HFF2026 // HARMLESS SIP // COFEE WITH NEAL RAIMI and NIKOLA ILIĆ

Nikola Ilić // Director // Exit Through the Cuckoo’s Nest

Originally from Belgrade (Serbia), Nikola Ilić is an independent filmmaker and cinematographer interested in creative and observational documentary film-making. Since 2007, Nikola Ilić resides between Switzerland and Serbia, completing his studies at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts while working professionally since more than a decade.

His short films have been awarded and shown at many Festivals around the globe. His first feature Doc (Co-Directed with Corina Schwingruber Ilić) won a DOK Leipzig Golden Dove among other awards. He‘s the DOP of the well received shorts ALL INCLUSIVE (2018) and BEEN THERE (2023) both directed by Corina Schwingruber Ilić. Tree times nominated for the Swiss Film Award. Two times winner of Zürich Film Award and Film Award of Central Switzerland. Co-founder of Pro Short Association. Member of the Swiss and European Film Academy.

____________________________

Neal Raimi // Producer // 17 O´Clock

Neal Raimi is a project Manager at organisation Pro Peace in North Macedonia and producer of three short films dealing with war reporting, internally displaced persons, and war crimes.

She is part of the team behind the Dealing with the Past film program at Drim Short Film Festival.

She also produced 17 O'Clock, directed by Flaka Kokolli, a film selected for the Official Competition of HARMLESS Film Festival 2026. Through an intimate family story, the film explores migration, separation, and the emotional cost of leaving home in search of a better future.

As a producer and member of the programming team behind the Dealing with the Past section at Drim Short Film Festival, Neal brings a unique perspective on both making and curating films that address war, memory, and justice. Together, we will explore the challenges of producing such films, the responsibilities of festivals that present them, and the role cinema can play in shaping public conversations about the recent violent past.

17 O'Clock // Official Trailer // HFF 2026

youtu.be/zoOrTipM7us