Richard Gere appeared via a prerecorded video message at the second annual Croatian International Film Festival, held in Sibenik. The actor, who executive produced the documentary Wisdom of Happiness, introduced the film prior to its screening on Saturday, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the Dalai Lama’s teachings.
A close friend and lifelong student of the Dalai Lama, Gere praised the 90-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader’s insight into human nature and community. He said,
“has given us something beyond the usual. He is not just a wise man; he is a generous man who understands how our minds work and how our hearts work. (He) understands community, (and he) understands the way forward is to forgive and to love each other.”
—Richard Gere, actor and executive producer
Exploring the Message and Content of Wisdom of Happiness
The documentary showcases the Dalai Lama speaking directly to viewers about the universal pursuit of inner peace and happiness, envisioning a hopeful and harmonious 21st century. The film integrates rare and restored archival footage from Tibetan government records, recounting the journey of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, who became Tibet’s spiritual leader at age four in 1940.
Filmmakers’ Dedication to Crafting the Documentary
Director Barbara Miller revealed that Gere and co-executive producer Oren Moverman were deeply involved beyond lending their names.
“They really wanted to get involved,”
Miller said.
“So we set up an editing room in New York, and we were there for two months together.”
Their collaboration reflected a shared commitment to authentically presenting the Dalai Lama’s story.
Wisdom of Happiness Wins Top Honors at CIFF
During the festival’s awards ceremony on Monday, Wisdom of Happiness received the highest honor for best film among seven feature-length titles featured during the four-day event. The festival included 40 short films and eight panel discussions, underscoring its growing cultural significance in the region.
Barbara Miller shared her admiration for the festival environment, stating,
“I think this is one of the most beautiful festivals I have ever been to. It’s extremely important that this type of festival exists in this part of the world and I look forward to seeing it grow each year.”
—Barbara Miller, director
Festival Founder Reflects on Cultural Bridging Through CIFF
Founded by Croatian American actress and producer Ella Mische, the Croatian International Film Festival aims to connect her dual cultural heritage by bridging the entertainment industries of the U.S. and Croatia. Mische explained her motivation, saying,
“Being a citizen of both Croatia and America, this festival began as a passion project. I wanted to connect and give back to my two worlds — the U.S. and Croatia — and bridge the gap even more between the two, in terms of the entertainment industry.”
—Ella Mische, festival founder
Notable Films and Participants at the Festival
The festival opened with Bleecker Street’s film The Friend, starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts. Last year, Bleecker Street’s Sasquatch Sunset, featuring Jesse Eisenberg, screened at the inaugural event. Tyler DiNapoli, president of marketing for Bleecker Street, who introduced The Friend in Sibenik, noted the festival’s importance for international audiences. He commented,
“We loved being a small part of the festival last year with ‘Sasquatch Sunset’ and were excited for international audiences to discover ‘The Friend’ this time around.”
—Tyler DiNapoli, marketing president, Bleecker Street
CIFF’s Strategic Timing and Regional Importance
For the past two years, CIFF has been scheduled just days before the Sarajevo Film Festival, the largest showcase for Southeast European cinema. Given Croatia’s proximity to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mische envisions CIFF becoming a key preliminary stop for Sarajevo attendees. She said,
“Croatia is an international stop that is a perfect place to visit in the summer. There is great room for this festival to grow over the years and become something great.”
—Ella Mische, festival founder
Upcoming Distribution and Broader Impact for Wisdom of Happiness
Abramorama is set to release Wisdom of Happiness in theaters across North America beginning October 17. The film premiered last October at the Zurich Film Festival, and its growing acclaim signals expanding interest in the Dalai Lama’s message and Gere’s significant role in bringing this story to global audiences.
List of CIFF Award Recipients
Best Film: Wisdom of Happiness, directed by Barbara Miller
Best Actress: Marcia Kimpton for An American Abroad
Best Direction: Stefano Da Fre for Stolen Dough
Best Story: Bobby Grubic for Lonely
Best Music Score: Jimi Petula for Trust in Love (award accepted by Petula)
Best Short Film: Snow Flakes (award accepted by Laurenz Prader)
Best Documentary: Behind the Lines, directed by John B. Benitz
Best International Film Short: Donna’s Got It
Best Student Film: StarVation, directed by Alexandra Stosic
