As part of its strategic commitment to support the creative industries and invest in the growth of film and television production across Southeast Europe, United Media once again took part in the Pula Film Festival. This year, the company launched the second edition of its Make the Scene pitching program and proudly sponsored the newly established Golden Arena for Best Regional Film.

The second edition of Make the Scene focused on developing original TV projects in the comedy and dramedy genres. Finalists were selected and invited to pitch their ideas live in Pula, where a three-member jury—screenwriter and author Stefan Bošković, actress Judita Franković Brdar, and Nova TV’s Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Program Director Zrinka Jankov—chose the winners.

The main prize of €5,000 was awarded to “Zgradonačelnik” by Croatian author Ivan Veljača. According to the jury, the project stood out as “authentic and full of potential for rich comedic and dramatic storytelling.”

The story centers around Franjo, a retired man who becomes the building representative of a rundown apartment block. As he tries to improve life among his difficult neighbors, he must also deal with challenges in his own family.

“This is a great beginning for Zgradonačelnik. A serious development process lies ahead, but the project is ready for national and regional funding opportunities,” said Ivan Veljača.

The mentorship award—led by acclaimed authors Vladimir Tagić and Goran Stanković—was granted to Lora Džolić and Jana Bjelica for “Mimo svijeta”, a coming-of-age comedy about young Staša, who finds out she has narcolepsy. Amid hallucinations, romantic confusion, and family tension, she tries to find balance in a world increasingly uncomfortable for falling—asleep and otherwise.

Additionally, United Media sponsored the Golden Arena for Best Regional Film, which was awarded to “78 Days”, directed by Serbian filmmaker Emilija Gašić, a NYU Tisch School of the Arts graduate currently based in New York. Gašić developed the film’s script during the Venice Biennale College of Cinema in 2020.

The film tells the story of three sisters—Sonja (17), Dragana (15), and Tijana (7)—who begin filming a Hi8 video diary in their home in Vrnjačka Banja during the 1999 Kosovo War and NATO bombings. Their fragile inner world becomes their only protection from the harsh external reality filled with bombs, sirens, and war.

Nataša Buljan, United Media’s Head of Fiction Development, served as a jury member for the Best Regional Film and led the expert team behind the Make the Scene program.

“This second edition of Make the Scene was launched to create space for bold, original ideas rooted in local sensibility, yet carrying universal appeal. The diversity and authenticity of the projects submitted were impressive, and the high level of interest shows just how much this region has to offer in terms of creative talent.

It’s also an honor to be part of the jury for the new Golden Arena award, which increases the visibility and value of regional filmmaking. Pula Film Festival continues to grow in both scope and influence across the region, and we are proud to be part of that journey,” said Nataša Buljan.

United Media is the region’s leading production powerhouse, creating more than 40,000 hours of original content annually and bringing together top talent in TV, film, and series production. The company remains committed to supporting creative festivals and events across the region, strengthening the cultural landscape and further advancing the local creative industry.