The jubilee Weekend Media Festival has concluded, held for the 15th time in the splendid atmosphere of the old Tobacco Factory in Rovinj. There were many reasons to celebrate these days in Rovinj, from top-notch panels and speakers to wild parties. This year, discussions were held on human rights and fake news, educational lectures on the anticipated recession were listened to, debates on whether innovation can be learned took place, all rounded off by TV marathoners, recognizable TV faces from the region.
– Weekend ensured that this year, too, friends, colleagues, and partners from the entire region, as well as from around the world, gathered with the same goal: to learn, expand our circle of acquaintances, but also to spend the end of summer in an informal setting and celebrate the jubilee. This year’s Weekend gathered more than five thousand visitors who spread good vibes throughout the old Tobacco Factory in Rovinj – said Tomo Ricov, Festival Director and Program Director.
– Over the years, Weekend has become one of the most exciting events taking place in Croatia. This year’s edition, unique in many ways, will be remembered for its attractive and quality content that contributes to extending the season in beautiful Rovinj. The excellent synergy of Weekend, Rovinj, Maistra, and the Adris group was achieved again this year, resulting in quality lectures, partying until dawn, and top-notch gastronomic offerings, all rounded off with networking – said Božo Skoko, a member of the program team from Millenium Promotion, the Festival’s partner agency.
This year’s Weekend brought together a colorful mix of lectures, panels, and discussions in a pleasant atmosphere. Some juicy tidbits from the world of secret services, worthy of James Bond films, were revealed to visitors by Israeli Mossad expert, journalist Yossi Melman. Creative Ghada Wali emphasized in her lecture how graphic design can change the world. Fabio Seidl, Director of Global Creative Development at Meta, posited the thesis of three different futures: the chosen one, the one that cannot be controlled, and the real one, which is a combination of the previously mentioned.
At the panel „Death of Facts“ which included Ognian Zlatev, head of the European Commission’s representation in Croatia, Ksenija Kardum (NOVA TV), Marijana Grbeša (FPZG), and Dražen Klarić (Večernji list), the emphasis was placed on the accuracy of information, which is in great trouble under the onslaught of fake news. The panelists reached a consensus that it is extremely important for the media to maintain objectivity and that there remains space for critical thinking by quality and educated journalists.
