Festival of Slovenian Film – Portorož 2025

Background & History

The Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož (Festival Slovenskega Filma, FSF), established in the 1970s as the Slovene Film Week in Celje, is Slovenia’s premier showcase of national cinema. Renamed the Slovenian Film Marathon in 1991 after independence, it relocated to Portorož and became the Festival of Slovenian Film, with “Portorož” added in 2021. Organized by the Slovenian Film Centre, the 28th edition (21–26 October 2025) presents a diverse lineup of feature-length, short, documentary, animated, and experimental films.

Held at Avditorij Portorož and Magazin Grando, it attracts over 5,000 attendees annually, including filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. The festival awards the prestigious Vesna Awards, named after the 1955 film by František Čap, and the Milka and Metod Badjura Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring cinematic contributions since 2023. It also selects Slovenia’s Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film.

Event Highlights

• Film Screenings: Over 100 films (70+ in competition), including 13 full-length Slovenian films (features, documentaries) and coproductions. 2024’s opening film was Cent’anni by Maja Doroteja Prelog; 2025’s lineup TBD (announced September 2025).
• Vesna Awards: Categories include Best Feature, Director, Screenplay, Actor/Actress, Documentary, Short, Animated, Experimental, and Audience Choice. 2024’s Best Feature was Family Therapy by Sonja Prosenc.
• Milka and Metod Badjura Award: 2024 recipient was costume designer Zvonka Makuc; 2025 honoree TBD.
• Professional Program: Industry panels, co-production meetings (e.g., Slovenian/Austrian), workshops, and press conferences with filmmakers. Led by Veronika Zakonjšek.
• Cultural Events: Opening Gala (21 October, 19:00, Auditorij Main Hall) with Badjura Award presentation and film screening. Closing Gala (26 October, 19:00) with Vesna Awards. Exhibition on Slovenian cinema history (Avditorij Foyer, speculative).
• Social Events: DJ Nights at Magazin Grando (22–25 October, 22:00, replacing Monfort Exhibition Center).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues, toilets, and screenings. Subtitles in Slovenian/English. Contact info@fsf.si for assistance.
• Eco-Initiatives: “Cinema Euro” (€1 surcharge per ticket) supports art school students’ accommodation. Encourages public transport (Arriva Piran app).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 21–26 October 2025 (6 days).
• Hours: Screenings 10:00–22:00 (speculative, based on 2024). Galas at 19:00. DJ Nights until 01:00 (speculative).
• Note: All-ages; under 14s need adult supervision and discounted tickets. October weather (50–60°F, rain possible); bring raincoats, comfortable shoes. Full schedule at fsf.si (September 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues:
  • Avditorij Portorož: Senčna pot 8A, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia (Main Hall, Green Hall, White Hall, foyer with info point/cash register).
  • Magazin Grando: Obala 10, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia (secondary venue, DJ Nights).
• Administrative Contact: Slovenski filmski center, Miklošičeva cesta 38, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; info@fsf.si; +386 1 23 44 180 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible (both venues, toilets, screening halls). Public transport: Portorož–Piran bus (€1.50, ~$1.74 USD, Arriva Piran app, stops at Mercator for Avditorij, gas station for Magazin Grando). Limited parking (€2–€5 USD/day, Auditorij lot, disability parking free with permit). Bicycle racks (~10–20 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@fsf.si (inquiries, accessibility, volunteer/exhibitor applications).
• Phone: +386 1 23 44 180 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Social Media: @FestivalSlovenskegaFilma (Facebook, Instagram).
• Press: Contact info@fsf.si for accreditation (deadline 16 October 2025).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteers needed (apply by July 2025, prijavnica.fsf.si).

Ticket Information

• Admission (based on 2024, likely similar for 2025):
  • Regular Screening: €5 (~$5.80 USD).
  • Discounted (under 14, students, seniors): €4 (~$4.64 USD).
  • Piran Municipality Residents: €1 (~$1.16 USD).
  • Special Offer (Buy 3, Get 1 Free): €15 for 4 tickets (~$3.75/ticket, $4.35 USD).
  • Accreditation: Free for press, filmmakers, students (AGRFT, AU UNG, ALUO; apply by 16 October 2025).
• How to Buy: Online at fsf.si (card only, pick up at Avditorij foyer). On-site at Avditorij cash register (cash/card, card preferred). Avoid touts.
• Ticket Range:
  • EUR: €1–€5.
  • USD: ~$1.16–$5.80.
• Note: Prices per 2024 data; €1 ≈ $1.16 USD (mid-2025). “Cinema Euro” (€1 surcharge) added. No refunds unless screening is cancelled. Check fsf.si for updates.

Cultural Experience

The Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož is a celebration of Slovenia’s cinematic heritage, bridging its 100-year film history with modern creativity. The Vesna Awards, named after František Čap’s 1955 film, honor excellence across genres, while the Milka and Metod Badjura Award highlights pioneers like the Badjura couple, who shaped early Slovenian cinema. Screenings at Avditorij Portorož’s seaside setting, combined with discussions and industry events, foster a vibrant exchange among filmmakers and audiences. The festival’s selection of Slovenia’s Oscar submission underscores its global significance, while DJ Nights and seaside ambiance add a festive, social vibe.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venue: Snack bars at Avditorij Portorož (sandwiches, pastries, ~$3–$7 USD). Drinks (coffee, beer, wine, ~$2–$5 USD, age 19+ for alcohol). Magazin Grando offers drinks during DJ Nights. Card/cash accepted; card preferred.
• Nearby Dining (Portorož):
  • Fritolin pri Cantini (Obala 14, seafood, $8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Gostilna Tomi (Letoviška pot 1, Slovenian-Mediterranean, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Café Central (Obala 16, pastries, $3–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Note: Bring reusable water bottles; no glass containers. Water stations at Avditorij foyer.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages; under 14s need adult supervision and discounted tickets (€4). Limited children’s films (e.g., animated shorts). Earplugs recommended (free at info point). Guide dogs allowed; no other pets.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues, toilets, and screening halls. Subtitles in Slovenian/English. Staff assistance via info@fsf.si. Disability parking is free with a permit.

Getting There

• By Air: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU, 140 km, 1.5-hour drive, $50–$80 USD taxi) or Trieste Airport (TRS, 80 km, 1-hour drive, $30–$50 USD).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Portorož–Piran line (€1.50, ~$1.74 USD, Arriva Piran app, stops at Mercator for Avditorij, gas station for Magazin Grando). From Ljubljana (2 hours, ~$10–$15 USD).
  • Train: Koper Station (15 km, 20-minute bus, ~$5 USD), then bus to Portorož.
• By Car: Parking at Avditorij (€2–$5 USD/day, limited). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~10–20 spaces, free). A 10-minute walk between Avditorij and Magazin Grando.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt from Ljubljana ($50–$80 USD) or Koper ($10–$20 USD). Local taxis (+386 5 671 27 71, $5–$15 USD).

Program Details

• September 2025: Full lineup announced (fsf.si).
• 21 October 2025: Opening Gala (19:00, Avditorij Main Hall), Badjura Award, opening film (TBD).
• 22–25 October: Screenings (10:00–22:00, Avditorij/Magazin Grando), panels, workshops, DJ Nights (22:00, Magazin Grando).
• 26 October: Closing Gala (19:00, Avditorij), Vesna Awards, audience choice announcement.
• Note: Schedule speculative based on 2024. Some films are N15+ (e.g., experimental).

Past Notable Features

• 2024: 27th edition, 22–27 October, 100 films (72 in competition), Cent’anni opened, Family Therapy won Best Feature.
• 2023: 26th edition, 3–8 October, 94 films, Lunatic opened, Rado Likon received the Badjura Award.
• 2021: First use of “Portorož” in the name, Bojan Labović became director.
• 2017: Launched industry section and co-production market.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Showcases Slovenia’s cinematic history (e.g., František Čap’s influence). Free foyer exhibitions (speculative). Ideal for film studies.
• Community Engagement: Connects filmmakers, students, and audiences via workshops and discussions.
• Historical Context: Highlights Badjura couple’s legacy, with info panels (speculative).

Cultural Activities

• Screenings: Features, shorts, documentaries, animated, experimental films (10:00–22:00).
• Gala Events: Opening (21 October, Badjura Award), Closing (26 October, Vesna Awards).
• Industry Events: Panels, co-production meetings, workshops (22–25 October).
• DJ Nights: Music and socializing at Magazin Grando (22–25 October, 22:00).
• Exhibition: Slovenian cinema history (Avditorij Foyer, speculative).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Hotels fill in October; book 6–12 months. Tickets available September 2025.
• Weather Prep: October (50–60°F, rain possible); bring raincoats, comfortable shoes.
• Explore Locally: Piran Old Town (free, 10-minute bus), Tartini Square (free, 10-minute bus), Aquarium Piran ($5 USD, 10-minute bus).
• Transport: Use the Arriva Piran app for buses (€1.50). Walkable between venues (10 minutes).
• Crowd Tips: Book evening screenings early; daytime is less crowded.

Local Attractions

• Piran Old Town: Free (10-minute bus).
• Tartini Square: Free (10-minute bus).
• Aquarium Piran: $5 USD (Obala 16, 10-minute bus).
• Sečovlje Salina Nature Park: $7 USD (20-minute drive).
• Postojna Cave: $30 USD (1-hour drive).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Hotel Piran (Kidričevo nabrežje 4, $80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute bus).
  • Kempinski Palace Portorož (Obala 45, $150–$250 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Vila Piranesi (Piran, $50–$100 USD/night, 10-minute bus).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($40–$90 USD/night, Portorož/Piran).
• Note: Book early for October; limited seaside availability.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Avditorij; nearest hospital is General Hospital Izola (10 km, 15-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info point for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (September 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children.