How the Rebellion Began on My Island

The locals of the island of Ilovik are fighting against the illegal construction project of the Mrtvaška port, which threatened to disrupt their daily lives and force them to move out. By uncovering the documents and illegalities behind the project, they are exposing the deep connection between local, county and state structures in implementing harmful “projects”. Their fight is becoming an example of resistance and defense of the values, environment and future of small communities. The documentary tells the story of the determined struggle of the residents of the island of Ilovik against the illegal project to build the Mrtvaška port, which threatened to completely disrupt their daily lives, access to school, a doctor and basic needs, and would ultimately lead to the emigration of the entire island. Mrtvaška Bay, the only safe connection of the residents of Ilovik with Lošinj and the administrative center, was the key to the survival of the community, and the planned two-year closure and construction of a waterfront too high for their boats to dock would mean the physical cutting off of the island. During almost two years of struggle, the residents have collected a wealth of documents that expose illegal actions in the preparation and implementation of the project, as well as a network of cooperation between different political levels — from the state to the local — with the intention of forcibly implementing the project. The experience of the residents of Ilovik testifies not only to the courage of a small community, but also to the need to oppose “apparent projects” that destroy the environment, landscape and values ​​of Croatian society.