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Enigmatic, dark-haired foreign import Alida Valli was dubbed "The Next Garbo" but didn't live up to postwar expectations despite her cool, patrician beauty, remote allure and significant talent. Born in Pola, Italy (now Croatia), on May 3, 1921, the daughter of a Tridentine journalist and professor and an Istrian homemaker, she studied dramatics as a teen at the Motion Picture Academy of Rome and Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia before snaring bit roles in such films as Il cappello a tre punte (1935) ["The Three-Cornered Hat"] and I due sergenti (1936) ["The Two Sergeants"]. She made a name for herself in Italy during WWII playing the title role in Manon Lescaut (1940), won a Venice Film Festival award for Piccolo mondo antico (1941) ["Little Old World"] and was a critical sensation in We the Living (1942) ["We the Living"]. She briefly abandoned her career, however, in 1943, refusing to appear in what she considered fascist propaganda, and was forced into hiding. The next year she married surrealist painter/pianist/composer Oscar De Mejo. They had two children, and one of them, Carlo De Mejo, became an actor. She divorced in 1955, then she came back to Italy,

Following her potent, award-winning work in the title role of Eugenie Grandet (1946), she was discovered and contracted by David O. Selznick to play the murder suspect Maddalena Paradine in Alfred Hitchcock's The Paradine Case (1947). She was billed during her Hollywood years simply as "Valli," and Selznick also gave her top femme female billing in Carol Reed's classic film noir The Third Man (1949), but for every successful film--such as the ones previously mentioned--she experienced such failures as The Miracle of the Bells (1948), and audiences stayed away. In 1951 she bid farewell to Hollywood and returned to her beloved Italy. In Europe again, she was sought after by the best directors. Her countess in Luchino Visconti's Senso (1954) was widely heralded, and she moved easily from ingénue to vivid character roles. Later standout films encompassed costume dramas as well as shockers and had her playing everything from baronesses to grandmothers in such films as Eyes Without a Face (1960) ["Eyes Without a Face"], Le gigolo (1960), Oedipus Rex (1967) ["Oedipus Rex"], The Big Scare (1974), 1900 (1976), Suspiria (1977), Luna (1979), Inferno (1980), Aspern (1982), A Month by the Lake (1995) and, her most recent, Angel of Death (2001).

Laura Antonelli was born on 28 November 1941 in Pola, Istria, Italy [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. She was an actress, known for Passion of Love (1981), Malicious (1973) and The Innocent (1976). She was married to Enrico Piacentini. She died on 22 June 2015 in Ladispoli, Rome, Lazio, Italy.

Iva Kevra was born in Pula, Croatia. She graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade where she first received enthusiastic approval of the Balkan audience for the role of Krista Avakumovic in Black Sun (2017). Iva has played part a year later in a regional TV show ''Zigosani u reketu'' (2018) but also is known for being a brilliant voice over actress, having starred as Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender in Serbian synchronization.

Altough still in his twenties, cellist Stjepan Hauser has already performed in more than 40 countries across all the continents including debuts in Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, South Bank Centre and many more.

He is laureate of prestigious international competitions and awards and has collected during his short career no less than twenty-one first prizes in national and international competitions and has built an enviable reputation for himself, so much so that he has been bidden to play for H R H King Charles III both at Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. He was lucky enough to be one of the very last cellists whom Rostropovich heard during his life.

This young cellist has worked with the revered classical artists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Bernard Greenhouse, Heinrich Schiff, Arto Noras, Frans Helmerson, Philippe Muller, Stephen Kovacevitch, Mennahem Pressler and Ivry Gitlis, to mention a few. He completed his undergraduate studies with Natalia Pavlutskaya in London and postgraduate studies with Ralph Kirshbaum at RNCM in Manchester and with Bernard Greenhouse in the USA. In October 2006, he was the only cellist chosen to perform in the gala concert at Palazzo Vecchio, Florence for the late Mstislav Rostropovich. During his studies in London he was a member of renowned The Greenwich Trio.

His meteoric success started when he decided to join forces with his friend and a former cello rival Luka Sulic. Their unique cello version of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" took the world by storm. Within only a week, this YouTube video became a huge viral sensation leading to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Elton John on his worldwide tour.

Since then, the duo has appeared on major TV shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003) (multiple times), Lopez Tonight (2009), TV Total with Stefan Raab and many others.

2Cellos were also the first instrumental act to ever perform on the hugely popular TV series Glee (2009), where they appeared as special guests in the Michael Jackson tribute episode, performing "Smooth Criminal". The 2Cellos' arrangement of the song, which featured Naya Rivera, debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Digital Songs Chart and landed the 2Cellos debut album in the Top 100.

Luka and Stjepan's successes extend far beyond YouTube and their fan base continues to grow around the world. Apart from touring with Elton John, 2Cellos recently performed with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Michael and Leona Lewis and released their second album IN2ITION in January 2013. The album was produced by the legendary Robert Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Deep Purple) and features an eclectic group of vocal and instrumental guests including Elton John, Steve Vai, Láng Lang, Naya Rivera and Zucherro.

Lidia Bastianich was born on 21 February 1947 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. She is a producer, known for Lidia Celebrates America (2011), Lidia's Kitchen (2013) and Lidia's Italy (2007).

Boris Komnenic was born on 29 March 1957 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Vratice se rode (2007), A Better Life (1987) and Montevideo: Taste of a Dream (2010). He was married to Nike ?. He died on 6 March 2021 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Susy Andersen was born on 20 April 1940 in Pola, Istria, Italy [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. She is an actress, known for The Warrior Empress (1960), War of the Zombies (1964) and Black Sabbath (1963).

Marko was born in Pula, Croatia and is living in a small village near by - Peroj. He graduated from High school of Applied Arts and Design, Pula - Sculptural Designer (Graduated in Frenchtown High School, Montana, class of 2010.) BA in Acting, Academy of Performing Art in Sarajevo from 01.10. 2011 to 18. 06. 2016.

Jadranka Djokic was born on 14 January 1981 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. She is an actress, known for Iza stakla (2008), Fine mrtve djevojke (2002) and Night Boats (2012).

Dijana Vidusin was born on 12 February 1982 in Pula, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. She is an actress, known for Ljubavni zivot domobrana (2009), Zlatni dvori (2016) and Ministry of Love (2016).

Erminia Motika was born on 23 January 1921 in Pola, Istria, Italy [now Pula, Republic of Croatia]. She was married to Franco Motika (Matticchio). She died on 14 February 2021 in Queens, New York, USA.

Massimo Dobrovic is an internationally acclaimed professional actor, director, producer, professor, academic leader, author, hyper-polyglot, choreographer, and CEO of Massimo Wines, LLC, and Massimo Wines Productions. As an Italian-American citizen based in Los Angeles, CA, Massimo boasts a distinguished academic background from the renowned United World College of the Adriatic, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Mount Saint Mary University, and Pepperdine University. Fluent in five languages (English, Italian, Spanish, Croatian, Serbian), Massimo's cultural heritage, born within the Istrian Italian minority in Istria (Croatia), imbues his interests, research, and performances with a unique depth.

This rich heritage enables Massimo to seamlessly transition between Italian and Latin roles and projects to Eastern European, Asians, Australians, Africans, North Americans, and all continents, where he contributes as an educator, performer, director, mentor, coach, or instructor. His next ambition is to fund an International Academy in Latin America, serving as a bridge to the most talented and hardworking Latin artists of Showbiz, connecting them directly to high-quality Hollywood/European projects and educational journeys to enhance, improve, and specialize a diverse and exclusive pool of Latin artists deserving of international exposure.

Dedicated to mentoring new actors and guiding them through the intricacies of showbiz, Massimo founded Massimo Wines, LLC, and its sister company, Massimo Wines Productions, an international production company headquartered in Los Angeles, Rome, Paris, Milan, and Zagreb. Each location develops its genres for the big screen, including documentaries, realities, music videos, commercials, features, web series, episodic streaming, varietals, and shorts, with a singular focus on making the world a better place by engaging exemplary model citizens who continuously strive to become better versions of themselves.

After graduating with an A.A. from AADA, Massimo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film/TV/Media and a Master in Fine Arts in Directing/Producing for Film/Streaming from MSMU, LA. He also holds a Master of Science in Leadership for Higher Education from Pepperdine, Malibu, CA, while pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Global Change (Ed.D). His academic research is dedicated to modernizing and revolutionizing performing arts academies, conservatories, universities, and colleges worldwide, bringing the opportunity to study theatrical and cinematic arts to places where these disciplines are not offered or not considered primary career paths.

Beyond the entertainment world, Massimo is a philanthropist and founder of the Theater Arts Program at Desert Aids Project, Executive Committee for the Downtown Los Angeles Hospital-California Medical Center-Dignity Health, and advocates for implementing cinema and theater in all United World Colleges worldwide. He is a spokesperson and ambassador for various organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the UWC movement, The Actor's Society, Say NO Bullying, the Autism Care and Treatment Network, The Midnight Mission, and Film Independent. Giving back is a cornerstone of Massimo's life, and he continues to impact the world through his art and philanthropy positively.

Giovanni Arpino was born on 27 January 1927 in Pola, Istria, Italy [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. He was a writer, known for Scent of a Woman (1992), The Young Nun (1964) and Boccaccio '70 (1962). He was married to Caterina Brero. He died on 10 December 1987 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy.

Helena Minic-Matanic is a Croatian film, stage and television actress. Her debut role was in the 2003 multiple award-winning Bosnian film Remake (2003). She attended a drama school in her hometown and graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo in 2002. Her first roles were in soap operas in Zagreb. She has worked in the Istrian National Theatre, and in theatres in Virovitica and Zagreb. She received the Croatian Society of Dramatic Artists award. In 2006 she was awarded Best Young Actress for the role of Donna in Dani Satire in Zagreb

Borko Peric was born on 22 January 1981 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. He is an actor and director, known for The Eighth Commissioner (2018), Zivi i mrtvi (2007) and Sverceri hlapic (1999). He has been married to Dora Delbianco since 2003. They have one child.

Born in Pula, near Trieste, young Marisa Bartoli who was soon to bloom into an alluring beauty, studied drama at the Teatro Stabile di Trieste before moving to Rome to further her training at Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica. In the Italian capital, she took part in the "New faces Contest", organized by the RAI state TV channel and had the luck to find herself among the chosen. Thanks to this prize, Marisa could start her TV career, appearing for the first time in 1963 in a TV mini-series. From then on she worked mainly for the small screen in series, filmed plays and TV films, her most significant role being that of Andromache in Franco Rossi's remarkable "Le avventure di Enea" (1974). She also played in four films for the big screen, the most interesting of which is doubtless Maurizio Lucidi's Hitchcockian "La vittima designata" in 1971. After thirty-four filmed performances, Marisa Bartoli decided to retire by the end of 1991.

Vedran Zivolic was born on 27 August 1986 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He is an actor, known for Lazar (2015), Da mogu... (2009) and Dnevnik velikog Perice (2021).

Mate Ugrin was born in 1986 in Pula, Croatia. He is a director and writer, known for Meanwhile (2017), Everything Ahead (2021) and Vacant Hours (2019).

Zelg Galesic is 4th degree Taekwondo black belt. He is a Croatian mixed martial artist who competes in the Light Heavyweight division. He has previously fought for Bellator MMA, Cage Rage, PRIDE, DREAM, UCMMA, the SFL, and K-1 Hero's. Galesic is the former Cage Rage British Middleweight Champion. All but two of his wins have come by way of knockout

Galiano Pahor was born on 17 October 1955 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. He was an actor, known for Captain America (1990), Posljednja volja (2001) and Zivot sa stricem (1988). He was married to Jolanda. He died on 5 January 2008 in Rijeka, Croatia.

Gunther von Fritsch was born on 15 July 1906 in Pola, Küstenland, Austria-Hungary [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. He was a director and editor, known for The Curse of the Cat People (1944), Flash Gordon (1954) and Cigarette Girl (1947). He was married to Bunny Beatty. He died on 27 August 1988 in Pasadena, California, USA.

Harry Hardt was born on 4 August 1899 in Pola, Küstenland, Austria-Hungary [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. He was an actor and director, known for It Happened on July 20th (1955), The Making of a King (1935) and Merkwürdige Lebensgeschichte des Friedrich Freiherrn von der Trenck (1973). He died on 14 November 1980 in Vienna, Austria.

Anthony "Tony" Cetinski is a Croatian pop singer. He is one of the most popular male singers in Croatia and countries of former Yugoslavia. Cetinski began singing when he was 15 years old with various local groups. He moved from Rovinj to Zagreb in 1991 to start his career, and quickly became one of Croatia's leading pop stars. In 1994 he represented Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Nek' ti bude ljubav sva".

At the 10th Croatian Radio Festival in 2006, Cetinski won all three prizes in pop-rock category: HRF Grand Prix - pop-rock, Listener's award and Music Editors award.

In 2009 Cetinski won the Porin award for best male vocal performance with his song "Ako to se zove ljubav". Cetinski sold out two concerts in Arena Zagreb the same year with more than 30,000 people attending.

Dijana Sporcic was born on 27 January 1951 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia. She is an actress, known for Djavolje merdevine (1975), Strangler vs. Strangler (1984) and Vise od igre (1976).

Romina Vitasovic was born on 31 December 1978 in Pula, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Pula, Istria, Croatia]. She is an actress, known for Libertango (2009), Crna hronika (2004) and Zagreb Stories Vol. 2 (2012).