About festival
International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF) is one of the three largest and most important sound and film music festivals in the world.
The mission of the International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF) is to promote awareness of the importance of music and sound as irreplaceable elements of film. The festival also provides visibility to audiovisual professions who work in the field of composing music, sound design and sound mixing.
Born from the small family circle of today’s Artistic Director Ozren K. Glaser, Tena Glaser and Željko Glaser, later strengthened by the arrival of the Executive Director Marijana Knezoci, ISFMF grew year by year, and in 2022 it had celebrated its 10th anniversary by programming exclusive events in Pula, Samobor and Paris.
The first decade of the ISFMF was marked by the attendance of some of the biggest names of the film and music showbusiness who contributed to the festival in the form of masterclasses, concerts, joining the Artistic Board and especially friendships that last to this day.
And truly, no event has ever brought more Oscar, BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe winners to Croatia than ISFMF over the past ten years. The festival’s official program includes concerts of film music, panels and seminars, workshops, film market and parties and it takes place in October in Samobor, Croatia.
Samobor
Beside attending the official festival’s program you can discover the gastronomy and attractions of Samobor.
The official festival program will take place in Samobor from 11 – 13 of October 2024 and it will bring unique content both for the industry and for the public. This year the festival will bring screenings, open talks with authors, the Crystal Pine Awarding ceremony, amazing music performances. ISFMF continues to be a great place for industry professionals to network, to meet their audience in the authentic and welcoming environment of Samobor.
At ISFMF, we believe in the power of storytelling through sound and music, and how it connects people across borders and cultures. Our mission is to celebrate and support the incredible talent that shapes the world of film music and sound design. But more than that, we are a community—a community that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
This year’s program is dedicated to diversity. Through creative expression and storytelling, we are proud to present works that come from different cultural backgrounds, each bringing its unique voice to the global stage.
Program announced!
WHERE TO STAY
Samobor is situated 20 km from Zagreb, on the slopes of the Samobor hills. The town is a gem of Baroque architecture, and is the most popular excursion destination for Zagreb residents, who pay visits to enjoy its charm, natural beauty, museums, restaurants and excursion sites.
Smart and charming hotel on the town’s main square with its own restaurant and pleasant terrace area. Hotel Livadić is the official partner of ISFMF.
WHAT TO DO
Samobor is surely a town of gourmet tradition. There is hardly any tourist or visitor to Samobor who has left without trying a kremšnita (a custard slice) and having a glass of bermet (a red wine, fruit and herbs aperitif).
Discover Samobor at ISFMF in 2024.
In collaboration with the City of Varaždin, Varaždin Tourist Board, Varaždin Concert Office and University North, we invite you to join us for a memorable evening on October 8th. The highlight of the night will be the Cinema Morricone concert, featuring renowned artists Sara Andon and Simone Pedroni.
Celebrate with us as we embark on this exciting new journey in sound education, and enjoy a night of exceptional music and community in Varaždin.
TICKETS
Tickets for the concert Cinema Morricone: In Intimate Celebration are available from September.
WHERE TO STAY
Varaždin is positioned on the crossroads of the historical regions of Styria, Međimurje, Zagorje and upper Drava Valley, without belonging to any of these regional cultural circles. Varaždin is, simply, Varaždin; a special micro-region with its own, Varaždin identity, traditions and cultural patterns. Varaždin has always been a city open to the world.
In Varaždin there is no better place to stay than in the City’s historic core.
The tradition of successful hotel business, constant quality of service, size of accommodation and congress capacities and locations contribute to the title of the central hotel of northwestern Croatia.
WHAT TO DO IN VARAŽDIN
Varaždin has always been a city open to the world. The greatest tourist value of Varaždin is its exceptional monumental and artistic heritage gathered in one of the best preserved and richest Baroque urban units, not only in Croatia but also in the wider region. Find out about the historic core, The Old Town, palaces, museums. For more information visit the official pages of Varaždin Tourst Board
Pula
Beside the official program, ISFMF holds exclusive events throughout the year in unique places.
ISFMF brings some of the World’s best cinematography achievements on stage at the breathtaking Arena in Pula.
On the occasion of celebrating its 20th anniversary, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ was screened on one of the biggest screens in Europe, accompanied with best sound system for creating a unique experience for our audiences.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ is the magnificent finale of the greatest film trilogy of all time. It is one of only three films in history that managed to win an incredible 11 Oscars®, and with earnings of over a billion dollars on the world cinema market, it gathered a huge number of true fans. For director Peter Jackson, this was the realization of a lifelong dream, and the incredible success that the film achieved is only a confirmation of how faithfully J. R. R. Tolkien’s grandiose vision was transferred to the big screen.
As if all that was not enough, the special guests of this event were stars from Hollywood, sound designers – Oscar winner Mark Ulano (‘Titanic’, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, ‘Ad Astra’, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’…) and three-time Oscar winner Michael Minkler (Star Wars’, ‘Black Hawk Down’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Inglourious Basterds’, ‘A Star is Born’…) who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, togather with composer Howard Shore, three-time Oscar winner (‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, ‘The Aviator’…).
TICKETS
Tickets for the exclusive events in the Pula Arena are available on eventim.hr and authorized Eventim sales points.
WHERE TO STAY
Pula is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and it offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. Start your trip by booking your accommodation via ISFMF partners and discover this mediterranen town, the Istrian gastronomy and lifestyle.
Relais & Chateaux Wine Hotel & Winery in Bale
Beautiful hotel in an excellent location.
WHAT TO DO IN PULA AND ISTRIA
Istria and Pula will surprise you with the traditional cuisine, the high-quality wines and olive-oils. Istria is an ideal destination for gastronomical challenges and exploring the gourmet offer, but also to enjoy already known tastes and smells. Discover the high-quality products such wines Vina Laguna – Festigia, Damjanić, Arman Marijan Wines, Fakin, Ghira; olive-oils such as Ipša, Chiavalon, Oio Vivo, Mate Olive Oil, Oliveri, Monte Rosso. Visit Aura and Karlić tartufi. Indulge yourself to the great hospitality at the restuarants Ribarska Koliba in Pula and La Puntulina in Rovinj.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
We are always looking for people to help out in any way they can.
If you feel you can help, please let us know. Volunteering at ISFMF will be a great way to meet professionals from the film industry, gain experience in various fields of production of events (logistics, staging, hosting industry guests, providing information), but also to have fun. Feel free to contact us if you have any further question and apply for this unique experience.
