Roots in the woods 2026

The filming of the short feature film Prijetna koča, directed by Mih Možina, has concluded after several weeks of production across multiple locations in Slovenia. The project took place between April 27 and July 13, with scenes shot in Ljubelj, Vršič, Volovje Rebr, and the Viba Film Studio. The film stars Tamara Avguštin and Mih Razdrih in leading roles. It was produced with financial support from the Slovenian Film Centre. The film blends elements of suspenseful comedy and science fiction, exploring themes of reality's weight, escapism, and self-realization. Set against the picturesque and untouched nature of the Slovenian Alps, Prijetna koča follows Liza, a woman who loses her memory and finds herself in a cozy mountain lodge filled with music, good food, and laughter. However, each time she closes her eyes, she faces increasingly unavoidable threats. Alongside Peter, a volunteer mountain guide recovering from a mysterious accident, she embarks on a dangerous journey to survive. Mih Možina, the director and screenwriter, expressed his thoughts on completing the shoot. He described the pressure of anxiety as something that had already begun to weigh heavily on him. He admitted he wanted more time for the status quo, for safe shelter, and for more snoozing. “Oh, please, just a little less ‘Prijetna koča’ for me,” he wrote, reflecting on feelings of procrastination that often push him away from life. During the process of writing the screenplay and creating the film, he tried to transform these emotions into something noble and decided again and again to take steps forward despite their pull. He thanked the exceptional team and cast with whom they overcame both the slopes of Slovenian mountains and the challenges of Slovenian cinema. The creative team includes producer Polona Natlačen, cinematographer Dejan Ulaga, lighting designer Nace Tomat, first assistant director Mih Dragan, set decorator Iris Čeh, costume designer Tina Bonča, and makeup artist Tanita Seifert. The producers are Marko Kumer Murč and Tina Glavič Novak from the production house Rusaalka Films. Financial backing came from the Slovenian Film Centre. Mih Možina, born in 1990, studied film and television directing at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film, and Television (AGRFT) in Ljubljana. He works in various areas of audiovisual production and also creates music and acts in films. His previous works have been shown at numerous domestic and international film festivals, earning him several awards and recognitions. The film’s narrative structure combines elements of psychological tension with a comedic tone, using the setting of a remote alpine lodge as a metaphor for personal struggles with reality and escape. The story centers around Liza, whose loss of memory leads her to a seemingly idyllic refuge, which becomes a battleground for her inner conflicts. Her companion, Peter, adds another layer of complexity through his own unresolved past, creating a dynamic interplay between their respective quests for survival and meaning. The production team emphasized the significance of the location choices, highlighting how the natural beauty of the Slovenian Alps contributed to the film’s atmosphere. The combination of real landscapes and studio settings allowed for a seamless blend of authenticity and cinematic storytelling. This approach aligns with Možina’s broader vision of using film as a medium to explore human experiences through visually rich narratives. The completion of filming marks a significant milestone in the production schedule, with post-production activities now underway. The film is expected to premiere at upcoming film festivals, though specific dates have yet to be announced. The team is currently working on finalizing the editing, sound design, and visual effects to ensure the film meets its artistic and technical goals before release.