The Kornati Archipelago, located off the coast of Croatia, is a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil area that has been largely undiscovered by the film industry. Its unique features include crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and a hilly desert-like inland that resembles an alien world. It is an ideal location for filmmakers seeking a distinctive and visually stunning backdrop for their productions. Despite its potential as a filming destination, the Kornati Archipelago remains the hidden filming spot waiting to be fully explored.
Exploring the Kornati Archipelago as Hidden Filming Spot Through the Lens of films shot there
This post will explore the Kornati Archipelago as a hidden filming spot. We will do this through the lens of several films already shot here. These films showcase the unique features of this stunning landscape. They offer a glimpse into the untapped potential that the Kornati Archipelago has to offer filmmakers worldwide.
As the Sea Rages (1959)
1959 drama ‘As the Sea Rages,’ directed by Horst Hächler, uses Kornati’s stunning scenery as a peaceful setting for its emotional journey. For the filming of this movie, a Greek village was built on the island of Mana. The remains of which are still a big tourist attraction.
The film centers around fishermen struggling to make ends meet in a small fishing village. When a wealthy business person comes to town and proposes a deal that could protect their livelihoods, tensions rise. The tensions reveal the long-held secrets.
The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain tradition in the face of modernization. With stunning cinematography and a talented cast, “As the Sea Rages” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.
Transatlantic (1981)
Transatlantic, a 1981 Croatian film directed by Mihael Fijan, features stunning vistas and unique spots like the geological phenomenon Magazinova škrila that make Kornati Archipelago unique.
The film tells the story of a young man named Goran who lives in a small coastal town in Croatia. Goran has dreams of traveling to America and making a better life for himself. Still, his plans are derailed when he falls in love with a young woman named Ljubica.
The movie explores themes of love, friendship, and the struggle for personal and social freedom. It also touches on the issue of emigration, which was a common occurrence in Croatia during the 1980s. Transatlantic was well-received by audiences and critics alike and is still considered a classic of Croatian cinema. The film features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Croatian coast and has a memorable soundtrack.
The movie was also significant for portraying the tensions between Croatia and Yugoslavia at the time. The film was released during the political and social upheaval in the country. Its themes of freedom and self-determination resonated with many viewers. Overall, Transatlantic is a moving and thought-provoking film showcasing Croatian cinema’s talent and creativity.
Kull the Conqueror (1997)
Additionally, Kull the Conqueror, a 1997 American fantasy film directed by John Nicolella, utilized the breathtaking scenery of the Kornati Archipelago as a filming location. The islands’ rugged cliffs and turquoise waters provided a stunning backdrop for the film’s epic battles and mystical creatures.
The movie is based on the character Kull, created by Robert E. Howard, who also designed the famous character Conan the Barbarian. The film stars Kevin Sorbo as Kull, a fearless warrior who rises to become king of Valusia, a fictional land of sorcery and magic.
The story follows Kull as he battles his way through countless foes to become the king of Valusia. Along the way, he encounters a seductive sorceress named Akivasha (Tia Carrere), who has plans for the kingdom. With the help of his loyal allies, Kull must navigate the treacherous world of Valusia to defeat Akivasha and protect his people.
The film was shot on location in Croatia, primarily in the cities of Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Murter, and Kornati. The stunning landscapes and medieval architecture of these Croatian cities helped to create a believable fantasy world for the film. Although Kull the Conqueror received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since garnered a dedicated following among enthusiasts of the fantasy genre.
Murina (2022)
In 2019, the 2021 Croatian drama Murina, directed by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, was filmed in Kornati from September 28 to October 5. Kornati’s rocky landscapes and clear waters were integral to the film’s themes of isolation and self-discovery. The film premised at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it was screened as part of the Directors’ Fortnight section.
The story follows a young woman named Julija, who returns to her family’s remote island home after years of living in the city. She becomes caught up in the dark secrets of her family’s past and their isolated community.
Critical Acclaim
Critics praised the movie for its stunning visuals and atmospheric storytelling. The lead actress, Gracija Filipović, received critical acclaim for her performance as Julija. The film received funding from several film institutes, including the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and the Brazilian Film Agency. It was also selected as Croatia’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards.
Moreover, the European Network of Film Commissions (EUFCN) selected the Kornati National Park as one of the five finalists in the Best Location Award. Therefore, EUFCN acknowledged the potential of the Kornati archipelago as an outstanding filming location in the film and TV industry.
These films merely glimpse the Kornati Archipelago’s potential as a filming location. Shooting in the Kornati Archipelago presents environmental challenges, along with limitations on filming locations due to its distance from the mainland and lack of infrastructure. However, films shot in Kornati prove that its stunning beauty can be captured on film with proper planning and protection measures. Despite these challenges, Kornati offers unique features and endless possibilities for creative exploration, from rugged cliffs and a desert-like inland to hidden olive groves, turquoise waters, and fantastic wildlife. Discovering its remote filming spots unlocks its full potential and shares its captivating beauty through film.
