TORONTO, Ontario – November 20, 2025 – The Croatian community of the Greater Toronto Area and neighboring areas gathered in remarkable numbers on Wednesday evening as the film DIVA, directed by Branko Perić, was screened before a sold-out audience of nearly 400 people. The event, held at the Queen of Peace – Croatian Franciscan Centre in Norval, celebrated both the film’s artistic achievement and the enduring cultural heritage it portrays.
At the outset of the evening, attendees rose in solemn unity to recall the victims of Croatia’s War of Independence, commemorating the fall of Vukovar and the massacre in Škabrnja, offering a prayer together in their memory – an emotional tribute that set a tone of reflection and respect before the film began.
The night was made even more special by the presence of two distinguished guests: director Branko Perić and actress Diva Marija Perković, who plays a central role in the film. Their attendance offered the audience a rare opportunity to hear directly from the creators of this historical drama, which was also presented at the Cannes Film Festival, further underscoring the international recognition and artistic significance of the film, which has been selling out at its screenings across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
DIVA tells the powerful story of Diva Grabovčeva, a young woman whose unwavering faith, strong convictions, and refusal to submit to injustice have made her a symbol of courage across generations. When courted by an Ottoman noble, she remained steadfast in her beliefs, resisting immense pressure with dignity and resolve. Her courage defied an empire, and her story continues to defy time. Viewers were encouraged to reflect on how her journey resonates today – a tribute to faith, identity, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Herzegovina, the film’s emotional depth, striking cinematography, and cultural authenticity create a deeply immersive experience. The film moved the audience to a standing ovation, underscoring the timeless impact of Diva’s story.
In their post-screening remarks, Perić and Perković thanked the community for the overwhelming support and spoke about the responsibility – and the privilege – of bringing such a meaningful story to the screen. Audience members later engaged with them in informal discussions, expressing appreciation for the film’s depiction of identity, sacrifice, and spiritual resilience.
Diva Marija Perković’s family story added another layer of meaning to the evening. While her mother, Sandra, who was born and raised in Canada to Croatian parents and now lives in Croatia, was not present at the screening, the young actress was able to watch the screening of the film seated beside her grandparents – an experience that deeply touched both her family and the audience.
The event was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Queen of Peace – Croatian Franciscan Center and the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, both of which were acknowledged for their role in organizing an evening that many described as memorable, heartfelt, and culturally enriching.
The film screening in Norval is part of a multi-city North American tour of the film, which included stops in Los Angeles, San Jose, Vancouver, Calgary, Cleveland, and Chicago. The Toronto-area screening was the second-last stop before the final presentation in New York on Sunday.
Adding to the evening’s authentic atmosphere, organizers prepared
and served “uštipci” (long, flat strips of golden fried dough), along with figs and cheese. The traditional Herzegovinian treat is deeply rooted in the region’s rustic culinary tradition and served as a cultural nod to the modern movie snack, affectionately described by some in attendance as the Herzegovinian version of popcorn. This thoughtful touch immersed attendees in the flavours of the region portrayed in the film and helped create a warm, community-focused experience.
With its sold-out attendance and enthusiastic reception, the Norval screening of DIVA stands as a testament to the film’s impact and to the strength of cultural connection within the Croatian-Canadian community. The evening also highlighted just how deeply the Croatian community in Canada values and continues to support Croatian culture, heritage, history, and projects like DIVA.
Fra Ivica Majsotorović (Queen of Peace – Norval), Ivan Grbešić (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce), Diana Skoko, Iva Rados, Anica Busic (Queen of Peace – Norval), Wanita Kelava (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce), Robert Hudaj (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce)
Branko Perić (Filmmaker), Ivan Grbešić (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce) and Diva Marija Perković (Actress)
Fra Ivica Majsotorović (Queen of Peace – Norval), Wanita Kelava (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce), Branko Perić (Filmmaker), Diva Marija Perković (Actress), Ivan Grbešić (Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce)
