Kate Beckinsale in Action Thriller Canary Black: Free Screening at Ban Jelačić Square
The thriller Canary Black, starring Kate Beckinsale, returns to its filming location. The outdoor screening begins at 9 PM with free admission.
The thriller Canary Black, starring Kate Beckinsale, returns to its filming location. The outdoor screening begins at 9 PM with free admission.
Film enthusiasts in Zagreb have the opportunity this Thursday to watch the action thriller Canary Black, which was largely shot in Zagreb locations, for free. The screening will take place on August 20, 2026, on a large screen set up at Ban Jelačić Square, as part of the Zagreb, Film City program organized by Cinehill. It starts at 9 PM, and entry is open to all.
Viewers will thus be able to experience the film in the very surroundings that served as its backdrop, among the buildings and the square that a few years ago became part of a major international production. Interestingly, in this film Zagreb does not stand in for any other city; it appears as an authentic setting for the story.
The plot follows Avery Graves, a top CIA operative who is blackmailed by terrorists through the kidnapping of her husband. To save him, she is forced to betray her own country and steal confidential data whose disclosure could trigger a global crisis. Cut off from her team and betrayed at nearly every turn, she relies on her training, instincts, and combat skills, and seeks help in the underworld.
The lead role is played by Kate Beckinsale, and the film is directed by Pierre Morel, known for the action hit Taken with Liam Neeson. Although it is an international project, it involved around 300 Croatian film professionals, including 69 actors and actresses and approximately 1,200 extras. Romina Tonković also secured a significant role.
The film was shot in Zagreb and Rovinj during the autumn and winter of 2022 and 2023. The production used approximately 130 locations in the capital, including Ban Jelačić Square, Cvjetni Square, European Square, Stone Gate, Tomislavac, Dolac, Grič Tunnel, Hotel Esplanade, and Maksimir Stadium.
Chases, collisions, explosions, and night action scenes were filmed in real urban spaces, which meant parts of the city center were occasionally closed to cars, trams, and buses. During filming, Beckinsale mingled with local extras and posted a message on social media: "Zagreb, you have my heart."
The Zagreb, Film City program screens films at locations connected to their production, and this screening takes place in the largest venue so far. The next film in the program will be Štefica Cvek in the Jaws of Life, directed by Rajko Grlić, with the date and venue to be announced later.
Additionally, the Cinehill revue is coming to Zagreb soon, bringing the most notable and award-winning films from this year's festival in Fužine. The revue runs from August 26 to September 3, 2026 and will be held for the first time on the terrace of the Zagreb Dance Center at Ilica 10. The program and ticket information will be announced later.
