International Documentary Film Festival
April 19 to 26, 2026
Kaptol Boutique Cinema, Zagreb

Being Related to John Malkovich (Biti u rodu s Johnom Malkovichem)

Luka Mavretić

Being Related to John Malkovich

Father and son poets embark on a quest to figure out what hides between the lines of their relationship while exploring their bloodline and an old family myth of a possible kinship with the Hollywood legend. Luka and Željko take a trip down memory lane, while also setting out on a path to discovering what the future holds for them. But, digging up one’s family history always carries a certain risk – will father and son lose their relationship while trying to improve it?

Croatia, Italy, Bulgaria 2025, '74

DIRECTOR: Luka Mavretić

SCENARIO: Luka Mavretić, Valentina Mavretić

CAMERA: Marinko Marinkić

MONTAGE: Ivor Šonje

MUSIC: Marco Germini, Ozren K. Glaser

PRODUCERS: Anita Juka

PRODUCTION: Četiri Film

FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

Krakow FF

Luka Mavretić

Luka Mavretić

Luka Mavretić (Karlovac, 1991) holds a master's degree in dramaturgy from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb. He works as a film and TV screenwriter, director and creative director. He has received domestic and international awards, recognitions and subsidies for his works and scripts. He is the author of three independent collections of poems, and is also represented in several anthologies of contemporary regional literature. His poem Tisuću naslovnica is included in the Croatian language textbook for the elementary school eighth grade. His documentary debut Being Related to John Malkovich was developed with the support of the Bulgarian Film Fund, the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Re-act Fund and HAVC, and won the HBO Europe Award for Best Pitch as part of the ZagrebDox Pro program. The film had its world premiere at the Krakow Film Festival.

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