Od Australije do Palais des Festivalsa, Majestic Film vratio se u Cannes s najsnažnijim zamahom dosad - predstavljajući ICAN, promičući hrvatske priče i prezentirajući ambiciozan međunarodni slate.

Od Australije do Cannesa u Francuskoj, Majestic Film gotovo dva desetljeća gradi svoju prisutnost na najutjecajnijem filmskom tržištu na svijetu, donoseći na međunarodnu scenu odvažne, prestižne i kulturno snažne filmske sadržaje. Cannesko putovanje kompanije započelo je 2007. godine, u njezinim najranijim danima pod okriljem Australian Film Commissiona, današnjeg Screen Australia, a od tada je pronašlo svoje stalno mjesto na tom prestižnom festivalu.

ICAN predstavljen u Cannesu kao novi put za snažnije promicanje hrvatskih priča iz Hrvatske, Hercegovine i dijelova Bosne

Cannes 2026. obilježio je sedmu godinu Majestic Filma kao službenog izlagača unutar prestižnog Palais des Festivalsa, no ova je godina imala posebno značenje. Majestic Film je prvi put u Cannesu predstavio ICAN — International Croatian Artists Network (Međunarodna mreža hrvatskih umjetnika). Uz potporu vlasnika Majestic Filma, Steve Ravića, i suradnika koji službeno vode ovu udrugu, ICAN je predstavljen kao nova platforma za hrvatski filmski sadržaj na štandu Majestic Filma. Inicijativa je prvi put javno predstavljena na American Film Marketu u studenom 2025., nakon  čega je uslijedilo predstavljanje na Berlinaleu u veljači 2026., nakon što je udruga formalno registrirana u Australiji. ICAN je osnovan s jasnom misijom: povezati i okupiti hrvatske umjetnike - etablirane i one koji tek dolaze - iz cijeloga svijeta te stvoriti puteve kojima će hrvatske priče doći do globalne publike. Organizacija će ovoga ljeta biti formalno registrirana i u Republici Hrvatskoj, gdje će djelovati kroz svoju hrvatsku  podružnicu.

Za tim Majestic Filma, jedno od najistaknutijih postignuća Cannesa 2026. bila je širina hrvatskog sadržaja prikazanog i podržanog kroz ICAN i Majestic Film, koji su vizualno predstavili veliki broj hrvatskih filmova i koprodukcija. Hrvatski audiovizualni centar (HAVC), službeno je bio prisutan na Cannesu kao dio štanda Jugoistočne Europe. Direktor Majestic Filma i predsjednik ICAN-a, Steve Ravić, izjavio je: “Nismo ovdje kako bismo se natjecali s HAVC-om, nego kako bismo nadopunili ono što Republika Hrvatska već nudi kroz HAVC. Najvažnije, ovdje smo kako bismo snažnije stavili fokus na povijesne i hrvatske sadržajne priče. Također, ICAN nije usmjeren samo na film, nego namjerava stvoriti slične mrežne puteve za hrvatsku umjetnost i kulturu. Želimo staviti poseban naglasak na Hercegovinu i dijelove Bosne nastanjene Hrvatima, koji inače nemaju dovoljno resursa i izloženosti, kako bismo mogli više istaknuti Hrvate izvan Hrvatske. Smatramo ono što radimo nadopunom pozitivnoj potpori koju već pružaju državni tajnik Zvonko Milas i Središnji državni ured za Hrvate izvan Republike Hrvatske.”

Majestic Film već je najavio partnerstva s Novalis Studiom iz Zagreba, u vlasništvu Jurice Šimunkovića, i Sounds Perfectionom, u vlasništvu Carla Zdenka Tolja. Partnerstvo će se sada dodatno proširiti na Black Bird Cinema, u vlasništvu Stipe Ninčevića iz Solina kraj Splita, a Majestic Film tražit će i bližu suradnju u Bosni i Hercegovini, gdje su razgovori već u tijeku.

Majesticovi filmski aduti predvođeni ikonskim velikanima Billichem i Thompsonom

Billich 90

Među internim naslovima koje je producirao Majestic Film nalazi se sada dovršeni dugometražni dokumentarac Billich 90, koji prikazuje mističnu paletu boja i postavlja scenu za pozadinu mračne intrige, dok filmski autor i prijatelj Steve Ravić pomaže svojem prijatelju, umjetniku Charlesu Billichu, razmrsiti mrežu prijevare. Bezvremenski vizionar Billich prkosi granicama vremena; u 90. godini sve je bliže svojoj potrazi za pravdom, na putu da naslika portret vlastite ostavštine. Film je nastavak dokumentarca Billich: Beyond the Canvas, dostupnog u većem dijelu svijeta putem Apple TV-a i Tubija, među ostalim streaming platformama, a oba su producirana uoči biografskog filma My Way.

My Way

Strastveni projekt Stevea Ravića My Way na putu je da glavna snimanja započnu kasnije ove godine. Nakon nekoliko godina kompleksnog istraživanja, završetka dvaju dugometražnih dokumentaraca, ozbiljnih istraga i znatnog osobnog rizika — svega što je dovelo do konačnog scenarija koji je napisao sam Ravić — projekt je spreman krenuti naprijed čim se završi sva dokumentacija i birokratski procesi s novim koprodukcijskim partnerima iz Ujedinjenog Kraljevstva.

Ravić je rekao: “Jedva čekam započeti. U ovaj veliki filmski projekt uložio sam velik dio svojega života i energije. Moja je ambicija ispričati istinitu životnu priču Charlesa Billicha, koji je, prema mojem skromnom mišljenju, najveći nadrealist svih vremena i neizostavan dio priče hrvatske dijaspore, budući da je pobjegao od jugoslavenske komunističke tiranije nakon što je proveo dvije godine u političkom zatvoru. Ovaj je projekt oduvijek bio ogroman izazov i vrlo zahtjevan, jer su standardi postavljeni iznimno visoko. To nije film koji se može prevariti prečacima, ograničenim resursima ili ičim manjim od brige koju zaslužuje. Mora se napraviti s velikom pažnjom, a zahtijevao je godine istraživanja i opasnih istraga. Riječ je o Billichevoj ostavštini, a sam film obilježit će i moju vlastitu ostavštinu te ostavštinu progonjenih Hrvata koje je režim Titove Jugoslavije otjerao iz njihove domovine. Vrlo sam zadovoljan što smo došli ovako daleko i sada smo spremni napraviti sljedeći korak u stvaranju istinskog djela ostavštine.”

Faith and Patriotism

Poznata fotografija Marka Perkovića Thompsona, koju je snimio Steve Ravić, ove se godine u Cannesu nije mogla ne primijetiti.  Bila je istaknuta kao vizualno predstavljanje dokumentarnog filma Faith and Patriotism (Vjera i domoljublje). Na Cannes Marketu lansiran je i kratki teaser trailer za gotovo dovršeni dokumentarni projekt koji slavi priču o hrvatskoj otpornosti, strasti i identiteta kroz snagu hrvatskog naroda i pjesme Marka Perkovića Thompsona. Film producira Majestic Film u suradnji s Morrell Filmsom, a dijelovi dugometražnog dokumentarca snimljeni su tijekom rekordnog najvećeg svjetskog koncerta održanog 5. srpnja 2025. godine. Za one koji ne znaju što se toga dana dogodilo, ova će priča otkriti samu dušu hrvatskog identiteta kroz slavlje koje nadilazi glazbu I prerasta u izraz duboke ljubavi prema domovini. Marko Perković Thompson ujedinjuje generacije pjesmama ljubavi, vjere i domoljublja, utemeljenima na poštovanju, razumijevanju i zajedničkoj predanosti očuvanju identiteta i kulture prekrasne nacije čije je srce izdržalo generacije progona. Priča filma Faith and Patriotism ispričana je glasovima samih ljudi iz različitih dijelova Hrvatske i svijeta, kroz domoljubne boje, emocije i zvukove Marka Perkovića Thompsona. Prema Majestic Filmu, premijera se može očekivati u nadolazećim mjesecima, a distribucija tijekom ove godine.

Cooked With Love by VUtopia

Napeti triler Cooked With Love, produkcija VUtopije i film Brune Bilandžije iz Vukovara, nalazi se u završnoj fazi post-produkcije. Završni miks zvuka trenutačno se dovršava pod stručnim uhom suradnika Majestic Filma, Carla Zdenka Tolja iz Sounds Perfectiona, koji se obvezao dati završni profesionalni sjaj ovom obećavajućem filmskom projektu.

Ravić je istaknuo: “Bio sam iznimno impresioniran radom koji stvaraju Bruno Bilandžija i njegova desna ruka, Ivica Perić, te sam im odmah ponudio konkretnu tržišnu I promotivnu podršku kroz ICAN i Majestic Film na filmskim tržištima. Posebno je intrigantno to što je Cooked With Love dugometražni film snimljen u Vukovaru, s doista jedinstvenom pričom i nizom obrata koji će držati pozornost publike do samog kraja. Produciran je na visokoj razini, što je posebno impresivno s obzirom na skroman budžet, pa smo im ponudili sponzorstvo kroz punu podršku na tržištima, a moj kolega Carlo Zdenko Tolj uključio se kako bi dodatno ispolirao zvuk. Zaista se veselim gledanju finalne verzije za nekoliko tjedana. Pozitivna je vijest da već imamo nekoliko kompanija koje razmatraju svjetsku distribuciju.”

Uz tri nova naslova, Majestic Film predstavio je i više projekata u razvoju, uključujući dva ranije najavljena naslova: The Ink Covenant (Zavjet Tinte) i The Last Queen (Posljedna Kraljica).

The Ink Covenant (Zavjet Tinte)

Vesna Trokter The Ink Covenant (Zavjet Tinte) naziva svojom “bebom”. Priča je nadahnuta i usredotočena na stoljetnu tradiciju tetoviranja “sicanje” među hrvatskim ženama, kao oblik zaštite tijekom osmanskih prodora. Film prati mladu ženu koja iz Australije putuje u Hrvatsku i Hercegovinu kako bi istražila svoje podrijetlo, gdje nasljeđuje sveti znak tinte — ne tek ukras, nego zavjet: obećanje urezano u kožu i preneseno kroz generacije.

Kada otkrije što se krije iza zatvorenih vrata, pronalazi tajnu mrežu žena koje se ne bore bukom, nego tihom odlučnošću — šifriranim zadacima, zaštićenim odanostima i nepokolebljivom hrabrošću. Mora odlučiti hoće li otići ili prihvatiti ono što njezin zavjet od nje traži: zaštititi sljedeću generaciju. Film je namijenjen globalnoj publici i uključivat će međunarodne koprodukcije predvođene Majestic Filmom.

Kako bi se trebalo razvijati planovi za film Posljedna Kraljica

Motivacija iza projekta The Last Queen (Posljedna Kraljica) dolazi iz priče koja se zadržavala u pozadini, čekajući prave koprodukcijske partnere i odgovarajuću razinu kreativne, povijesne i produkcijske brige. Vesna Trokter dodala je: “Ovo je projekt koji će trebati njegovati. Mora se razvijati i voditi s velikom pažnjom prema detaljima te u suradnji s pravim institucijama kako bi se priča o kraljici Katarini prikazala na najbolji način. Već imamo američke koprodukcijske partnere koji su vrlo entuzijastični, uz uvjet potvrde sigurnih koprodukcijskih zaštita u regiji. Planiramo osigurati koprodukcijske partnere u BiH za ovaj projekt u nadolazećim mjesecima, radi detaljnog razvoja i pred-produkcije. Od naše najave u Cannesu prošle godine i prve formalne pitch prezentacije na American Film Marketu prošlog studenoga, scenarij je napisan; međutim, vjerujemo da će dodatni razvoj scenarija — uključujući opsežne sastanke s crkvenim čelnicima i organizacijama — biti ključan prije završne verzije. Plan je ovu priču ispričati na engleskom jeziku za globalnu publiku.”

Diva Perković zasjala u Cannesu

ICAN je zamišljen kao platforma posvećena povezivanju, podržavanju i predstavljanju hrvatskih filmova, filmaša i talenata, posebno u Cannesu, glamuroznoj prijestolnici svjetske kinematografije.

Ovogodišnja posebna gošća, koju je ugostio Majestic Film, bila je mlada 19-godišnja hrvatska glumica Diva Perković. Ravić je izjavio: “Sretan sam što sam upravo ja otkrio Divu i sada sam je predstavio nekim vrlo visoko pozicioniranim veteranima filmske industrije. Odazvala se vrlo profesionalno i zaista zasjala svojim prezentacijskim sposobnostima, uspjevši privući značajan interes u Cannesu, a neke su uloge već u fazi razgovora.”

Osim što je bila dio tima Majestic Filma u Cannesu, Diva Perković imala je i iskustvo sudjelovanja na crvenom tepihu kao dio ABC-ja (Australia), zahvaljujući dugogodišnjem prijatelju Majestic Filma, Johnu Doggett-Williamsu.

Diva je rekla: “Toliko sam uzbuđena što smo večeras ovdje u Cannesu, predivna prilika koju mi je dao Steve, i hvala mu na tome. I uzbuđena sam za buduće projekte.” Duboko nadahnuta svojim iskustvom u Cannesu, Diva se već spominje kao mogući povratnik u Cannes sljedeće godine u sklopu tima Majestic Filma.

Bobby Boško Grubić

Američko-hrvatski filmski autor Bobby Boško Grubić također je posjetio Majestic Film štand i novu bazu za filmske autore hrvatskog sadržaja.

Uz brojne zasluge i kredite, Grubić je poznat i po svojem nedavnom kratkom filmu Samoća, koji je napisao Miro Gavran. Dvojac sada želi producirati povijesni serijal Urotnici, temeljen na Zrinskom i Frankopanu — još jedan obećavajući projekt na koji treba obratiti pozornost i koji ima potencijal postati pravi filmski spektakl.

Arsen Anton Ostojić

Steve Ravić kratko se susreo i s Arsenom Antonom Ostojićem, čestitavši mu na novom animiranom dugometražnom filmu The Crystal Planet, u kojem glasove posuđuju Jeremy Irons, Vanessa Redgrave i Michael York.

Fernando Figueredo Maričević

Paragvajski autor Fernando Figueredo Maričević, čiji obiteljski korijeni potječu s Lastova u Hrvatskoj, također je posjetio štand Majestic Filma kako bi predstavio svoj u potpunosti scenaristički razrađen filmski koncept, koji je trenutačno u razvoju.

The Kuzma Vineyard bit će drama o ljubavi i izdaji. Fernando je bio oduševljen što ga je Majestic Film ugostio uz šampanjac te što je upoznao tim i njegovu širu mrežu industrijskih kolega, nazvavši to iskustvo “vrhuncem svojeg posjeta Cannesu”. Trenutačno živi u Splitu i radi na razvoju filma.

Majestic kao motor podrške australskim i hrvatskim filmskim autorima i filmovima

Ravić je izjavio: “Naša je ambicija okupiti hrvatske stvaratelje u Cannesu: ponuditi im mjesto s kojeg mogu graditi kontakte te im pružiti konkretnu podršku i smjernice. U vrijeme australske vlade Johna Howarda, Australian Film Commission, danas Screen Australia, nudio je Cannes Bootcamp za nove sudionike, uključujući Vesnu i mene na našem prvom Cannesu 2007. godine. To iskustvo bilo je neprocjenjivo. Naučilo nas je kako Cannes Film Festival i tržište zapravo funkcioniraju, a posljednjih godina pokušavam hrvatskim filmašima ponuditi upravo takvu vrstu pomoći.”

Ravić je dodao: “Podržavamo i australske filmske autore kroz Arts Association Australia Inc., iako Screen Australia već pruža izvrsnu bazu na Canneskoj Croisette, s pogledom na Rivijeru i prostranim prostorom u kojem producenti mogu održavati sastanke, pa je naša uloga više komplementarna. Za hrvatske filmaše, međutim, situacija je drukčija. Hrvatsko predstavljanje u Cannesu dio je Jugoistočnog Europskog Paviljona, s vrijednim, ali ograničenim fokusom. Postoje dobre informacije za koprodukcije i kontakti za produkcijske kuće u Hrvatskoj kroz njihovu ‘malu crnu knjižicu’. Ono što mi pružamo kroz ICAN izravnije je i osobnije: kanal podrške za hrvatske stvaratelje i talente s konkretnim tržišnim potrebama.

“Naši ovogodišnji napori bili su dobro prihvaćeni od strane stvaratelja i talenata koje smo kroz ICAN podržali bez ikakve naknade. Volio bih vidjeti da filmska industrija u Hrvatskoj procvjeta, a također bih želio sudjelovati u razvoju i produkciji više filmskih projekata u Hercegovini i područjima Bosne gdje Hrvati, kao povijesno relevantna populacija, prečesto bivaju zanemarano stanovništvo.“

”Vesna Trokter dodala je: “Zajedno s našim partnerima iz Sjedinjenih Američkih Država nadali smo se dogovoriti sastanke s Fondacijom za kinematografiju Sarajevo, ali ondje nije bilo nikoga kada smo svratili i nismo uspjeli osigurati termin nakon više posjeta. Ipak, nadamo se da ćemo u nekom trenutku ove godine otići u Sarajevo i sastati se s odgovarajućim osobama, jer imamo snažnu želju snimati u Bosni i Hercegovini s našim međunarodnim partnerima i pričati više priča iz tih područja globalnoj publici. Već imamo niz poznatih imena koja se žele uključiti u projekte, uključujući Cowboya Jamesa Storma, kojeg smo ranije otkrili, a mnoga druga imena bit će objavljena kada projekti budu učvršćeni.”

Sci-Fi vizionar Neil Johnson vraća se u Cannes

Ugledni filmski redatelj Neil Johnson, nekada iz Los Angelesa, a sada sa sjedištem u Atlanti, također se vratio u Cannes nakon duže stanke, gdje su ga ugostili njegovi dugogodišnji prijatelji i partneri iz Majestic Filma. Predstavio je svoju seriju od 10 nastavaka A Time War, u kojoj glume Tracey Birdsall (Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter, Hotel Underground), William Kircher (The Hobbit), Steven Manley (Star Trek III) te glas Christophera Leeja u njegovoj posljednjoj izvedbi.

Kao filmski autor s desetljećima iskustva, Johnson i dalje ostaje mladenački energičan i vizionarski nastrojen, te će u nadolazećim godinama nastaviti suradnju s Ravićem na više projekata. Hrvatska zauzima posebno mjesto u njegovu srcu nakon lijepih iskustva, kako je ranije objasnio u emisiji HRT-a Globalna Hrvatska.

Govoreći o Cannesu, Johnson je izjavio: “Suprotno onome što su neki tvrdili u medijama, ovo je prvi put da sam prisustvovao Cannesu od kasnih devedesetih. Bilo je vrlo ugodno i zabavno, upoznao sam neke izvanredne ljude i proveo vrijeme sa starim, odanim prijateljima. Obitelj, prijateljstvo i istina znače sve.”

Na pitanje o Johnsonu, Ravić je izjavio: “Neil je oduvijek bio netko na koga se ugledam kada je riječ o filmskoj produkciji, i još uvijek jest. On je inovator. Bio je prvi kada su mu se drugi rugali zato što je sredinom 1990-ih odlučio snimiti film digitalno. Danas je široko priznat u industriji kao autor prvog digitalnog filma na svijetu, a digitalno filmsko stvaralaštvo od tada je postalo globalni standard. Zaista mi je drago i čast mi je što su Empire Motion Pictures i Neil bili dio našeg izlagačkog tima u Cannesu.”

Hand of My Neighbour — Australija / Papua Nova Gvineja

Majestic Film također je predstavio Hand of My Neighbour, australsko-papuanovogvinejski projekt koji će pratiti filmsku ekipu kroz Papuu Novu Gvineju na putovanju kojim se otkriva predana skupina časnih sestara koje tiho djeluju na prvoj liniji siromaštva i napuštenosti, nudeći snažan primjer kako se vjera i korporativna odgovornost mogu ujediniti kako bi stvorile trajnu ljudsku promjenu.

Inicijator projekta Christopher Frederick posebno je tražio Stevea Ravića za režiju i produkciju projekta zbog njegove strasti za “pričanjem iskrenih i snažnih priča koje moraju biti ispričane”.

Projekt će se realizirati zajedno s organizacijama Australians That Care i Doctors That Care.

Ostali projekti u razvoju uključuju retro komediju ceste Back to the 80s i dramu I Never Cry, oba planirana za produkciju u nadolazećim godinama.

Tim Majestic Filma s ABC-jem i Johnom Doggett-Williamsom

Godina 2026. donijela je i ponovno okupljanje Stevea Ravića i Johna Doggett-Williamsa, poznatog po radu za ABC, Reuters, ESPN i SBS Australia, pri čemu je Majestic Film pružio podršku i resurse Johnu i ABC Radiju za njihove izvještaje s Cannes Film Festivala 2026. Bio je to prvi put od 2018. godine, kada su Steve Ravić i John Doggett-Williams surađivali u Rimu i Vatikanu u sklopu snimanja dokumentarca Stevea Ravića Billich: Beyond the Canvas, gdje je etablirani novinar sudjelovao u snimanju materijala Billicha u Vatikanu i njegove audijencije s Papom, što se može vidjeti u dokumentarcu. John Doggett-Williams opisao je iskustvo Cannesa 2026. riječima: “Briljantno, najbolji Cannes ikad!”

Vesna je zaključila: “Ono što je ovo iskustvo učinilo doista nezaboravnim nisu bili samo nevjerojatna energija, prilike, sastanci i zamah, nego i činjenica da smo bili okruženi divnim prijateljima, briljantnim kreativcima, pouzdanim partnerima i doista izvanrednim pojedincima. Od Majestic Filma do naših međunarodnih suradnika, podržavatelja i prijatelja iz industrije, ovaj Cannes ostat će zapamćen. Hvala ti, Cannes.”

Steve Ravić dodao je: “Zahvaljujemo također Hervéu, Virginie i timu Bistro De Lerins na izvanrednom gostoprimstvu. Ti su ljudi apsolutno fantastični! Također očekujemo daljnje širenje utjecaja i prisutnosti Majestic Filma u Cannesu sljedeće godine, s većim timom, kada ćemo predstaviti članove osoblja iz Hrvatske i uključiti nekoga iz Bosne i Hercegovine kao dio ICAN-a. Sve što mogu reći jest: očekujte neočekivano u Cannesu 2027., koji će biti 80. obljetnica Cannes Film Festivala i 20. obljetnica našeg prvog dolaska.”

Petra Antolić i Steven Haar

Cannes 2026: Bigger, Bolder, Busier and Beautifully Better - Majestic Film introduce ICAN to the Palais!

From Australia to the Palais des Festivals, Majestic Film returned to Cannes with its strongest momentum yet — unveiling ICAN, championing Croatian stories, and presenting an ambitious international slate.

From Australia to Cannes, France, Majestic Film has spent almost two decades building a presence at the world’s most influential film market, bringing bold, prestige and culturally resonant cinema to the international stage. The company’s Cannes journey began in 2007, in its earliest days under the banner of the Australian Film Commission, now Screen Australia and has since found a permanent home at the prestigious festival.

ICAN revealed at Cannes to create a pathway in a push to promote more Croatian stories from Croatia and Herzegovina and parts of Bosnia

Cannes 2026 marked Majestic Film’s seventh year as an official exhibitor inside the prestigious Palais des Festivals, but this year carried a significance of its own. For the first time, Majestic Film introduced ICAN — the International Croatian Artists Network — to Cannes. Supported by Majestic Film owners Vesna Trokter, Ante Ravić and Steve Ravić leading the incorporated association, ICAN was first presented as a new platform for Croatian film content at the Majestic Film stand. The initiative was first publicly introduced at the American Film Market in November 2025, followed by Berlinale in February after it was formally registered in Australia. ICAN was created with a clear mission: to connect and bring together Croatian artists both established and aspiring from across the world and create pathways to bringing Croatian stories to global audiences.

For the Majestic team, one of the standout achievements of Cannes 2026 was the breadth of Croatian content visually showcased and supported through ICAN and Majestic Film. The Croatian Audiovisual Centre, HAVC, Croatia’s official film body were also at Cannes as part of the Southeastern European pavillion. CEO of Majestic Film and President of ICAN Steve Ravić stated: “We are not here to compete with HAVC, but rather supplement what the Republic of Croatia is already offering through HAVC, and most importantly, we are here to put a focus on both historic and Croatian content stories. Also, ICAN is not only geared towards film but intends to create similar pathways for Croatian arts and culture. We also want to put a strong emphasis on Herzegovina and parts of Bosnia historically populated by Croatians that are now often marginalized and lack the recourses and exposure. Let’s consider what we are doing to be a supplement to the positive support already being provided by Minister Zvonko Milas and the Office For Croats Living Abroad.”

Majestic Film have already announced partnering with Novalis Studio from Zagreb, owned by Jurica Šimunković and Sounds Perfection owned by Carlo Zdenko Tolj. The partnership will now further extend to Black Bird Cinema owned by Stipe Ninčević from Solin near Split and will be seeking closer collaborations in Bosnia and Hercegovina where discussions are already underway.

Majestic cinematic pieces headlined by the iconic powerhouses Billich and Thompson

Billich 90

Among the in-house titles produced by Majestic Film are the now completed feature documentary Billich 90 exhibiting a mystifying palette of colours that set the stage for a backdrop of dark intrigue as filmmaker friend Steve Ravić helps his artist friend Charles Billich disentangle a web of deceit. The ageless visionary Billich defies the realms of time; at 90, edging ever so closer in his pursuit of justice in a quest to paint the portrait of his legacy. This is a follow up to the documentary Billich: Beyond The Canvas available in most parts of the world through Apple TV and Tubi among other streaming platforms and in lead up to the biopic movie My Way.

My Way

Steve Ravić’s passion project My Way is on track to begin principal photography later this year. After several years of complex research, the completion of two feature documentaries, serious investigations and considerable personal risk leading to a final script penned by Ravic himself, the project is ready to move forward once all the paperwork and bureaucratic process is completed with the new co-production partners from the United Kingdom.

Ravić said: “I’m itching to get this started. I have put a great portion of my life and energy into this major film project, with an ambition to tell the real-life story of Charles Billich, who, in my humble opinion, is the greatest surrealist of all time and an imperative part of the story of the Croatian diaspora being that he escaped Yugoslav communist tyranny after spending two years in political prison. This project was always going to be a huge challenge and very demanding because the standards are set very high. It is not a film that can be cheated with shorts cut, resources or the care it deserves. It needs to be done with great care, and it has required years of research and danger-ridden investigations. This is about the Billich legacy, and the film itself will also mark my own legacy and the legacy of persecuted Croatians driven out of their homeland by the regime of Tito’s Yugoslavia. I am very content that we have come this far, and now we are ready to take that next step in creating a true legacy piece.”

Faith and Patriotism

There was no chance to miss Steve Ravic’s famous photo of Marko Perković Thompson in full display at Cannes this year to represent the documentary film Faith and Patriotism. A short teaser trailer was also launched at the Cannes Market for the near-completed documentary project celebrating the story of Croatian resilience and passion through the people and the songs of Marko Perković Thompson. Produced by Majestic Film together with Morrell Films, parts of the feature documentary were filmed during the record-breaking world’s biggest concert on July 5, 2025. If you don’t know what happened, this story will share with you the inner soul of the Croatian identity through a celebration that transcends the essence of profound love for the homeland. Marko Perković Thompson unites generations through songs of love, faith and patriotism grounded in respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to preserving the identity and culture of a beautiful nation whose heartbeat has endured generations of persecution. The story of Faith and Patriotism is told by the people themselves from different parts of Croatia and through the patriotic colours and sounds of Marko Perković Thompson. According to the team, we can expect a premiere in the coming months and a release some time this year.

Cooked With Love by VUtopia

The suspense thriller Cooked With Love is by VUtopia, a film by Bruno Bilandžija from Vukovar, is in the final stages of post-production, with the sound mix currently being completed under the expert ear of Majestic Film associate Carlo Zdenko Tolj of Soundsperfection who has committed to putting the final touches to a promising film project.

Ravić noted: “I was extremely impressed by the work being created by Bruno Bilandžija and his right-hand man, Ivica Perić, and I immediately offered to provide them with a support channel through ICAN and Majestic Film at the film markets. It’s especially intriguing that Cooked With Love is a feature film made in Vukovar, with a truly unique story and a number of twists that will hold the audience’s attention until the very end. It has been produced to a high standard, which is especially impressive considering its modest budget, so we offered to sponsor them with full support at the markets and my colleague Carlo Zdenko Tolj signed on to polish the sound, and I am really looking forward to watching the final version in several weeks. The positive news is that we already have several companies considering worldwide distribution.”

In addition to the three new titles, Majestic Film also presented multiple projects that are in development, including the two previously announced titles: The Ink Covenant and The Last Queen.

The Ink Covenant

Vesna Trokter calls The Ink Covenant her baby. The story is inspired by and centered on the centuries-old tradition of ‘sicanje’ tattooing among Croatian women as a form of protection during the Ottoman invasions. The film will follow a young woman who travels from Australia to Croatia and Hercegovina to explore her ancestry where she inherits a sacred ink mark — not merely a decoration, but a covenant: a vow etched into her skin and passed down through generations.

When she uncovers what lies behind closed doors, she discovers a secret network of women who fight not with noise, but with quiet resolve — through coded errands, protected loyalties and unyielding courage. She must decide whether to leave, or embrace what her covenant expects of her: to protect the next generation. The film is aimed at global audiences and will involve international co-productions spearheaded by Majestic Film.

The Last Queen

The motivation behind The Last Queen comes from a story that has been lingering in the background for years, waiting for the right co-production partnerships and the right level of care. Vesna Trokter added: “This is a project that will need to be nurtured. It must be developed and managed in great detail, and be developed in association with the right institutions, in order to best portray the story of Queen Katarina. We already have American co-production partners that are very enthusiastic, pending confirmation of secure co-production protections in the region. We plan to secure co-production partners for this project over the coming months for in depth development and pre-production. Since our announcement last year and our first formal pitch presentation at the American Film Market last November, it has since been scripted, however, we believe further script development — including lengthy meetings with church leaders and organisations — will be essential before the final draft is penned. The plan is to tell this story in English for a global-audiences.”

Diva Perković Shines at Cannes

ICAN is intended to be a platform dedicated to connecting, supporting and showcasing Croatian films, filmmakers and talent especially at Cannes being the glamorous capital of world cinema.

This year’s special guest, hosted by Majestic Film, was emerging 19-year-old Croatian actress Diva Perković. Ravić stated: “I’m happy to have been the one to discover Diva and I have now introduced her to some very high-ranking film industry veterans, to which she responded professionally and truly shined with her presentation and networking abilities, managing to attract a significant amount of interest at Cannes, with some roles already in the process of being discussed”.

In addition to being a part of Majestic Film, Diva Perković also had the experience of spending time on the red carpet as part of ABC (Australia) thanks to long-time friend of Majestic Film, John Doggett-Williams.

Diva remarked: “I am very excited to be here in Cannes, thanks to Steve, and I am motivated for future projects.” Deeply inspired by her Cannes experience, Diva is already rumored to be returning to Cannes next year as part of the Majestic Film team.

Bobby Boško Grubić

American-Croatian filmmaker Bobby Boško Grubić also visited Majestic Film and the new base for Croatian-content filmmakers.

In addition to a wealth of credits, Bobby is known for his recent short film Lonely (Samoća), written by Miro Gavran. The duo now aim to produce a historical series to be called The Conspirators (Urotnici), based on Zrinski and Frankopan — another promising project to watch out for, and one with the potential to become a true screen spectacle.

Arsen Anton Ostojić

Steve Ravić also briefly met with Arsen Anton Ostojić, congratulating him on his new animated feature The Crystal Planet, which features the voices of Jeremy Irons, Vanessa Redgrave and Michael York.

Fernando Figueredo Maričević

With ancestral roots from Lastovo, Croatia, Paraguayan-born Fernando Figueredo Maričević also visited the Majestic Film stand to present his fully scripted film concept, now in development.

The Kuzma Vineyard will be a drama about love and betrayal. Fernando was thrilled to be hosted with champagne by Majestic Film and to meet the team and its broader network of industry colleagues, calling the experience the “highlight of my visit to Cannes.”

A Majestic support engine for both Australian and Croatian filmmakers and films

Ravić stated: “Our ambition is to bring Croatian creators together at Cannes: to offer them a place to network from, and to provide meaningful support and guidance. During the Howard Government era, the Australian Film Commission, now Screen Australia, offered a Cannes Bootcamp for new attendees and for mine and Vesna’s very first Cannes in 2007. That experience was priceless. It taught us how the Cannes Film Festival and market actually works, and over recent years I have tried to offer Croatian filmmakers that same kind of guidance”.

Ravić added: “We also support Australian filmmakers through the Arts Association Australia Inc., although Screen Australia already provides an excellent base on the Cannes Croisette, with a view of the Riviera and a spacious area where producers can hold meetings, so our role is more complementary. For Croatian filmmakers, however, the situation is different. Croatia’s representation at Cannes is part of the Southeastern European Pavilion, with valuable but limited focus. There is good information for co-productions and filming in Croatia with contacts for production companies in Croatia through their ‘little black book.’ What we provide through ICAN is more direct and personal: a support channel for Croatian creators and talents with specific market needs.

“Our efforts this year have been well received by the creators and talents to whom we have provided complimentary support through ICAN and Majestic Film. I would love to see the film industry in Croatia flourish, and I would also be happy to participate in the development and production of more film projects in Herzegovina and areas of Bosnia where Croats, as a historically relevant population, are too often overlooked and marginalized.”

“Vesna Trokter added: ‘Together with our colleagues from the United States, we hoped to arrange meetings with the Sarajevo Film Foundation, but there was no one there when we stopped by, and we weren’t able to secure an appointment after several visits. However, we hope to go to Sarajevo at some point this year and meet with the relevant people because we have a strong interest to film in Bosnia and Herzegovina with our international partners and tell more stories from those regions to a global audience. We already have a number of well-known names interested in getting involved in the projects, including Cowboy James Storm, which we previously revealed, and many other names will be announced when the projects are solidified.”

Sci-Fi Visionary Neil Johnson Returns to Cannes

The accomplished film director Neil Johnson formerly of Los Angeles and now based in Atlanta also returned to Cannes after a long hiatus and was hosted by his long-time friends and partners at Majestic Film. He presented his 10-part series A Time War, starring Tracey Birdsall (Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter, Hotel Underground), William Kircher (The Hobbit), Steven Manley (Star Trek III) and the voice of Christopher Lee in his final performance.

Now a decades-long leader in filmmaking, Johnson remains youthful, energetic and visionary, and will continue collaborating on multiple projects with Ravić in the coming years.

Speaking about Cannes, Johnson stated: “Contrary to what some have said in the press, this is the first time I have attended Cannes since the late ’90s. It was quite delightful and fun, and I met some amazing people and spent time with old, loyal friends as well. Family, friendship and truth are everything.”

When asked about Johnson, Ravić stated: “Neil has always been someone I look up to when it comes to film production, and I still do. He is an innovator. He was first when others mocked him for deciding to make a movie digitally in the mid 1990’s. Now he is widely recognised in the industry for making the world’s first digital movie, and digital filmmaking has since become the global standard. I’m really pleased to have had Empire Motion Pictures and Neil as part of our exhibiting team at Cannes”

Hand of My Neighbour — Australia / Papua New Guinea

Majestic Film also presented Hand of My Neighbour, an Australian / Papua New Guinea project, that will follow a film crew through Papua New Guinea on a journey to reveal a dedicated group of nuns working quietly on the front lines of poverty and abandonment, offering a powerful example of how faith and corporate responsibility can unite to create lasting human change.

Project initiator Christopher Frederick specifically sought Steve Ravić to direct and produce the project because of his passion for “telling honest and powerful stories that need to be told.”

The project will be undertaken together with Australians That Care and Doctors That Care.

Other projects in development include the retro comedy road movie Back to the 80s and the drama I Never Cry, both scheduled for production in the coming years.

Majestic Film team with ABC and John Doggett-Williams

2016 also brought together a reunion between Steve Ravić and John Doggett-Williams of ABC, Reuters, ESPN and SBS Australia fame, where Majestic Film contributed support and recourses to John and ABC radio for their reports on the Cannes Film Festival 2026. This is the first time since 2018 that Steve Ravić and John Doggett-Williams collaborated in Rome and the The Vatican as part of the filming of Steve Ravić’s Billich: Beyond The Canvas documentary where the established journalist partook in filming footage of Billich at The Vatican and his audience with the Pope that can be seen on the documentary. John Doggett-Williams called the 2026 Cannes experience: “Brilliant, best Cannes ever!”

Vesna concluded: “What made the experience truly unforgettable was not only the incredible energy, opportunities, meetings and momentum, but also being surrounded by wonderful friends, brilliant creatives, trusted partners and truly remarkable individuals. From Majestic Film to our international collaborators, supporters and industry friends, this Cannes was one for the books. Thank you, Cannes.”

Steve Ravić added: “Thank you also to Hervé, Virginie and the team at Bistro De Lerins for looking after us with their amazing hospitality. Those guy’s absolutely rock! We also expect to further expand Majestic Film’s influence and presence at Cannes next year with a bigger team, where we will introduce staff from Croatia and include someone from Bosnia and Hercegovina as part of ICAN. All I can say is to expect the unexpected in Cannes 2027, which will be the 80^th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival and also the 20^th anniversary since our first attendance.”

Petra Antolić and Steven Haar