Relja Bašić was born in Zagreb in 1930, where he graduated at the Academy of Dramatic Art in the class
of renowned Branko Gavella. His film debut happened in 1954, during his university years, when he appeared in 'Koncert' (Concert), the anthological film of Branko Belan and one of the best and most important accomplishments of the ex-Yugoslav film. This was only a prelude to Bašić's more outstanding performances in films that have changed the course of Croatian and ex-Yugoslav cinematography, such as Zvonimir Berković's 'Rondo' (Zlatna Arena award in Pula, 1966). His interpretation of a man faced with a marriage in crisis announced a completely new
way of thinking in the film industry, not only on these territories, but even beyond. The role of Mr. Fulir in 'Tko pjeva zlo ne misli? ('One Song A Day Keeps Mischief Away'; 1970), a film by Krešo Golik, turned him into the urban Croatian folklore icon. After his career at the Croatian National Theater (1956-1968), he decided to go freelance. In 1974 he founded 'Theatar u gostima' (Visiting Theater), which he has been managing for over 30 years. He has played in more than 4,700 theater performances both in Croatia and abroad; his performances in Dubrovnik alone, at Dubrovačke ljetne igre (Dubrovnik Summer Festival) include more than 100 plays.
The film career of Relja Bašić includes 56 domestic and 71 foreign films, cooperations with some of the biggest names of the European and Int'l film, such as Volker Schlöndorff, Peter Ustinov, Abel Gance, Robert Hossein, Lamont Johnson, James Cellan Jones, Alexandre Astruce, Mauro Bolognini, Wojtech
Jasny. His roles in Croatian and ex-Yugoslav productions were a part of accomplishments that marked the filmmaking in these territories: 'Opsada' (Siege, B. Marjanović, 1956), 'Čovik od svita' (Man of the World, O. Gluščević, 1965), 'Imam dvije mame i dva tate' (I Have Two Mums and Two Dads, K. Golik, 1968), 'Pozdravi Mariju' (Say Hello to Marija, M. Klopčić, 1969), 'Nedjelja' (Sunday, L. Zafranović, 1969), 'Put u Raj' (Road to Heaven, M. Fanelli, 1970), 'Kužiš stari moj' (You Get It,
Pal, 1973),' Izbavitelj' (Saviour, K. Papić, 1976), 'Usporeno kretanje' (Slow Motion, V. Kljaković, 1979), 'Kiklop' (Cyclops, A. Vrdoljak, 1982), 'Ljubavna pisma s predumišljajem' (Premeditated Love Letters, Z. Berković, 1985). Relja Bašić received a number of most significant awards: Vladimir Nazor award for life achievement, Dubravko Dujšin award, Sterija Award, Zagreb Chart award, Pula's Zlatna Arena Award, Motovun Film Festival Golden award, and many more. He actively participates in numerous humanitarian organizations in Croatia and is a board member of the Croatian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights. His long-years contribution to the development of intercultural dialogue, diversity and art culminated with the nomination for UNESCO Artist for Peace, the recognition given only to most prominent and influential artists of the world. Today, Relja Bašić continues his work, through UNESCO as well as through new projects in film and theater.