When and where is the documentary film 'Dream of Freedom' being shown?

The film will be shown on August 5, 2026, at 8:15 PM on HRT's First Channel, on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day.

What is the film 'Dream of Freedom' about?

The film follows the story of unity among the residents of Baška on the island of Krk during and after the Homeland War, with an emphasis on solidarity and lasting care for the community.

How many volunteers from Krk went to war in 1991?

About 150 residents of Krk voluntarily joined the defense of the country within the 111th Krk Battalion, and one-third of them were from Baška.

Who directed the film and who are the key team members?

The director is Branko Ištvančić, the screenwriter is Iva Cikojević, the director of photography is Dario Hacek, the editor is Darko Bušnja, and the producer is Željka Benčić from Bond Squad.

Culture

Baška Residents Traded Island Peace for Homeland Defense

K.U. · Prije 2h | 2 min

On Victory Day, HRT airs Branko Ištvančić's documentary about a unity that grew from wartime into lasting solidarity.

Summary

On Victory Day, August 5, 2026, HRT airs the documentary 'Dream of Freedom' directed by Branko Ištvančić.
The film tells the story of 150 volunteers from Krk, one-third of whom were from Baška, who went to defend their homeland in 1991.
The film's central message is lasting solidarity and unity that grew from wartime into care for the community and the future.
The production is by Bond Squad, and the film was made with the support of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and the Municipality of Baška.

On HRT's First Channel, on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, August 5, 2026, at 8:15 PM, the feature-length documentary film "Dream of Freedom" will be broadcast. Directed by Branko Ištvančić, the film delves deeply into the life of a small island community, Baška on the island of Krk, showing how this place, known for the Baška Tablet, demonstrated exceptional solidarity, responsibility, and loyalty to its homeland during key moments of recent history.

The film is set in 1991, when approximately 150 residents of Krk, one-third of whom were from Baška, voluntarily left the island's peace to join the defense of their homeland within the 111th Krk Battalion. Through the personal memories of participants, some of whom went to the front at just sixteen years old, the film follows their journey through war, their confrontation with the horrors of conflict, and their return home.

Unity Forged on the Battlefield

But this is not just a story about a time; it is also about what remains after it-solidarity, social engagement, and values that are passed on. The film's central message focuses on the post-war period. "Dream of Freedom" shows how the spirit of unity, forged on the battlefield, did not disappear with the return to peace. Instead, it transformed into a lasting commitment to others, to one's own place, and to the future. Through charitable actions, participation in society, and the preservation of memory, veterans from Baška prove that their mission never ended. Their story becomes a universal message about unity that transcends time and space.

Creative Team and Production

Behind the project is a creative team consisting of screenwriter Iva Cikojević, director of photography Dario Hacek, and editor Darko Bušnja. The production was provided by Bond Squad, led by producer Željka Benčić, and the film was realized with the support of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and the Municipality of Baška.

The film portrays a community that turned its connection into constant care for others, for their place, and for a peaceful future, thus sending a strong and universal message of solidarity.