The APOX Film Festival has grown significantly over the past five years, establishing itself as a prominent event for international independent documentaries. Now, as we prepare for the 6th APOX Film Festival, our mission continues to be bringing together filmmakers from across the globe to showcase their work.
The festival's focus is on promoting independent filmmakers by providing them with a platform to exhibit their documentaries, whether through social media, our website, or dedicated pages with synopses, film stills, and trailers. To ensure maximum exposure, we recommend that filmmakers fully enter their projects on FilmFreeway, complete with production images, downloadable posters, and promotional material such as trailers or teasers.
Every project officially selected for the festival receives the prestigious Independent APOX Awards laurel and certificate. For instance, in 2021, the festival saw a diverse selection of over 230 films, with 42 being screened from more than 18 countries. This international reach allows us to promote independent filmmakers, particularly those who tackle socially relevant themes that often get overlooked. The festival provides an opportunity for the audience to gain insight into different aspects of the world, and we strive to highlight the voices of filmmakers who might not have the chance to present their work on larger stages.
Looking ahead to the 2022 edition, we introduced a new program dedicated to young and student filmmakers, focusing on directors under the age of 22. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of filmmakers, offering workshops and opportunities to screen their films. By promoting young talent, we hope to nurture future contributors to the main festival lineup.
The APOX Film Festival also highlights the cultural richness of the island of Lošinj, an idyllic location that serves as both an inspiration and a setting for the festival. We invite independent directors, screenwriters, and producers to join us, as we create a space where big dreams can come true on this small Adriatic island.
By collaborating with other European festivals, we form a unique network of documentary filmmakers, sharing award-winning films and expanding the reach of independent cinema across borders. In 2022, we planned to screen the top 30 films in a weeklong event at Cinema Veli Lošinj, complete with red carpet events and an award ceremony for categories such as Best Feature Documentary, Best Debut Film, Best Short Documentary, and Special Jury Mentions.
The festival has also evolved to include more than just film screenings. It offers workshops, giving young directors the chance to experience filmmaking firsthand. The event culminates in a final concert and an awards ceremony, celebrating both emerging and established talent in documentary filmmaking. Additionally, the festival's ongoing commitment to year-round projects includes promoting children’s films, with one of our films recently being named a finalist at the SWIFFT Film Festival.
As we reflect on the success of the 5th APOX Film Festival in 2024, which drew the largest crowd and had the most filmmaker representatives to date, we are excited about the future. The festival continues to expand cultural connections and shine a spotlight on Lošinj's cultural and historical heritage while supporting filmmakers from all walks of life.
The main competition features films across seven categories:
International Documentary Long Films
International Short Documentary Films
Debut Films
Special Mentions
As we prepare for future editions, we remain committed to promoting independent cinema, encouraging new voices, and showcasing diverse perspectives from around the world.
1. One Debutant Prize: a jury consisting of 3 people will give the best documentary debut movie reward
2. Feature Documentary Award: A jury reward consisting of 3 people from the movie branch
3. Short documentary movie award: A 3 people members of the Relive Jury awards the Apox statue for a best short documentary movie
The organizer reserves the right to change the rules for the awarding of prizes
