International Casting Directors Applaud Southeast European Acting Talent at ReActing as a Star

The fourth edition of the international industry networking and training program ReActing as a Star, dedicated to strengthening connections between actors from the region, leading international casting directors and talent agents, took place from June 13 to 15 in Kranj, Slovenia. Under the motto “Play locally, act internationally”, the program gathered 12 selected actors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia for three dynamic days of showcasing talent, workshops, and meaningful professional exchange. The program is built on the collaboration of national film funds, united in their mission to strengthen regional cinema through cross-border collaboration and internationalize the visibility of their actors.

"We all love actors as they are the face of every film and series. As the most important program of its kind in Southeast Europe, ReActing as a Star provides a unique platform for regional actors to improve their skills and gain direct access to internationally acclaimed casting professionals and talent agents. It is a great example of good cooperation between film funds in the region as we are all proudly supporting this precious project for the fourth year in a row” added Nataša Bučar, director of the Slovenian Film Center.

This year’s program began on Friday, June 13, with the presentation of participating actors featuring highlights of their work and interviews, moderated by writer and journalist Srđan Sandić. The selected actors included Admir Šehović and Helena Vuković (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Marina Redžepović and Janko Popović Volarić (Croatia); Vesna Kuzmić, Jurij Drevenšek, and Alen Kermac (Slovenia); Milica Janevski and Joakim Tasić (Serbia); Vule Marković and Lidija Kordić (Montenegro); and Ana Stojanovska (North Macedonia). This opening session allowed actors to introduce themselves, not only to each other but also to international industry professionals, setting the tone for collaboration throughout the weekend.

Saturday’s program began with the workshop Mastering the Art of Self-Taping, led by renowned casting director Cassandra Han, known for her work on A Hidden Life, Ford v Ferrari, and the Netflix series Barbarians. Drawing on her experience in multilingual casting and cross-border productions, Han shared practical tools and insights into the evolving standards of self-taped auditions, highlighting the importance of adaptability and presence in front of the camera. “Participating in this program is such an opportunity for me to meet Balkan talent. I will be able to cast the actors in this program in a very confident way, because I know their work and I know they come from this incredible high quality of cinema landscape”, Han commented.

In the afternoon, actors met one-on-one with some of the most respected casting directors in Europe: Anders Nygaard (Denmark), Laura Muccino (Italy), and Sien Josephine Teijssen (Belgium). These sessions allowed for in-depth conversations and feedback tailored to each actor’s profile and ambitions. Speaking of the value of the program, Nygaard commented: “I would probably never meet any of the actors here in person, but after this program, they are in my mind and in my database.”

Later in the day, the panel discussion Play Locally, Act Internationally brought together talent agents from Zona Talents, Slavic Artists Management, and Fidelis, as well as American agent Lara Abul Failat, whose LA-based agency connects European and Middle Eastern actors with Hollywood productions. The panel offered regional actors concrete strategies and industry insights on navigating international markets, managing cross-border careers, and building long-term representation relationships.

The program concluded on Sunday, June 15, with Energising the Scene, a workshop led by acclaimed Slovenian actor Sebastian Cavazza. Drawing on his experience in over 80 screen and stage roles, including Men Don’t Cry, A.I. Rising, and Besa, Cavazza focused on the expressive detail of screen acting - performance precision, working with the frame, and emotional authenticity. The day ended with an Ask Me Anything session with the casting directors, offering a candid space for actors to pose questions about their careers, casting processes, and international opportunities.

Tina Hajon, the program director, said: “Once again, ReActing as a Star proves that this isn’t just a networking or training event. It’s a creative laboratory, a space for growth, and a vital bridge to international opportunities. We have exceptional talent in our region, and the casting directors and agents were genuinely thrilled to discover them. We’re proud to offer these actors a safe, supportive environment where they can be seen, heard, and inspired to take the next step in their careers.”

Special guest Judita Franković Brdar, a distinguished Croatian actress and participant of the first edition of ReActing as a Star, joined the 2025 program as a mentor, reinforcing the project’s continuity and growing alumni network. When asked about the long-term impact of ReActing in building bridges across generations and national border, Judita said: "The greatest value of the ReActing program is really that you can do networking all in one place, meeting casting agents from all over the world, who are fascinating, who have worked with major directors, and here, in this small town of Kranj, you actually have the opportunity to talk with them, have conversations, exchange experiences, and you never know – maybe you’ll plant the seed for a future international career."

Since its launch in 2022, ReActing as a Star has introduced more than 60 actors from Southeast Europe to international casting professionals and agents. From then, over 20 participants signed with international agencies, and each year at least one actor has landed a role in a European production beyond their national industry.

ReActing as a Star program is produced by Pari Pikule and Secret Arts Cinema in collaboration with the Slovenian Film Center, the Croatian Audiovisual Center, Film Center Serbia, and the Film Center of Montenegro, and the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA).