Michaela Guzy is a prominent figure in business and lifestyle circles across the USA, celebrated as a leading business influencer, producer, host, and journalist. Her Instagram profile @michaelaguzy boasts nearly 290,000 devoted followers, while an additional 114,000 follow her production company's account @otpym. Her films on YouTube captivate millions, reflecting her widespread acclaim and influence.

In pursuit of authentic stories, the American TV producer journeyed to Istria last September, accompanied by her production team, and spent six unforgettable days on the peninsula. The entire team traversed the northern and southern regions of Istria, as well as the Rovinj area, immersing themselves in a rich tapestry of Istrian experiences.

Her film "Sleeping Around Safely Istra, Croatia" garnered a silver award at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa. This 7:45-minute episode about Istria was celebrated at the esteemed festival, held in June in Johannesburg, within the Travel & Tourism category.

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.

During their tour of the Istrian peninsula, they stayed at several enchanting hotels. Their journey included the Boutique Hotel Kaštel in Motovun and the nearby Roxanich Wine and Design Hotel, the elegant Eden and Grand Park Hotel Rovinj in Rovinj, and the family-run Villetta Phasiana in Fažana.

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!”

In a distinctive style of production that swiftly garnered her popularity in America, Michaela Guzy and her team transformed their visit to Istria into an episode that captivated both audiences and experts alike. This is evidenced by the silver award won at the film festival. Notably, the episode about Croatia was also selected for the official line-up of the international film festival Documentaries Without Borders.

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 series titled "Sleeping Around Safely" invites viewers to snuggle up at home with Michaela in her favourite sustainable hotels as she explores various destinations, guided by colourful local personalities. As of 2023, the show is also broadcast in airport networks across the USA, Canada, London, and beyond.

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.

Watch the film!