Zvonimir Berković was a multifaceted individual, exceling as both a director and script writer, with a notable body of work that has left a lasting impact on the world of Croatian and Yugoslavian cinematography.
Born into a world of art and music, Berković studied violin under the tutelage of renowned musician Stjepan Šulek, and later honed his skills in theatrical direction at the prestigious Theatre Academy in Zagreb.
Prior to his work in film, Berković worked in the world of puppet theater and wrote theatrical and musical criticism, showcasing his versatility and range as an artist.
In 1954, Berković began his journey in film, starting as a script writer for Jadran Film. He quickly made a name for himself, co-writing the scenario for the film "H-8" (1958) with Tomislav Butorac, which earned him the prestigious Golden Arena and audience award at the Pula film festival.
His directorial debut, "Moj stan" ("My Home", 1962),won awards in both Belgrade and Cannes, solidifying his position as a rising talent in the world of Croatian cinema.
In 1966, Berković released his full-length debut, "Rondo", which went on to win six awards at the Pula film festival and a prize for the script in Atlanta. This was followed by his second film, "Putovanje na mjesto nesreće" ("The Scene of the Crash"),made at the beginning of the 1970s.
In the 1980s, Berković released his third film, "Ljubavna pisma s predumišljajem" ("Premediated Love Letters"),which is widely regarded as one of the most important Croatian films of the decade.
Throughout the 1990s, Berković continued to produce critically acclaimed works, including "Kontesa Dora" ("Countess Dora", 1993),which is considered one of the finest works of Croatian cinematography of the decade.
In addition to his work in film, Berković was a professor of film script writing and dramaturgy at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb for many years.
In his later years, Berković became a regular columnist, offering humorous and ironic commentary on social reality in several magazines. His column, "Zvonar katedrale duha" ("The Bellman of the Cathedral of the Spirit"),in the weekly magazine "Globus" ("The Globe"),garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
Sadly, Zvonimir Berković passed away in 2009 in Zagreb, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and groundbreaking work that continues to inspire and influence generations of artists and filmmakers to this day.
