Billie Jean King Doc to Open Croatia Film Fest

The third annual Croatia International Film Festival will commence on July 24 in Sibenik with the international premiere of ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, "Give Me The Ball!," focusing on tennis icon Billie Jean King.

Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff, the film offers insights through interviews with King, her wife Ilana Kloss, fellow tennis stars like Chris Evert, and close friend Elton John. It previously debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

Festival creator Ella Mische, an actress and producer, established CIFF in August 2024 amidst the writers' and actors' strikes. Driven by a desire to support fellow creatives during a period of industry uncertainty, Mische aimed to foster new opportunities and a sense of community.

This year's festival received over 1,200 submissions, from which 15 features, 16 shorts, and 14 student films were selected. The event will also feature "Copeland," a documentary about Stewart Copeland, closing the festival.

Critics have lauded the documentary, with Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman noting King's transformation from a tennis superstar into a culture hero who championed equal pay and recognition for women in sports. The directors emphasized King's selfless dedication to her community and her role in advancing women's rights within sports.