The film Sleeping Around Safely Istra, Croatia, by American producer Michaela Guzy, has taken home the gold award at the tourism film festival in Johannesburg! 

In her quest for authentic stories, host, journalist, and producer Michaela Guzy spent six unforgettable days in Istria with her production team, exploring the region’s vibrant array of experiences.

Michaela Guzy expressed a profound appreciation for the natural beauty and especially the local, authentic, and experiential aspects that make our country so unique. Following months of arrangements in collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board Representation in the USA, Michaela Guzy's visit to Croatia became a reality. She arrived to film 30-minute segments on Istria and Croatia for the series "Oh, The People You Meet, with Michaela Guzy."

The American journalist and her entire production team revelled in the natural beauty, rich traditions, cultural heritage, and culinary scene of Istria. They met winemakers, sampled their wines while strolling through vineyards and touring wineries, tried their hand at truffle hunting, and discovered that Istria boasts the best extra virgin olive oils in the world. To capture the essence of Istria, a special show cooking event was organized in the Pula Arena, masterfully prepared by chef Deniz Zembo. After exploring the Brijuni National Park and Cape Kamenjak, particularly the protected landscape of Donji Kamenjak (Lower Kamenjak), they were enchanted by the traditional batana boats and a scenic coastal ride along Rovinj, culminating in a visit to the Višnjan Observatory. 

A visit to Istria transformed into a cinematic work that captivates both audience and experts

After immersing herself in the delights of Istria, particularly its gastronomic offerings, Michaela Guzy couldn't contain her excitement. She shared her enthusiasm with her fans in the film's trailer: “The @otpym traveling team + I didn’t have a bad meal while in @croatiafulloflife but Istria knocked our taste buds into orbit! We’ll take you from sea to space, to meet chefs, gladiators and even the guy who found the largest white truffle in 1999!”

The episode OH THE PEOPLE YOU MEET with Michaela Guzy in Istra, Croatia was awarded gold at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025, held annually in Johannesburg since 2019.

In 2012, Michaela Guzy founded the production company OhThePeopleYouMeet, leaving behind a successful corporate career in America to venture into uncharted waters, creating media content that resonates deeply with audiences. The company currently produces three series. The award-winning "Oh The People You Meet, with Michaela Guzy" introduces local hosts worth meeting while traveling. In late March 2020, she launched a visual podcast called "InspirationStation", which features real people and their authentic stories.

The arrival and stay of the filming crew in Istria were orchestrated through the joint efforts of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Istria Tourist Board, with generous support from local service providers.