The 19th edition of the Panč comedy festival kicked off on August 19, 2026, with a packed audience at the Festival Hall in Ljubljana. The event marked the largest standup comedy festival in Slovenia this year, featuring both established comedians and emerging talents. Among the highlights was Tin Vodopivec, who emphasized the importance of improvisation in standup performances. “Standup shouldn’t forget improvisation,” he remarked, noting that while some comedians stick strictly to their scripts, others thrive on spontaneity and interaction with the audience. Vodopivec, known for his sharp wit and engaging style, shared insights into his current projects, including work on a new film script following the success of Nekaj sladkega. He described the unique charm of standup as stemming from authenticity, “It’s not just about being funny; it’s about being real.” The festival continued its tradition of showcasing diverse comedic voices, with notable appearances from Zala Đurič and Jure Jamnik. Đurič, typically recognized for her work in film, brought a fresh perspective to the stage, while Jamnik, known for his social media presence, connected with the audience through relatable humor. The event also featured appearances from Miha Brajnik, Saša Staret, Klemen Bučan, and others, each bringing their own brand of comedy to the stage. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter echoing throughout the hall despite the rain that forced the first evening’s performance indoors. In addition to standup, the festival included other cultural offerings. Boštjan Gorenc-Pižama delivered a thought-provoking talk on health check-ups and the role of subtitlers in translating films for domestic audiences. His presentation highlighted the nuances of language and culture, drawing parallels between translation and storytelling. Meanwhile, Alen Borišek surprised the audience with a shift from his usual black humor to a heartfelt exploration of life with his new partner and their cat. The session offered a glimpse into the personal lives of performers, blending humor with introspection. On the same day, the 12th edition of the Ljubljana Short Film Festival, known as FeKK, concluded with the announcement of its awards. The international jury awarded the prestigious FeKK Grand Prix to the film Kar je skrito od začetka sveta (Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World), directed by Kevin Walker and Irene Zahariadis. The film was praised for its blend of fiction and documentary elements, capturing the quiet warmth and nostalgic charm of abandoned houses. It depicted a community grappling with loss and memory, with ghosts and cats moving through empty spaces, ultimately finding connection in moments of solitude. The Slovenian jury awarded the FeKK SLO prize to Nika Jurman for her film Hiška, a comedy about emancipation set against the backdrop of societal pressures. The film received praise for its light-hearted tone and subtle commentary on housing issues. Additionally, the international competition saw the winning of the main award for the feature-length film Overnight Coup by Marina Xenofontos from Cyprus, which was described as a tender coming-of-age story exploring identity and self-discovery among young women. The festival also introduced a new category for children's short films, with Eci, peci, pec (Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe!) by Andrea Szelesová winning in the 5+ age group, and Animak - Živali na stranišču (Animals on the Toilet) by Jaromir Plachý taking home the 8+ award. These entries showcased the creativity and diversity of youth filmmakers from across Europe. Meanwhile, in Maribor, the annual outdoor cinema event, Kino pod zvezdami (Cinema Under the Stars), took place at the Skatepark. The free screening of the Slovenian film Ida, directed by Ester Ivakič, drew large crowds, with attendees enjoying the film’s whimsical tale of a ten-year-old girl whose singing brings the dead back to life. Organized by Europe Direct Podravje and the Association for the Development of Film Culture, the event aimed to bring cinema closer to local communities, fostering connections between generations through shared experiences. The event also included interactive activities such as a wheel of fortune game offering prizes from local businesses, further enhancing the sense of community engagement. As the summer season comes to a close, these cultural events continue to highlight Slovenia’s vibrant arts scene, bridging entertainment with deeper social and artistic conversations. With festivals and screenings continuing across the country, audiences remain engaged, celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of live performance.
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