Zagreb premiere of the film “Lonely” (Samoća) – an emotional adaptation of Gavran’s story directed by Bobby B. Grubić.

On Monday, October 27, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb, the premiere of the short feature film "Lonely" (Samoća) was held, directed by Bobby B. Grubić, a three-time Emmy Award winner. The film is based on the short story "Embrace of the River" by Miro Gavran, who also wrote the screenplay.

The leading roles are played by Duško Valentić and Sven Jakir, with performances by Jakov Gavran, Goran Grgić, Petra Kurtela, Mladena Gavran, Bartol Jakir, Relja Kurtela, and Ivana Štampar. The Zagreb premiere took place as part of the European Film Festival, and the film was received with particular emotion, as it marks the final film role of Duško Valentić.

Director Grubić noted that the adaptation and production process lasted three months during the summer of 2023, while filming took place at the end of the same year. The film was shot on various locations in Međimurje, including Čakovec County Hospital, the city park, and the banks of the Mura River.

The film was produced by the Croatian company MAG Produkcija, with Artonix Studios (USA) as a minority co-producer. The Platform Group from Los Angeles and Longplay Studio from Zagreb handled post-production.

"Lonely" (Samoća) tells a touching story about a gravely ill old man who, disillusioned with his life, dreams of returning to his beloved river – a place where he always found peace and happiness. He wishes to publish a collection of poems as his life’s legacy, while in reality, he struggles with loneliness and betrayal by those closest to him. His nephews, whom he raised as sons, care only for his inheritance, not for him. In this silence, the old man finds unexpected friendship with his hospital roommate, which restores his faith in human closeness and meaning.

At the premiere, Bobby B. Grubić also announced his next project – a feature film titled "Conspirators" (Urotnici), which is already in development.

The film "Lonely" (Samoća) has been featured at numerous national and international film festivals and has won several awards:

Croatian International Film Festival 2025 – Best Screenplay
AsterFest Film Festival 2025 – Best Screenplay
Bihać Avant & Una Film Festival 2025 – Best Short Film; Best Sound