If you’ve never heard the name Bosko Hrnjak, you’re not alone. But in the world of tiki, the Escondido artist is a legend.
Hrnjak, 55, is widely credited with leading the revival in tiki bars and tiki culture that took off in the 1990s and is still going strong.
His place in tiki history will be celebrated Saturday at the Hollywood premiere of the new film “Bosko and the Rebirth of Tiki.”
Film producer Robert S. Wilson said he hopes his 30-minute documentary will give Hrnjak the national recognition he deserves.
“Bosko is really a pioneer in the world of tiki and a true artist in every sense of the word,” Wilson said. “A lot of people are now following in his footsteps.”
“Bosko’s not what you’d expect,” Mattila said. “He’s this really charming Hanna-Barbera type of character … not this lonely artist brooding guy.
He’s really warm and inviting and he became my spirit guide.”
The movie will feature interviews with some of the tiki world’s top names, including author and historian Sven Kirsten and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, whose cocktail books and barware helped revive the popularity of tiki drinks.