We are proud to share that Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce member Ruza Vrdoljak Licina is launching the first edition of Cinema Shift Festival on June 5 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Cinema Shift Festival explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping filmmaking, authorship, and creative production through a curated evening of talks, short films, awards, and industry conversation. The festival has already been featured in the Toronto Star and brings together filmmakers, technologists, legal experts, students, and creative industry professionals for a timely conversation about the future of cinema.

As this is the inaugural edition, we invite our community to support Ruza and the Cinema Shift team by attending, sharing, or helping connect the festival with people who may be interested.

Tickets and program information: https://luma.com/CinemaShiftFestival2026

BEA 2026 – Award Recipients (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Toronto, Canada – May 10, 2026 – Nearly 700 guests gathered outside of Toronto over the weekend for the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards gala hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The evening brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and other members of the Croatian community, Canadian political representatives, and members of the Croatian diplomatic corps for an evening celebrating business achievement, entrepreneurship, education, community service, and cultural pride.

“At its core, this evening has never really changed. It’s about our Croatian-Canadian community,” Ivan Grbešić, executive member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, told the packed ballroom, emphasizing the enduring purpose of the event.  “Before the titles, before the achievements, before the formalities, this night is about people coming together. Connection. Recognition. Celebration. And a reminder of how far we’ve come, together.”

Reflecting on the sacrifices of earlier generations and the accomplishments now visible throughout the community, Grbešić added: “Take a look around the room tonight. Not only at quantity – another packed house – but at quality. This is what progress looks like: real people, real stories, and real impact.”

BEA 2026 – Welcome Address by Ivan Grbešić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

The opening remarks highlighted Croatian-Canadians recently making headlines nationally and internationally, including: Archbishop Petar Rajič, recently appointed by Pope Leo as Prefect of the Papal Household, stepping into one of the Vatican’s most prominent diplomatic and administrative roles at the heart of the Holy See; business executive Victor Dodig, long-time leader in Canadian banking who has recently drawn attention for his involvement with Croatian basketball giant KK Cibona as part of its turnaround efforts; Ivan Čondić, CFO of NuVista Energy,  who recently contributed to a landmark US$2.9 billion M&A sale transaction of his publicly listed company; singer Daniella Pavičić, recently honoured by Večernji List with the “Večernjakova Domovnica 2026” in the category of Music; Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran, who made history by scoring a goalkeeper’s goal – becoming only the third goalkeeper ever in Major League Soccer history to do so, and the first in Toronto FC history; and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanović, recently appeared on Croatian television (Dobro Jutro Hrvatska, HRT) in connection with his efforts in Zagreb in promoting Canada as one of the hosts of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The evening formally opened with the singing of the national anthems of Canada and Croatia, led by Julijana Hajdinjak and Andrew Sporčić, followed by a blessing delivered by Father Marko Štefanec of Holy Cross Croatian Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton.

BEA 2026 – Fireside Chat with Robert Andjelić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

The special guest at this year’s event was Robert Andjelić, Founder and CEO of Andjelic Land Inc. Introduced as “a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist,” Andjelić engaged in a fireside chat with Joe Draganjac, executive member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Nick Pocrnić, Director Mining Specialist at Scotiabank. His story is one of determination and entrepreneurial drive – and one of doing it his way and not the way of the masses.

Andjelić shared reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, long-term value creation and his thoughtful approach to agriculture and stewardship of one of our most important resources – the land itself. Born in Croatia, then part of communist Yugoslavia, he and his two siblings were smuggled by their mother across the border to Austria in 1958, joining his father, who had fled earlier, in Winnipeg, where the family began renovating homes. Andjelić built one of North America’s largest private farmland portfolios through disciplined investing and a long-term approach to agricultural land ownership. He may have left Slavonia but a part of Slavonia has never left him – it remains deeply embedded in his outlook, values, and long-term vision.

Today, Andjelic Land Inc. manages more than 250,000 acres across the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the farmland portfolio estimated to be worth over $1 billion. Widely recognized as the largest private farmland owner in Canada (outside of the Crown) and second-largest private cropland owner in North America (second only to Bill Gates), Andjelić has become one of the most influential figures in Canadian agriculture.

Before entering agriculture, Andjelić founded Sun X, a family-owned industrial real estate company whose eventual sale became the largest commercial real estate transaction in Manitoba at the time. After selling the majority of his commercial real estate portfolio in 2007, he expanded into global commodities trading before turning his attention to farmland investment in 2010.

BEA 2026 – Award Presentation to Mila Babić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

A number of business awards, recognizing outstanding Croatian-Canadian achievement across multiple categories, were presented at the gala: Andjelic Land Inc. and Robert Andjelić received the Large Business of the Year Award;  Trinity Engineering and Consulting Inc. led by Adrian Abramović was honoured as Small Business of the Year; Mila Babić, Executive Vice‑President and Chief Client Services Officer at the Ontario Pension Board,  was presented the Executive of the Year Award; Nikolina Švorinić, Founder of founder of Beauty By Nikolina, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award; and Dr. Ivan (John) Galić received the Professional of the Year Award.  Gabriela Bobetić was presented the Community Achievement Award for her decades of volunteerism and dedication to preserving Croatian culture and community life in Canada, and particularly in her community in Montréal.

BEA 2026 – “Resurrection”, the commemorative award print by Anton Cetín (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Award receipts were presented with a commemorative award print, “Resurrection”, by Croatian-Canadian artist Anton Cetín. “The print, which is  a deeply symbolic tribute to the City of Vukovar, reflects themes of remembrance, resilience, dignity, and renewal.  Through subtle national symbolism and the calm, resolute figure at its centre, the piece reminds us that tragedy does not end in silence – it endures through resilience, memory, and hope”,  said Krešo Mitar, the gala’s co-master of ceremony.

A central theme repeated throughout the evening was the importance of inspiring youth. Speakers and attendees alike emphasized that one of the core purposes of the gala is to showcase role models from within the Croatian-Canadian community so that students and young professionals in attendance can see what is possible, and be encouraged to aim higher in their own academic, professional, and personal journeys.

BEA 2026 – Another Sold-Out Gala (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

One of the Chamber’s highest priorities continues to be investing in youth and supporting the next generation of Croatian-Canadian leaders. Proceeds from the evening’s silent auction and raffle were donated to the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund, developed in partnership with the Croatian-Canadian Library.

BEA 2026 – Scholarship and Bursary Recipients (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Scholarships ($2,000) and bursaries ($1,500) were presented by the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund, with the assistance of Croatian Ambassador Vice Skračić, to students Jessica Tomačić (University of Toronto), Gabrielle Šraka (Toronto Metropolitan University), Sabrina Pavliša (University of Toronto), Alan Milković (University of Toronto), Joseph Vlašić (Brock University), and Mato Brinovac (University of Calgary), recognizing their academic achievement, leadership, and continued involvement within the Croatian-Canadian community.

The celebration was brought to a spirited close with the performance of traditional Croatian songs by Zlatni List and their tamburitzas.

“On behalf of the Chamber and members of our Croatian-Canadian community, congratulations to all of our award, scholarship and bursary recipients and special thanks to our inspiring guest Robert Andjelić for flying in from Calgary to share his remarkable achievements and speak about his perspective of what lies ahead for Canada and for the world economy more generally.  Robert’s willingness to travel across the country to join us for the event says a lot about him and the value he attributes to his Croatian roots and the recognition of his achievements by his own community clearly meant a lot to members of his family who were in attendance”, said Wanita Kelava, Manager of the Chamber.

BEA 2026 – Canadian and Croatian Political and Diplomatic Dignitaries with Members of the Board and Manager of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

In Support of the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund

This is a wonderful opportunity to bid on a variety of unique and exciting items – all while making a meaningful contribution to the education and future of our youth through the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund.

Your participation will make a real difference.

We invite you to browse, bid, and support this important cause!

Auction closes: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

All Items – May08/26 Croatian Chamber of Commerce Gala | GalaBid

Experience a vibrant program celebrating music from around the world alongside beloved classics. The evening will also feature past CCCS Merit Award recipients and the introduction of this year’s recipient.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the concert.

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children (14 & under).

Purchase online at Canadian Croatian Choral Society
by e-transfer to finance@cccschoir.com or contact
Branko at 416.407.4444

ELIS LOVRIĆ
Live at Maja Prentice Theatre
April 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Acclaimed Croatian actress and singer-songwriter Elis Lovrić is an artist of rare and distinctive expression, whose work unites music, poetry, theatre, and cultural heritage into a deeply moving performance.

For more than two decades, she has created an original body of work rooted in the Labin dialect, transforming local tradition into a universal artistic language. Writing and singing in more than 15 languages and dialects, Elis builds bridges between cultures, bringing her voice to audiences across Europe, Japan, and Brazil.

Her celebrated original projects include Kanat od mora, Merika, Two Seas, and A Story of Music and Stone. Elis Lovrić is also the first Croatian singer-songwriter to perform at the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, and the recipient of numerous national and international recognitions, including the EWILA – European Women’s International Leadership Award 2025.

The performance will be accompanied by Danijela Kos, PhD candidate cellist at McGill University in Montreal.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Young Professionals of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce are hosting an After Hours networking social!

This event brings together emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across industries for an evening that blends meaningful connections with personal growth.

Why You Need to Be There

This isn’t just another networking event. It’s an opportunity to:

• Make real connections with ambitious, community-driven professionals
• Gain confidence in communication with insights from Toastmasters International
• Learn from experience with special guest Nick Pocrnic
• Enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere in one of the GTA’s top venues

Whether you’re looking to grow your business network, build confidence in public speaking, or simply meet great people in a relaxed setting – this event delivers.

Incredible Value

• FREE for members
• Only $25 for non-members

A Taste of What’s Possible

Curious about becoming a more confident speaker? You’ll get a firsthand look at how Toastmasters can elevate your presence, help you communicate with impact, and open doors professionally.

Join us for an evening of connection, confidence, and community.

Because the best opportunities often happen after hours.

TORONTO,  Ontario – March 28, 2026 – Several hundred red-and-white jerseys peppered Scotiabank Arena last night as Croatian Heritage Night brought a unique energy to the NBA matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans. Co-hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Raptors, the evening blended elite basketball with a powerful celebration of Croatian identity and community.

Widely recognized as the largest-attended Croatian Heritage Night in the Americas, the Toronto event once again demonstrated the scale, pride, and unity of the Croatian-Canadian community—and served as an exciting precursor to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see Croatia play in Toronto.

After Croatian fans enjoyed an exclusive pre-game shoot-around experience—getting to watch NBA players up close—the Raptors delivered on the court with a convincing 119–106 victory. However, the most memorable moments came after the final buzzer, when the spotlight shifted from the game to the community.

Karlo Matković Takes Center Court

All eyes turned to New Orleans Pelicans forward-center Karlo Matković, who stayed long after the game to meet local Croatian fans in the lower bowl and outside the arena. In a heartfelt gesture, he took time to be interviewed and answer questions from the crowd, sign autographs, pose for photos, and engage with supporters of all ages.

The post-game program also shone a special light on Matković’s roots. His hometown of Livno was proudly highlighted, drawing attention not only to a small community with an outsized legacy, but also to its place within the broader Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has long contributed to the cultural identity, sporting success, and global pride of Croatia.

Hosting the post-game interview, Ivan Grbešić, Executive Board Member of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Chamber, brought both humor and pride to the moment. He asked Matković what seemed to be on everyone’s mind: What’s in the water in Livno that produces so many remarkable individuals?

He pointed to an extraordinary list of names connected to the town, including entrepreneur and Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalić, football legends Davor Šuker, Niko Kovač and Robert Kovač, handball star Domagoj Duvnjak and prominent business man and entrepreneur Jako Andabak, among others – before adding, with a smile, “and now Karlo Matković.”

The exchange drew laughter and applause, but also underscored a deeper sense of pride in shared heritage and the global impact of Croatian talent from outside of Croatia.

More Than a Game

What unfolded in Toronto was more than a themed NBA night—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of Croatian diaspora communities and their connection to the Homeland. The post-game atmosphere felt closer to a family gathering than a professional sporting event, with a genuine sense of Croatian pride and unity echoing throughout those in attendance.

Croatian Heritage Night in Toronto stands alongside similar celebrations in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Detroit, among others, continuing a tradition of honoring Croatian culture on the professional sports stage.

As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: the final score told only part of the story. The real victory was the celebration of success, identity, community, and the enduring pride of Croatians—both in the Homeland and across the global diaspora.

Renowned artist Anton Cetin is releasing a limited-edition publication that captures the essence of his recent work – and this exclusive offer goes far beyond a book.

About the Book

Titled CETÍN 90 for pour za 90: DRAWINGS – DESSINS – CRTEŽI 2024/26, this beautifully curated collection showcases 90 original drawings created between 2024 and 2026.

Only 90 copies of this book will ever be produced.

Each copy will be:

• Individually numbered
• Personally signed by the artist
• Finalized and signed in Zagreb, Croatia at the end of May 2026
• Published in English, French, and Croatian

With a retail value of €150, this book is a true collector’s item – but the current offer elevates it into something even more meaningful.

Exclusive Book Preview

Limited-Time Collector’s Offer (Until April 25, 2026)

For a limited time, you can secure an exclusive package for $1,000 CAD, which includes:

• The limited-edition signed book
• An original colour drawing by Anton Cetin, valued at €500
• Your name published in the book as a supporter of this special edition

Each original colour drawing is:

• Hand-selected by the artist
• Sized within the book’s format (30 x 30 cm)
• Paired uniquely with your copy

For those who wish to make the experience even more personal, there is also an option to visit Ottawa and select your drawing in person.

Why This Matters

This is more than a purchase – it’s a chance to:

• Own a rare, museum-quality publication
• Acquire an original work of art
• Be permanently recognized in print
• Support the legacy of one of the most respected Croatian-Canadian artists of our time

With only 90 copies available worldwide, this opportunity is as exclusive as it is meaningful.

Reserve Your Copy

Secure your place in this limited edition before April 25, 2026, and become part of CETÍN 90  – a timeless celebration of art, culture, and legacy.

Email contactus@croat.ca

The first Diaspora Friendship Games will be held in Split and on the island of Brač from July 16–20, 2026, with the grand opening on July 16 at 7:30 PM at the Meštrović Gallery.

Capture the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala
May 8, 2026

STUDENT CREATORS WANTED

We need your talent to create reels, event photography, behind-the-scenes content, live social media moments and a post-event blog or media recap while building real portfolio experience at one of the Croatian-Canadian community’s signature events.

IDEAL FOR STUDENTS IN

Marketing • Media • Communications • Photography • Videography • Journalism

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Portfolio-ready content
Real-world event media experience
Exposure to business leaders & entrepreneurs
Your work featured on social media platforms and media publications

INTERESTED?

Email us contactus@croat.ca