The project “Zgradonačelnik”, created by Ivan Veljača, has been named the winner of the second edition of the regional pitching program Make the Scene – Comedy Edition, jointly organized by United Media and the Pula Film Festival. The initiative was launched to provide creators from across the region with the opportunity to present their work and receive support for further development.

“The second edition of Make the Scene reaffirmed just how rich the region is in talent and unique voices. This year’s projects were incredibly diverse – from emerging authors finding their voice to those already recognized in the industry. The pitching sessions took place in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, with an attentive audience and a jury that made thoughtful and deliberate decisions. At United Media, we are proud to support creators on their artistic journeys,” said Nataša Buljan, Fiction Development Director at United Media.

This year, six projects made it to the finals. The jury, composed of screenwriter and author Stefan Bošković, actress Judita Franković Brdar, and Zrinka Jankov, Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Program Director at Nova TV, awarded two prizes.

“Zgradonačelnik” won the main cash prize of €5,000. In its decision, the jury praised the project as “an authentic concept with strong potential for both comedic and dramatic storytelling.”

The story follows Mr. Franjo, a retired man who becomes the building manager of a rundown apartment complex, as he strives to improve the communal life of his difficult neighbors, all while grappling with issues in his own family.

“This is a great beginning for Zgradonačelnik. We now face a serious development phase, but the project is ready for both national and regional funding calls,” said the author Ivan Veljača.

The mentorship award, which includes guidance from acclaimed writers Vladimir Tagić and Goran Stanković, was given to Lora Džolić and Jana Bjelica for their project Mimo svijeta – a coming-of-age comedy about a young woman named Staša who is diagnosed with narcolepsy. Amid hallucinations, romantic entanglements, and family struggles, she tries to find balance in a world increasingly unfit for “falling”—both literally and metaphorically.

During the Pula Film Festival, United Media also sponsored the newly introduced Golden Arena Award for Best Regional Film. This year, the honor went to “78 Days”, directed by Emilija Gašić.

Serving as one of the jurors, Nataša Buljan noted that it was a great privilege for the company to sponsor the award, as it marks the expansion of the Pula Film Festival beyond national borders.

“The competition was exceptional, and being part of the jury was not only a professional honor, but also a personal pleasure,” she said.

United Media is the leading production company in the region, producing over 40,000 hours of original content annually and bringing together top professionals from the fields of television, series, and film production. In line with its mission, the company plans to continue collaborating with film festivals and other cultural and creative events, contributing to the further growth of the regional creative industry.