TV tip: she went looking for songs, but she found something much more

This summer on the Goriška region will be marked by a series of cinematic experiences, as announced by Kinoatelje, a cultural organization dedicated to promoting cinema and related arts. The initiative aims to bring together diverse audiences under the open sky, offering a range of film screenings that span multiple genres and generations. Starting in Štandrež, near the Soča River, the "Potujoči kino Soča" (Soča Traveling Cinema) project will introduce local residents to the works of Boris Petkovič, followed by other events throughout the season. This effort is part of a broader collaboration between cultural institutions, local authorities, and communities to create memorable experiences during the warm months.

The traveling cinema concept has evolved significantly since its inception with the European Capital of Culture program in Nova Gorica-Gorica and the Go Green Cinema initiative. Over several seasons, it has grown into a recognizable network of summer projections along the Soča River, ranging from remote locations to urban settings. This year’s lineup includes three new venues—Breginj, Trenta, and Srednje in Veneto—adding fresh dimensions to the cinematic experience. The program features a variety of notable titles, including the award-winning documentary Gora se ne bo premaknila by Petre Seliškar, the Croatian film Fiume o morte! by Igor Bezinović, and the debut feature Kaj ti je deklica? by Urška Djukić. These selections highlight both contemporary and classic works from Slovenian and Italian filmmakers, reflecting their contributions to the international festival scene.

Following the initial screenings, the summer cinematic journey continues in Gorica with the Nagrada Sergio Amidei festival, which collaborates with the Poklon viziji festival. From July 16th to 22nd, attendees can expect to see Amado mio – Pasijon nekega umetnika (2026), directed by Matjaž Mrak and Robi Šabc, alongside Navadna hruška (2025) by Gregor Božič. These films offer a blend of artistic expression and storytelling, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

The Letni kino Silvana Furlana, held annually since 2012 under the auspices of the City of Nova Gorica, transforms the city square into a central cinematic venue. Scheduled from July 25th to 31st, this event presents a selection of modern authorial films, opening with the documentary Metoda Pevca Ko pridem ven. In case of poor weather conditions, the screenings will move to the newly established cinema space at Epic, located on the Slovenian-Italian border. This flexibility ensures that the cinematic experience remains accessible and uninterrupted, even under less favorable circumstances.

Collaboration between public institutions and non-governmental organizations plays a crucial role in these initiatives, particularly highlighted by the EPK (European Public Knowledge) partnership. According to Mija Lorbek, director of the Public Agency GO! 2025, such cross-border cooperation is vital for connecting communities and preserving shared heritage. The inclusion of the EpiCentrum venue further enhances the accessibility and reach of these events, ensuring they remain relevant and engaging for all participants.

Another significant aspect of this summer's cinematic offerings is the collaboration with the Slovenian National Theatre (SNG) Nova Gorica, which began last year with the opening of a new amphitheater. Kinoatelje has designed a program linking four evenings of performances, exploring the relationship between theater and cinema. Mirjam Drnovšček, director of SNG Nova Gorica, emphasized the interconnectedness of these events, spanning from opera to concerts, dance, and theatrical performances, with cinema serving as an integral component.

In addition to the cinematic events, the region also hosts a unique film titled Songcatcher, directed by Maggie Greenwald. Set in the early 20th century among the Appalachian Mountains, the film follows Lily Penleric, a musicologist who rejects academic advancement to visit her sister, who runs a school for underprivileged children in a remote mountain village. There, she discovers the preservation of old English and Scottish-Irish ballads, which have been largely forgotten. As she collects these lost songs, she forms a bond with a veteran named Tom Bledsoe, prompting her to question her motivations. The film explores themes of cultural heritage, academic curiosity, feminism, and the Western genre, blending ethnomusicological research with dramatic storytelling. With a runtime of 110 minutes, Songcatcher offers a rich narrative that resonates with historical and social contexts, featuring performances by Janet McTeer, Michael Davis, and others.