The Croatian documentary ‘Fiume o Morte!’ has been awarded Best European Documentary, earning international recognition for its powerful portrayal of one of the most dramatic and controversial episodes in the history of Rijeka. The film stood out among strong European competition, securing one of the continent’s most respected documentary honours.
Directed by Igor Bezinović, Fiume o Morte! explores the short-lived occupation of Rijeka by Italian poet and nationalist Gabriele D’Annunzio after the First World War.
Through a distinctive narrative approach and rich archival material, the documentary revisits themes of nationalism, power and identity, while drawing subtle parallels with contemporary political dynamics in Europe.
The award marks a major success for Croatian documentary filmmaking, reinforcing its growing presence on the European cultural scene. It also confirms the international relevance of regional historical stories when told through an innovative and critically engaged cinematic lens.
