The 27th Festival of Slovenian Film, held in Portorož from October 22 to 27, 2024, showcased a vibrant array of cultural events, including film screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers. This year’s festival emphasized collaboration between Slovenian and Austrian filmmakers, alongside the presentation of several notable films that highlight diverse themes and narratives.
Key Takeaways
- The festival featured the second Slovenian-Austrian Coproduction Meeting, fostering collaboration between filmmakers from both countries.
- Sonja Prosenc’s film "Family Therapy" won seven Vesna Awards, including Best Film, and is Slovenia’s candidate for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
- Maja Weiss’s documentary "Snatched from the Source" received a Special Mention, shedding light on a dark chapter of World War II.
- Vinci Vogue Anžlovar’s "Tartini’s Key" and Jani Sever’s "Ciao Bela" were also highlighted, showcasing the creativity of young filmmakers.
Slovenian-Austrian Coproduction Meeting
The festival hosted the second Slovenian-Austrian Coproduction Meeting, organized by the Slovenian Film Centre in collaboration with the Austrian Film Institute. This event aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries’ film industries, featuring presentations from various filmmakers and discussions on funding opportunities.
Key figures included:
- Bojan Labović – Festival Director
- Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu – President of the Austrian Film and Music Industry Association
- Nataša Bučar – Director of the Slovenian Film Centre
The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by filmmakers and enhancing their global presence.
Award-Winning Films
The festival celebrated several films that stood out for their storytelling and production quality:
- Family Therapy
- Snatched from the Source
- Tartini’s Key
- Ciao Bela
Conclusion
The Festival of Slovenian Film continues to be a significant platform for showcasing the rich tapestry of Slovenian cinema. By fostering international collaborations and celebrating local talent, the festival not only highlights the artistic achievements of filmmakers but also contributes to the cultural dialogue between nations. As the festival wraps up, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and a commitment to the future of film in Slovenia and beyond.
Sources
- Slovenian-Austrian Coproduction Meeting at Festival of Slovenian Film Portoroz 2024 – FilmNewEurope.com, Film New Europe.
- FNE at Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož 2024: Family Therapy – FilmNewEurope.com, Film New Europe.
- FNE at Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož 2024: Snatched from the Source – FilmNewEurope.com, Film New Europe.
- FNE at Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož 2024: Tartini’s Key – FilmNewEurope.com, Film New Europe.
- FNE at Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož 2024: Ciao Bela – FilmNewEurope.com, Film New Europe.