500 years of St. Margette's Church: film made by locals to celebrate the anniversary

In Žleb near Medvode, local residents are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene with a series of events running over several days. The festivities kick off today, August 20, with the traditional ritual of setting up a small shrine, followed by a variety of cultural and educational activities throughout the week. A special highlight will be the premiere of the film In the Volume of Saint Mary Magdalene, which will be shown on Sunday, August 23, at 8 p.m., in a tent near the gallery under the church bell tower. The main celebration will take place on Sunday, August 30. The schedule includes a range of events designed to engage visitors of all ages. On Monday, August 21, there will be a music and storytelling evening at the church, featuring an exhibition titled House on the Hill. For nature enthusiasts, Saturday morning offers a guided walk through the area’s natural beauty, covering approximately 4.8 kilometers. This trail is suitable for all generations and is free to attend. On Wednesday, August 26, a lecture on the restoration of the church will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 28, brings a folk evening with traditional music, dance, customs, and knowledge, inviting attendees to experience life as it was in past times. Those dressed in traditional attire or folk costumes are especially welcome. Families with children are also encouraged to participate in these events. The climax of the celebrations will occur on Sunday, August 30, beginning with a solemn mass at 10 a.m. at the church, marking its 500th anniversary. Following the mass, there will be a community gathering with culinary, cultural, and sports programs. Organizers have arranged marked parking areas and provided transportation for those who need it. Lucija Herga, who participated in the production of the film, explained that the idea had been brewing among locals for years. The project officially began about a year ago. “The 500th anniversary of the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is indeed a significant milestone and deserves a fitting tribute,” she said. The film aims to showcase not just the history of the church but also the surrounding village and its people, highlighting values that have connected generations over centuries. “We want to show how, despite daily routines, we can pause and appreciate the beauty of our homeland, the warmth of the people around us, and the values that have preserved our ancestors' legacy and ours,” she added. The film focuses on the local village, its inhabitants, the church, and particularly the patrons of Saint Mary Magdalene, whom the creators say have linked families of ancestors with current residents of Žleb for centuries. As they explain, “At the center are primarily the people, local residents who feel a connection and belonging to our church and its patron saint, which is why we often refer to ourselves as Marješčani.” A total of 64 individuals were involved in the making of the film, which took approximately eight months to complete. The process began with the collection of ideas and preparation of the script early this year, followed by casting, team formation, and filming, which started in May and concluded in July.