MOTOVUN

Town in central Istria on the southern side of the Mirna river valley. It has medieval fortification walls in the shape of a ring and two half-rings. Thanks to its location at 277 m above sea level, it offers wonderful views of vineyards and the forest. The tourist offer includes accommodation in the hotel, excellent dishes and restaurants, as well as recreational activities such as walks through vineyards and Motovun forest in search of truffles, hunting and bike riding. Motovun's vineyards are known for famous wines Pinot, Teran and Malvazija.source: Generalturist

Legend has it that Motovun was built by giants, out of stones which the giants collected in the valley of the Mirna River. The entire town of Motovun is actually one big monument and its appearance today dates back to the Middle Ages. Motuvun also has the longest stairwell in Istria, from the top of the Motovun hill to the bottom there are a total of 1052 stairs. Motovun has many palaces situated around a Venetian town square and you do not have to like art to appreciate the beauty of Motovun. The Motovun Film Festival is held every summer and during the festival the entire town becomes a place for films and fun. source: Adriatica.net

Motovun is famous for his film festival.
The Motovun Film Festival is dedicated in its entirety to films made within small film industries and independent productions, films that, competing with expensive blockbusters, have managed to win attention owing to their originality, ideas and energy. In every sense - except in its ambition and quality - Motovun wants to be a small festival, showing small films - 'small' in the most heartening sense of the word.
The Motovun Film Festival is primarly an international festival. As such, it is mostly focused on foreign films. Nevertheless, it was conceived to fit Croatian standards and needs. The Festival hopes to become a focal point where local film-makers will re-establish contacts with their foreign collegues, a meeting point, a place that would serve as breeding-ground of new ideas.
By its contents, the Festival is very informal in nature: there is no protocol, no VIP lounges, no places open to some and restricted for others. Such an approach has created a unique laid-back atmosphere, which has become the Festival's hallmark.

..."Diaries at the ready ...
July - Croatia: movies in Motovun
Relax in cobbled squares and watch the films projected on to the walls of this sumptuous 15th-century Croatian hill town (think Cinema Paradiso). Now in its ninth year, the festival (motovunfilmfestival.com) is a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance, attracting 50,000 visitors each year. After a few days watching films, you can hit the Istrian beaches 12 miles away. Ryanair flies Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday to Pula from Stansted. Festivalgoers can camp under the stars, for free, at the Motovun Eco-Camp"...

Guardian Unlimited, Saturday January 6 2007 Compiled by Tim Bryan