THE 3rd CHERRY POP FESTIVAL RECAP
On the 23rd of November, the third edition of the Cherry Pop Festival concluded with an awards ceremony at Dokukino KIC, celebrating a program that showcased 16 international short films across three competitive segments.
These films explored a diverse array of themes, ranging from couples struggling with infertility to anxiety, BDSM, and the history of queer representation in the region. This year’s jury, composed of director Renata Lučić and actress Tihana Lazović, awarded two prizes: the “Sweet Cherry” award, won by Let’s Fail in Love by French director Garance Kim, and a Special Mention for the Mexican production Reflections by director Kane Kwik.
Short Film Competition
Sweet Cherry award
Let’s Fail in Love directed by Garance Kim, France
Jury statement:
“Let’s Fail in Love is a story that captures a pivotal moment in a long-term relationship, exploring the complexities of love, commitment, and personal growth. The film delves into individual struggles, fears, and desires. The emotional weight of Antoine’s confession prompts us to reflect on our own relationships.
The director has portrayed this story of universal experience through an engaging narrative that authentically presents the challenges of ending a long-term relationship. The actors deliver very strong performances, convincingly depicting the nuances of vulnerability. Moreover, the film addresses broader societal issues within the context of relationships—communication, mental health, and societal expectations—adding depth and artistic value, leaving a lasting impression on us as the audience.”
Special Mention
Reflections directed by Kane Kwik, Mexico
Jury statement:
“Reflections is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. Its storytelling is distinctive, featuring an authentic voice and a blend of dramatic elements with visual artistry, creating a captivating viewing experience.
The film powerfully illustrates the strength of community while also addressing the hostility stemming from rigid heteronormative norms and religious repression. Through contrasting landscapes and experiences, the director skillfully portrays the LGBTQIA+ journey, making Reflections a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the world of this community.”
The Festival’s Broader Program
This year’s Cherry Pop Festival, themed Sexuality and S(t)imulation, spanned three days at Dokukino KIC and Pogon venues. In addition to films, the program featured an exhibition, two workshops, a panel discussion, and a quiz.
Exhibition “Carnal Pursuits”
From the start of the festival on November 21 until November 30, the “Carnal Pursuits” exhibition, curated by Kristina Marić, was on display at the KIC gallery. The project gathered three young artists who were working in new media and performance art.
In the performance “From Slaughter to Cake”, Mariana Nardini evokes the intimacy of the family home. “Striptease” by Dora Brkarić, first conceived as a video piece and later as a dance performance, recorded the process of uncovering the hidden inner layers of the self with a phone camera. Andrea Knezović presented two video performances, “Mirror” and “Story of the I”, along with a series of photographs titled “Organ Grinder.”
Workshop “Sexuality and the Mind: From Fixations to Freedom”
Workshop, led by psychotherapists Lana Hristov and Paula Zore focused on the psychological roots of sexual dysfunctions, the unrealistic expectations fostered by pornography, and integrating fetishes and sexual preferences healthily.
Through theory, reflection, and practical activities, participants were able to become aware of their own behavior patterns, better understand their own sexuality, and learn how to communicate about sexual topics in relationships. The workshop took place at Pogon.
Workshop “What Does an Intimacy Coordinator Do?”
This workshop, led by intimacy coordinators Marko Marčec and Anđela Rajić Novaković, aimed to familiarize participants with some of the basic principles of this profession, connecting it with practice and the practical challenges of confronting the profession’s potential with cultural patterns and existing standards that dominate artistic creation in the region.
It also explored why a silent revolution is the only possible way when it comes to the methodology of portraying intimacy in film and what the foundation of the change that should follow is. The workshop took place in Dokukino KIC.
Panel: The Depiction of Sex in Film
The festival also hosted a panel titled “Depicting Sex in Film,” moderated by Viktor Zahtila and featuring Marko Marčec, Anđela Rajić Novaković, and local actresses Lana Barić and Lena Medar. The discussion explored the balance between creative expression, ethical responsibility, and the boundaries of artistic freedom in modern cinema.
We also discussed the role of intimacy coordinators, the importance of consent on set, and how portrayals of sex can deeply impact audiences—whether thoughtfully crafted or perceived as excessive or thoughtless.
Erotic quiz by Mario Kovač
The fun yet educational part of the program was led by Mario Kovač, who once again hosted the successful and unique Erotic Quiz at The Swanky Bar. It was a night spent in good company with questions that made you blush and generous gifts from our partners for the winners.
Organization and Support
The Academic Film Club organized the festival in collaboration with Dokukino KIC, KIC and Pogon, with the support of the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.
We are also grateful to The Swanky Bar for hosting our quiz, Film Maudit 2.0 for their guest screening block, and Dokumentarni.net for following our festival.
A big shoutout goes to our partners, the Lelo and Duart platforms, for their support during this year’s edition.
Drinks were courtesy of Puhelek Wine, and for amazing gift packages for our winners, Museum of Ilusion, Fraktura, VBZ , and Hena.com.