The historical documentary **“From King Tomislav to the Present Day – 1,100 Years of the Kingdom of Croatia”** was screened in the John Paul II Hall in Medjugorje. Dedicated to marking 1,100 years of the Kingdom of Croatia, the documentary offers an overview of eleven centuries of Croatian history and the development of its statehood through to the present day.
The film was directed by Jakov Sedlar and produced by Cromark media and Anton Kikaš, who also wrote the screenplay. Speaking about the documentary’s content, Sedlar highlighted the aspiration for an independent Croatian state as the thread connecting its portrayal of different historical periods.
“This documentary conveys the passion of the Croatian people for an independent Croatian state. It begins with the arrival of the Croats in the territory of present-day Croatia, then moves through all our kings, the Middle Ages, a multitude of problems, tragedies and everything that befell us, and on to an independent Croatia,” director Jakov Sedlar said.
Eleven centuries of history on screen
Starting with the time of King Tomislav, the film follows the historical journey of the Croatian people through to the present day. By connecting different periods, it brings viewers closer to the events, people and circumstances that shaped Croatian national identity over the centuries, as well as a sense of belonging to a shared historical and cultural space.
King Tomislav is at the centre of the film’s story as a symbol of the beginnings of the Croatian kingdom, and also as a starting point for portraying the centuries-long aspiration to preserve its own name, cultural distinctiveness and statehood. The documentary also highlights the historical continuity that, despite political and social changes, connected different generations up to the creation of the modern Croatian state.
Through a documentary approach, the filmmakers seek to bring more than a millennium of Croatian history closer to a wider audience and to highlight the importance of knowing and preserving it. The film thus offers a look at the people, events and values that have left their mark on the development of the Croatian people and their statehood.
Kikaš: The hope is for the film to be included in history classes
Producer and screenwriter Anton Kikaš believes the documentary should inspire all generations, especially young people, to continue promoting Croatia and the Croatian people with dedication. He also described its purpose as an expression of gratitude to previous generations: “This film is a special tribute to all those who dreamed and gave their lives for an independent Croatian state since the 7th century,” he said.
Kikaš, who addressed the audience after the film’s presentation in Medjugorje, regards it as his life’s work. Speaking about its creation, he recalled visiting the exhibition “In the Beginning Was the Kingdom” at the Klovićevi dvori Gallery: “When I visited the exhibition at the Klovićevi dvori Gallery, the exhibition titled ‘In the Beginning Was the Kingdom’, I was so delighted by it that I spent three to four hours looking at it and admiring it.”
He particularly stressed his hope that the documentary would have a place in secondary education: “My first wish, and something that is extremely important to me, is to do everything I can to make this film part of the secondary-school history curriculum. I deeply believe that among these young Croatian men and women there will be those who recognise our history and gain the potential and motivation to continue making their own contribution,” Kikaš said.
Following its presentation in Medjugorje, a screening in Mostar was also announced. According to an announcement by Radio Mir Medjugorje, **“From King Tomislav to the Present Day” will be screened on Friday, 9 October 2026, at 19:00**, at the Hrvatski dom Herceg Stjepan Kosača.
