Mate Relja

Directing

Born: August 29, 1922

Birthplace: Sibenik, Yugoslavia, [now Croatia]

Mate Relja was a Croatian film director, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for directing Vlak u snijegu (Train in the Snow, 1976), a beloved children's film based on the novel by Mato Lovrak. The film has become a classic in Croatian cinema, cherished for its portrayal of teamwork and perseverance among schoolchildren. Relja's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Croatian film.