Meet Katja Matković: 10-year-old star of hit new Croatian film

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

New Croatian children’s feature film, ‘Dnevnik Pauline P.’, directed by Neven Hitrec and based on the novel of the same name by Sanja Polak, has been a hit since premiering in cinemas last week.  

The movie “Diary of Paulina P.” is about a strong, witty and emotional character named Paulina P. The story follows her adventures at school and home, and shows how she overcomes the problems she faces during the school year.

It is based on Paulina’s diary, and she talks about her friendship, love and family-related problems from a critical perspective and through comical situations. The plot of the movie itself is set in the real world, with a touch of “magic”.

The main role of Paulina is excellently played by 10-year-old Katja Matković from Zagreb. 

We spoke to Katja to learn more about her experience playing the main role in the popular film.

How did you get the role?

I take acting classes at Zagreb Youth Theatre (ZKM), and we got an invitation to audition there. Since that was during COVID, we did everything online. I auditioned, went through a few rounds, and here I am, playing Paulina P.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

Over three hundred kids auditioned for the role. That’s a pretty big deal, to be the one to get it. Where were you when you found out you got the role, and what did you do when you found out?

I was at home when they called and asked me to come into their office. That was the second time I met with [the director and his team]. It was in their office that I found out I got the role of Paulina P. I was so excited I jumped into my mom’s arms, and she was happy too, she was laughing.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

We heard that your family says you didn’t even have to act for the role, that you are Paulina P. What is she like, and in what ways are the two of you similar?

In every way! Except that my parents aren’t divorced. But for example, she has a big imagination, I have a big imagination. She’s playful, and happy, upbeat. We’re totally the same.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

What acting experience did you have before ‘Dnevnik Pauline P.’?

I didn’t have any acting experience before this. I just played around with my friends and family, imitating my mom or dad and things like that, for fun.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

Where was the movie filmed and how long did you film for?

It was filmed in Zagreb and Samobor. Last year we filmed for a week during winter break, and we filmed for a month and a half over summer.

What did you enjoy most about the filming?

Everything was great, but what I liked most was being with the new friends I made during filming, the actors who played the other schoolkids.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

What was the hardest thing about filming?

The hardest part was filming on ice, because it kept on melting, and filming outdoors when it was over 40 degrees out in summer. But nothing was really hard, because I love acting.

How did you learn your lines? Do you have any tricks or tips?

I read the script a few times and memorized it. Sometimes other people read it to me, my mom at home, and Neven Hitrec on set. I have dyslexia so it comes in handy when someone helps me read, but I memorize things quickly. As for tricks, well, it’s easy when you have a great director like Neven. He let me be myself, and improvise sometimes.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

How were the adult actors towards you on set?

Everybody was really great, and super nice to me.

How did your friends and people at school react to you being in a feature film?

My family, my friends from school, everybody who knows me, everybody was really proud that I was in a feature film. Some people started calling me Paulina.  

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

Do you want to have a career as an actress?  

I do, because when I act, I forget about everything else. I really love it.

What’s your favourite movie?

I don’t have a favourite, but I love movies like “Parent Trap” and “Home Alone”, because the main characters are kids who get into all sorts of mischief.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

Do you ever get into mischief?

Sometimes.

Why do you think people should go watch the film?

I think everyone should go see it, because it’s fun, and funny, and it also has a message. It’s not just for kids, it’s for adults too.

(Photo credit: Fran Hitrec)

What’s the film’s message?

It shows kids worrying about things that adults should take care of. The message is that kids should be kids.

You can watch the trailer for the film below.