The Camerata Festival climbs the trenches of the workers' struggle for the sixth time

The sixth edition of the Kamerat Film Festival has begun in the former mining areas of Rudnik Trbovlje-Hrastnik, marking its return after a period of absence. The festival, which takes place in the heart of a region historically shaped by industry, aims to explore themes of labor, solidarity, industrial heritage, and social justice. With around 40 films on display, the event serves as both a tribute to the past and a reflection on contemporary issues surrounding work and community. The festival’s location—once a hub of industrial activity—is now being reimagined as a cultural space where history and modernity intersect.

The festival's opening ceremony features performances by the Rudarska godba Hrastnik and the female vocal group Z'borke, highlighting the enduring connection between music and the working class. Nina Kavzar, the festival’s director, emphasized that Kamerat seeks to open up discussions about the complexities of labor, particularly in today’s world, where “not everything is rose-colored.” She noted that the festival acts as a platform for remembering the industrial legacy of the region and contemplating the current state of employment and society. The area of Zasavje, she explained, has long been defined by industry, and the decline of this sector has had profound effects on local communities.

The festival will run until Sunday, June 21, with screenings taking place in the old compressor station and on the open-air site of the former miners’ colony. Among the featured films are full-length works such as Narejeno v EU by Stephan Komandarev, which tells the story of a worker in the textile industry, and Kar je treba storiti by Srđan Kovačević, documenting the activities of the Labour Advisory Service in Ljubljana and its struggles with the consequences of exploiting foreign workers. Another highlight is Ko pridem ven by Metoda Pevca, which portrays the lives of Slovenian prisoners. These films, along with others, aim to shed light on the challenges faced by workers throughout history and their ongoing relevance today.

On Friday, the festival will screen archival footage from RTV Slovenia, including reports on the operation of the Hrastnik Glassworks, the Chemical Products Factory, and the mine itself. Short clips from TV Dnevnik and TV Obzornik will be followed by a discussion with documentary filmmaker, researcher, and archivist Jožica Hafner. Additional highlights include the screening of films such as Zbornica by Sonja Tarokić, Junakinja directed by Petra Volpe, Gora se ne bo premaknila by Petra Seliškar, and Bili smo kameradi by Christian Johannes Koch and Jonas Matauschek, which depicts events during the closure of the mine and restructuring of the local economy. A selection of short films, including Yugo Manchester by Daniel Rodrigues Correia and Resnica by Tamara Denić—a film awarded the Student Oscar and nominated for the Student BAFTA—will also be part of the program.

The festival’s lineup extends beyond cinema, featuring roundtable discussions on labor migration under the title Med strahom in solidarnostjo, conversations about the challenges of organizing film festivals, programs tailored for children and seniors, and photographic exhibitions. One notable exhibition is the Delavstvo photo contest, which saw participation from nearly 1,500 photographers worldwide. There is also an international student poster exhibition titled Plakat, naš kamerat. These elements collectively underscore the festival’s commitment to fostering dialogue and engagement across generations and cultures.

The idea for the Kamerat Film Festival was born from a conversation between Hrastnik’s mayor, Marko Funkl, and the festival’s programming director, Simon Tanšek, while they were traveling together. They discussed how Hrastnik, though perhaps not immediately appealing as a tourist destination, is deeply rooted in industrial and working-class history. From this exchange emerged the concept of using film as a medium to tell these stories. The festival also pays homage to the multi-day miners’ strikes of 1934, acknowledging the historical significance of collective action in shaping the region’s identity.

One unique aspect of the festival is the guided tour of the former mining sites. Visitors can explore the underground workings of the mine, located approximately 40 meters below ground, where temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius. Organizers advise attendees to dress appropriately for the conditions. This immersive experience allows participants to connect more directly with the physical remnants of the region’s industrial past, reinforcing the festival’s mission to bridge history with contemporary discourse.

As the festival unfolds over the coming days, it promises to offer a rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling, cultural reflection, and community engagement. Through its diverse programming and focus on the human condition, Kamerat continues to serve as a vital space for exploring the enduring impact of labor and industry on society.