The Slovenian Film Festival (FSF), which took place in Portorož from October 21 to 26, 2025, proved to be a pivotal event for the national cinematic community. This year's showcase successfully presented 101 films, offering attendees not only a look at the latest releases but also providing a crucial platform for deep analysis into the industry's recent journey and defining its future developmental vectors. The sheer volume of content facilitated a comprehensive review of current trends and artistic achievements within Slovenian filmmaking.
Under the direction of Bojan Labovič, the selection committee meticulously reviewed 157 submissions before settling on 69 chosen works. The competitive lineup was carefully balanced to reflect the diversity of contemporary production, featuring six full-length fiction films alongside six feature documentaries, ensuring equal representation for both narrative and non-fiction storytelling. Furthermore, the festival paid tribute to the nation's rich cinematic heritage. Special screenings of historical short films were organized to commemorate the centenary of Slovenian cinematography, emphasizing the continuity between past masters and emerging talent.
The opening ceremony served as the stage for presenting the prestigious Milka and Metod Badjura Lifetime Achievement Award. This high honor was bestowed upon the legendary editor Janez Bricelj. His extensive career, which spans over 170 film and television projects, was rightly celebrated as a foundational element supporting future industry successes. Strengthening international relationships was another key theme of the festival. The presence of Italian curator Nicoletta Romeo as an honored guest underscored the Slovenian film sector's commitment to global exchange and openness to worldwide collaboration.
Looking ahead, the Slovenian Film Centre (SFC) used the festival to announce significant strategic initiatives, signaling a growing focus on high-quality episodic content in alignment with global media trends. The SFC confirmed the upcoming premieres of two new series developed with its support. For the year 2025, the Centre has ambitious plans to financially back the production of ten new fiction feature films and four scripted series. This support aims specifically to stimulate genre diversity, including highly anticipated projects such as “Metod, the Monster from Dolenja Vas” and “Aristocracy.” The festival itself opened with “Hidden People,” directed by Miha Hočevar, a co-production involving Slovenia, Serbia, and Iceland. This choice highlighted the increasing trend toward expanded geographical cooperation and international partnerships in film creation.