- by croatiaweek
- January 28, 2026
- in
Zrinski Film (YouTube)
ZAGREB, 28 January 2026 (Hina) – The trailer for the upcoming feature-length docu-fiction film Zrinski has attracted more than 300,000 views on YouTube since its release, according to the film’s production company GARA Civitas.
The film explores the still-unresolved circumstances surrounding the death of Nikola VII Zrinski, one of the most prominent members of the noble Zrinski family and a candidate for the Hungarian crown.
His death occurred during a hunting expedition shortly before the outbreak of the Zrinski–Frankopan conspiracy in the 17th century.
Directed and written by Croatian documentarian Alen Matušin, Zrinski blends documentary investigation with dramatic reconstruction.
The film revisits historical sources and presents an alternative interpretation of events, proposing that Nikola VII Zrinski’s death may not have been accidental.
According to the filmmakers, the film examines the theory of an internal family conflict, suggesting that responsibility could lie with his brother, Petar IV Zrinski.
The production also highlights another enduring historical mystery: Nikola VII Zrinski’s remains have never been found, further fuelling speculation surrounding his death.
The cast includes Denis Bosak as Nikola VII Zrinski, alongside Vini Jurčić, Ognjen Milovanović, Anita Matić Delić, Marinko Prga, and Dušan Gojić. The film’s main antagonist is portrayed by Emir Hadžihafizbegović, winner of the Golden Lion for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
The documentary segments are led by HRT journalist Martin Lukavečki, with expert contributions from historian Hrvoje Petrić of the University of Zagreb and Hungarian historian Sándor Bene.
Behind the camera, the film brings together an experienced creative team. Mario Delić of the Croatian Film Association serves as director of photography, Tomislav Josipović as editor, while Mladen Grof Jerneić Erdődy is responsible for costume and set design. Visual effects were created by Branko Repalust.
Filming took place over a two-year period across three countries and involved more than 250 collaborators, reflecting the scale of the production.
Director Alen Matušin is also known for the documentary Đelac, broadcast on Croatian Radiotelevision in 2021 and 2022, which was likewise produced by GARA Civitas.
The cinema premiere of Zrinski is expected soon.