from official selection on Berlinale. Tradition of great Palestinian films will be continued with "200 Meters", winner of the audience award in Venice Festival program Giornate degli autori. Portuguese drama "Submission" won award for best script in Tallinn, and powerful Turkish drama "Brother's Keeper" was part of Berlinale's program Panorama. FMFS will be closed with Bulgarian humour drama "Fear". Same night awards will be announced in all categories - long features, Croatian and international short features.

If you miss FMFS or some of films shown there, Bačvice season continues after the festival. Don't miss it, atmosphere in this popular venue is always great.