Nagrađivani australsko-hrvatski filmski redatelj, producent i scenarist Steve Ravić godinama ostvaruje značajne iskorake u sektoru umjetnosti i zabave. Rođen kao Stipe Ravić u Melbourneu u Australiji, hrvatskim roditeljima, prepoznat je i po svom doprinosu glazbenoj industriji, kao voditelj, istraživački novinar i javni govornik. Njegovo raznoliko iskustvo i rockerska aura dodatno obogaćuju njegov rad, omogućujući mu da isprepliće kulturne narative koji odjekuju preko granica.

Kao suvlasnik i direktor kompleksa Arts Villa u Melbourneu, koji obuhvaća i Billich Museum and Gallery, Ravić je suosnovao više neprofitnih organizacija usmjerenih na podršku i umjetnicima u usponu i etabliranim umjetnicima svih žanrova. Njegova predanost poticanju kreativnosti vidljiva je u njegovim neprofitnim inicijativama, koje se fokusiraju na izgradnju podržavajuće zajednice za umjetnike iz različitih područja. Kao ponosni dvojni državljanin, strastveno se zalaže za kulturni i društveni položaj i Australije i Hrvatske, vjerujući da obje zemlje mogu imati koristi od zajedničkih umjetničkih pothvata koji će biti promovirani kroz inicijative International Croatian Artists Network i Arts Association Australia Inc.

Boraveći u Berlinu, u Njemačkoj, povodom Berlinalea, Ravić je nedavno govorio o nekim svojim budućim pothvatima, osobito onima predstavljenima na nedavnim filmskim tržištima poput Europskog filmskog tržišta u Berlinu prošloga tjedna, American Film Marketa u Los Angelesu prošlog studenoga te prestižnog Filmskog festivala u Cannesu ranije iste godine. Svaki od tih događaja pruža jedinstvene prilike za filmaše. “Cannes je, naravno, najveći i najprestižniji festival”, izjavio je. Naglasio je da mu fokus nije na glamuru, nego na promociji filmova i osiguravanju partnerstava. Cannesko iskustvo, sa svojim crvenim tepisima i pojavljivanjima slavnih osoba, samo je kulisa za ozbiljan posao. “Na tim događajima nema vremena za spavanje. Najbolji poslovi uglavnom se dogovaraju tijekom druženja i zabava nakon službenog dijela programa”, rekao je, oslikavajući užurbanost koja obilježava takva okupljanja.

Na American Film Marketu (AFM), Ravić pronalazi još jednu ključnu platformu za svoj rad. “AFM je sam po sebi od ključne važnosti, gdje ponekad imamo vlastiti štand ili se udružujemo s drugim tvrtkama”, objasnio je. Takve suradnje naglašavaju njegovu predanost međunarodnim odnosima, koji su nužni za rast sadržaja Majestic Filma.

Posvećenost Majestic Filma europskim projektima, osobito hrvatskom sadržaju, temelj je Ravićeve vizije. S obzirom na to da Majestic Film već desetljećima održava snažnu prisutnost u Europi — osobito kroz glazbene filmske projekte i distribuciju preko kompanija poput Sonyja i Universala — sada mu je cilj dodatno naglasiti snimanje u Hrvatskoj, pa i Hercegovini. Taj fokus na hrvatske narative nije samo poslovna strategija; to je kulturna misija koja želi Hrvatske priče približiti globalnoj publici.

Ravić se dodatno osvrnuo na nedavno pokretanje International Croatian Artists Networka (ICAN), čiji je cilj povezivanje hrvatskih umjetnika diljem svijeta. “ICAN je prvenstveno osnovan kako bi pomagao u produkciji, promociji i prodaji hrvatskog sadržaja međunarodnoj publici”, objasnio je. Ova platforma služi kao resurs i umjetnicima u usponu i etabliranim umjetnicima, potičući suradnju i osiguravajući da se hrvatski glasovi čuju i vide na međunarodnoj sceni. Dodao je: “Učvršćujemo suradnju s raznim institucijama” i osnivamo neprofitne organizacije kako bismo podržali tu misiju. Slična organizacija, Arts Association Australia Inc., osnovana je kako bi pružila dodatnu podršku australskim talentima.

Govoreći o svom radu na nedavno dovršenom filmu “DIVA, film Branka Perića, bila svojevrsni razvojni model iz kojeg je proizašao ICAN. Osnovna ideja bila je uspostaviti neprofitnu organizaciju s održivim poslovnim modelom — organizaciju koja ostvarene komercijalne prihode reinvestira u potporu budućim filmskim i umjetničkim projektima — Već smo sponzorirali film DIVA kako bismo pomogli u izgradnji javne svijesti”, rekao je, ističući pozitivan prijem filma i unapređenja napravljena kako bi se podigla njegova produkcijska kvaliteta. Njegova uloga u filmu bila je ključna, jer je organizirao važne aspekte dodatne produkcije, uključujući casting, snimanje epskih kinematografskih kadrova s veteranom filmske režije iz Sjedinjenih Država, Neilom Johnsonom, te vođenje postprodukcije kroz Majestic Film i svoje najbliže suradnike poput Carlo Zdenko Tolja, dovršivši film za globalnu publiku.

Ravić je nedavno predstavio koncept nadolazećeg filmskog projekta The Last Queen (Posljednja Kraljica), za koji je najavljeno da je u razvoju u Cannesu 2025., a koji mu je posebno blizak zbog njegovih predaka. Film će istraživati život kraljice Katarine, povijesne ličnosti čija priča još uvijek nije u potpunosti realizirana na filmskom platnu. “Kada smo izvorno najavili razvoj filma The Last Queen u Cannesu 2025., namjera je bila ko-producirati epsko filmsko remek-djelo za globalnu publiku”, izjavio je.

Naglasio je važnost temeljitog istraživanja i suradnje, istaknuvši da njegov tim proučava ovu temu od 2018. godine, s fokusom na autentično pripovijedanje, za koje vjeruje da zahtijeva snažna partnerstva i duboko razumijevanje kulturnog konteksta. Ravić je napomenuo da projekt još treba učvrstiti koprodukcijsko partnerstvo u Bosni i Hercegovini, ali je već privukao interes potencijalnih koprodukcijskih partnera iz Sjedinjenih Država, poput Willa Knochela iz Vital Picturesa, te planira uskoro posjetiti regiju kako bi uspostavio strategije za buduću realizaciju produkcije.

Još jedan uzbudljiv projekt u razvoju, najavljen na Berlinaleu, jest The Ink Covenant (Zavjet Tinte), koji bi se trebao snimati diljem Hrvatske, Bosne i Hercegovine i Australije. Riječ je o filmu koji piše Vesna Trokter, a istražuje tradicionalnu praksu tetoviranja Hrvata u Bosni i Hercegovini, kulturni identitetski marker koji potječe iz vremena osmanske invazije. Poznate kao “sicanje” ili “bockanje”, te su tetovaže služile kao zaštita od odvođenja djece od strane Osmanlija.

Ravić je podijelio kako se povijest tetoviranja održala kroz generacije, razvijajući se u suvremeni trend. Istaknuo je i osobnu povezanost s tom temom, navodeći da njegov otac na ruci ima izblijedjelu tetovažu križa, što simbolizira duboke korijene te tradicije. Priča je usredotočena na mladu ženu iz Australije koja otkriva svoj sveti znak tinte, povezujući je s tajnom mrežom žena koje se bore protiv zlih prijetnji.

Projekt je timu posebno blizak, osobito direktorici fotografije Stephanie Magic, koja i sama na koži nosi tradicionalne hrvatske tetovaže. Stephanie Magic počela je surađivati s Majestic Filmom na prethodnom projektu, a zajednički interesi dodatno su učvrstili taj odnos. Ravić je također naglasio strast Vesne prema projektu, istaknuvši njezino dugogodišnje iskustvo u razvoju scenarija, koje je pridonijelo njezinoj emocionalnoj posvećenosti pisanju priče.

U povezanoj napomeni, Ravić je izrazio divljenje hrvatskoj eurovizijskoj pjesmi “Andromeda”, koju izvodi Lelek, istaknuvši tematske paralele s filmom The Ink Covenant. Predložio je da bi uključivanje te pjesme u soundtrack filma bilo sasvim logično, nagovijestivši mogućnost kontaktiranja grupe, što bi moglo rezultirati uzbudljivom suradnjom s Lelekom.

Ravić se osvrnuo i na film Cooked with Love (Kuhano s Ljubavlju), za koji vjeruje da ima golem potencijal za međunarodnu distribuciju. “Prošle godine susreo sam Brunu Bilandžiju i tim iz VUtopije i ostao zapanjen njihovim umijećem”, izjavio je. Naglasio je važnost davanja platforme talentiranim filmašima da predstave svoj rad, osobito onima koji se možda ne uklapaju u tradicionalne okvire. “Upravo takvi filmaši često ostanu zanemareni od institucionalnih komisija”, primijetio je. Njegova predanost podršci raznolikim glasovima u filmu naglašava njegovu širu misiju osporavanja statusa quo.

Na pitanje koji bi savjet dao filmašima u usponu, Ravić je naglasio važnost odlučnosti i strpljenja. “Filmska industrija zahtijeva puno napornog rada. Povezujte se s drugima, uvijek budite ponizni i učite od profesionalaca iz industrije”, savjetovao je. Podijelio je i uvide iz vlastitog iskustva, istaknuvši vrijednost mentorstva i potrebu za kontinuiranim učenjem. “Ako filmaši u usponu pronađu mentora, to im može značajno unaprijediti put”, rekao je.

Ravić je i sam preuzeo mentorsku ulogu, usmjeravajući nove talente u industriji. “Postao sam mentor mnogima i uvijek sam spreman pružiti savjet i podršku”, rekao je, osvrćući se na vlastiti put. Prisjetio se kako mu je podrška Australian Film Commissiona bila ključna u ranoj fazi karijere, osobito tijekom njegova prvog posjeta Cannesu 2007. godine.

Nakon Berlinalea u Njemačkoj, Steve Ravić podijelio je svoje nadolazeće planove, istaknuvši svoj najnoviji put u London radi finalizacije ugovora i pred-produkcijskog planiranja za biografski film My Way, usredotočen na život Charlesa Billicha, najistaknutijih svjetskih umjetnika, koji je pobjegao od komunističkog režima Jugoslavije koja je okupirala njegovu domovinu Hrvatsku. Nakon dvije godine zatvora, bijeg ga je doveo do slobode za kojom je čeznuo u Australiji, gdje je postao značajna figura u svijetu umjetnosti, uz podršku svoje supruge Christe, koja je imala veliku ulogu u vođenju umjetnikove karijere.

Uz taj veliki projekt, Ravić je trenutno intenzivno angažiran na post-produkciji dokumentarca o najpopularnijem hrvatskom pjevaču Marku Perkoviću Thompsonu, usmjerenog na njegov rekordni koncert te vjeru i domoljublje hrvatskog naroda; riječ je o produkciji Majestic Filma nastaloj u partnerstvu s Morrell Films.

Ravić je također u pred-produkciji novog dokumentarnog filma pod naslovom Hand of My Neighbour (Ruka Mojih Susjeda), koji ističe humanitarne napore katoličkih časnih sestara u Papui Novoj Gvineji. Ovaj film želi prikazati njihovu predanost služenju zajednici i pozitivan utjecaj koji imaju na živote ljudi, a projekt podržava Pacific Bio Fuels Holdings Pty. Ltd. Također se govori o ponovnom povezivanju sa švedskim bendom The Poodles, nekoć prvoplasiranim na top-listama u Švedskoj, koji se ponovno okuplja nakon višegodišnje stanke.

Na kraju, Ravić izražava zahvalnost za svu podršku te upućuje pozdrav svom prijatelju odvjetniku i kolegi Donu Markušiću za njegovu kontinuiranu borbu za pravdu u njihovim zajednicama. Očito je da Ravić ostaje posvećen pričanju snažnih i važnih priča. “Pratite nas”, poručuje, jer je očito da se postavljaju temelji za niz uzbudljivih filmskih projekata u godinama koje dolaze.

Piše: Bianca Cutrona

Prijevod: Petra Antolić

BERLIN TAKEN BY A MAJESTIC STORM

The award-winning Australian-Croatian film director, producer, and writer, Steve Ravić has been making significant strides in the arts and entertainment sector over the years. Born Stipe Ravić in Melbourne, Australia to Croatian parents, he is also recognized for his contributions to the music industry and also as a presenter, investigative journalist and public speaker. His diverse background and rock-edged flair further enriches his work, allowing him to weave together cultural narratives that resonate across borders.

As the co-owner and director of the Arts Villa complex in Melbourne which also acompasses the Billich Museum and Gallery, Ravić has co-founded multiple non-profit organizations aimed at supporting both aspiring and experienced artists across all genres. His commitment to fostering creativity is evident in his non-profit initiatives, which focus on building a supportive community for artists from various disciplines. A proud dual citizen, he passionately advocates for the cultural and social standing of both Australia and Croatia, believing that both nations can benefit from shared artistic endeavours that will be platformed through initiatives by the International Croatian Artists Network and Arts Association Australia inc.

In Berlin, Germany for Berline, Ravić recently discussed some of his future endeavours, particularly those announced at recent film markets like the European Film Market in Berlin this last week, the American Film Market in Los Angeles last November and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier that same year. Each event presents unique opportunities for filmmakers. “Cannes is, of course, the biggest and most prestigious festival,” he stated. He emphasized that his focus is not on the glamour but on promoting films and securing partnerships. The Cannes experience, with its red carpets and celebrity appearances, is just the backdrop for serious business. “There’s no time for sleep at these events. The best deals are mostly locked in during the after-hour socializing and parties,” he noted, illustrating the hustle that characterizes these gatherings.

At the American Film Market (AFM), Ravić finds another crucial platform for his work. “AFM is essential in its own right, where we occasionally have a stand or team up with other companies,” he explained. These collaborations underscore his commitment to international relationships, which are imperative for the growth of Majestic Film content.

Majestic Film’s dedication to European based projects, particularly Croatian content, is a cornerstone of Ravić’s vision. Given that Majestic Film has maintained a strong presence in Europe for decades—especially through music film projects and distribution through companies like Sony and Universal—he now aims to emphasise on shooting in Croatia and even Hercegovina. This focus on Croatian narratives is not just a business strategy; it’s a cultural mission that aims to bring local stories to a global audience.

Ravić also touched further on the recent launch of the International Croatian Artists Network (ICAN), which aims to connect Croatian artists globally. “ICAN was primarily founded to help produce, promote, and sell Croatian content to international audiences,” he explained. This platform serves as a resource for both emerging and established artists, fostering collaboration and ensuring that Croatian voices are heard and seen in the international arena. He elaborated, “We are solidifying our collaboration with various institutions” and founding non-profits to support this mission. A similar organisation, Arts Association Australia inc. has been founded to provide additional support for Australian talent.

Regarding his work on the recently completed film DIVA, Ravić described it as a prototype for ICAN’s efforts. “We were already sponsoring DIVA to help build public awareness,” he said, noting the film's positive reception and the enhancements made to elevate its production quality. His role in the film was pivotal, as he organized key aspects of additional production, including casting, filming epic cinematic scenery with veteran film director from the United States, Neil Johnson and spearheading the post-production through Majestic Film and his closest associates completing the film for global audiences.

Ravić recently introduced the concept for an upcoming film project, The Last Queen, which was announced to be in development in Cannes in 2025 and is particularly close to his ancestral roots. This film will explore the life of Queen Katarina, a historical figure whose story has yet to be fully realized on screen. “When we originally announced the development of The Last Queen at Cannes in 2025, the intention was to co-produce an epic cinematic masterpiece for a global audience,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of thorough research and collaboration, as his team has been studying this subject since 2018 putting a focus on authentic storytelling, which he believes requires strong partnerships and a deep understanding of the cultural context. Ravić remarked that the project still needs to solidify the co-production partnership in Bosnia and Hercegovina but has already gained traction from potential co-production partners from the United States including Will Knochel of Vital Pictures and plans to visit the region soon to establish strategies for a future production realisation. 

Another exciting project in development was announced at Berlinale, The Ink Covenant, expected to be filmed across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia. This is a film being written by Vesna Trokter, exploring the traditional tattooing practices of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a cultural identity marker that originated during the Ottoman invasion. Known as “sicanje” or “bockanje” (pricking), these tattoos served as a safeguard against the abduction of children by the Ottomans.

Ravić shared that the history of tattooing has persisted through generations, evolving into a modern trend. He expressed a personal connection, noting that his father has fading crucifix tattoo on his arm, which symbolizes the tradition's deep roots. The story centres on a young woman from Australia who discovers her sacred ink mark, linking her to a secret network of women fighting against evil threats.

The project is close to home for the team, particularly for cinematographer Stephanie Magic, who has her own set of traditional Croatian tattoos etched on her skin. Stephanie Magic began collaborating with Majestic Film on a previous project and the common interests have further bonded the relationship. Ravić also emphasised Trokter’s passion for the project, highlighting her long-time experience in script development which has contributed towards her emotional investment in writing the story.

In a related note, Ravić expressed his admiration for Croatia’s Eurovision entry “Andromeda,” performed by Lelek, noting its thematic parallels to The Ink Covenant. He suggested the possibility of including the song in the film's soundtrack would only be logical, hinting at potentially contacting the group that would make for an exciting collaboration with Lelek. 

Ravić also reflected on the film Cooked with Love, which he believes has immense potential for international distribution. “I met with Bruno Bilandžija and the team from VUtopia last year, and I was astounded by their craftsmanship,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of giving talented filmmakers a platform to showcase their work, especially those who might not fit the traditional mold. “It’s filmmakers like this who often get overlooked by institutional commissions,” he noted. His commitment to supporting diverse voices in film highlights his broader mission to challenge the status quo.

When asked about advice for aspiring filmmakers, Ravić emphasized the importance of determination and patience. “The film industry requires a lot of hard work. Engage with others, always be humble, and learn from industry professionals,” he advised. He shared insights from his own experiences, highlighting the value of mentorship and the need for continuous learning. “If aspiring filmmakers can find a mentor, it can significantly enhance their journey,” he remarked.

Ravić has also taken on a mentorship role himself, guiding new talents in the industry. “I’ve become a mentor to many and I’m always willing to provide advice and support,” he said, reflecting on his own journey. He recalled how guidance from the Australian Film Commission was instrumental in his early career, especially during his first visit to Cannes in 2007.

Following Berlinale in Germany, Steve Ravić shared his upcoming plans, highlighting his most recent trip to London for contractual finalisation and pre-production planning for the biopic My Way, centred on the life of Charles Billich. the world’s most prominent artist, who escaped the communist regime of Yugoslavia which occupied his homeland Croatia. After two years of imprisonment, his escape led him to finding the freedom he desired in Australia, becoming a significant figure in the art world supported by his wife, Christa who played a major role in managing the artist’s career.

In addition to this major project, Ravić is currently hands down on the post-production for a documentary featuring Croatia’s most popular singer Marko Perković Thompson, focused on his record-breaking concert and the faith and patriotism of the Croatian people, it is a Majestic Film production created in partnership with Morrell Films.

Ravić is also in pre-production for a new documentary titled Hand of My Neighbour, which highlights the humanitarian efforts of Catholic nuns in Papua New Guinea. This film aims to showcase their dedication to community service and the positive impact they have on lives, a project supported by Pacific Bio Fuels Holdings Pty. Ltd. and there is talk of reconnecting with Sweden’s once number one charting band The Poodles who are reuniting after being absent for several years. 

In closing, Ravić expresses his gratitude for all the support and shared a shout-out to his lawyer friend and colleague, Don Markušić, for his ongoing fight for justice in their communities. It is evident that Ravić remains dedicated to telling impactful stories. “Stay tuned," he states, because the scene is obviously being set for slate of exciting film projects over the upcoming years.

By Bianca Cutrona