Animated photographs by Peter Naglic

A documentary film titled Fotograf premiered recently, bringing to life the story of Slovenian photographer Petar Naglič through his photographs. The film, directed by Miha Čelar, explores the life and work of Naglič, who lived in Šmarna Gora and captured thousands of images during the early 20th century. Some of these photographs have been brought to life on screen, offering viewers a vivid glimpse into the past. The premiere took place during this year’s film festival in the arboretum, marking a departure from traditional programming. Instead of showcasing restored classic Slovenian films, the organizers chose to present a locally produced documentary that highlights the contributions of a local figure. The film tells the story of Naglič, a passionate amateur photographer whose lens documented everyday scenes and historical moments over more than a century ago. According to the filmmakers, Naglič's work captures the emergence of modern Slovenian identity, with Čelar noting that the film aims to showcase how Naglič's photography played a role in shaping national consciousness. Naglič began photographing at the age of 16, and continued throughout his life, capturing scenes wherever he went. His photographs include some of the earliest depictions of airplanes landing in Planica, the arrival of the first skydivers, and the creation of works by architect Jože Plečnik. He also documented the excavation of a mammoth skeleton, as well as numerous aspects of Slovenian life in the early 1900s. These include the last great herds of horses on the Velika Planina, the final harvesters of chestnuts on the Ljubljana Barje, and the Volčji Potok before it became an arboretum. For two years, Naglič recorded the lives of Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war at Ljubljana Castle, while also serving as an observer of children and family life. The film features approximately 1,300 of Naglič’s 10,000 photographs, selected to provide a comprehensive overview of his work. According to Matjaž Šporar, Naglič’s grandson, the film represents a significant achievement that builds upon his previous efforts to promote his grandfather’s legacy. Šporar noted that the project has allowed him to open a window into his family’s heritage, particularly after he collaborated with the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum in 2012 to digitize all of Naglič’s photographic material. “The emotions I felt during the premiere were very special,” Šporar said. “It was important for the material to reach people and become accessible to a wider audience.” One of the unique aspects of the film is its use of artificial intelligence to animate certain of Naglič’s photographs, giving them movement and adding new narrative depth. This technique was developed in collaboration with London-based digital creators at Untold Garden, who used AI applications to bring nearly 200 of Naglič’s photographs to life. These animated images were then integrated into sound-rich cinematic scenes, allowing viewers to experience history in a novel way. The result is a blend of archival footage and creative interpretation, enabling audiences to explore Slovenia’s film archives through Naglič’s eyes. Naglič’s approach to photography was deeply rooted in his personal circumstances. Having inherited a family business producing brushes, he found that photography offered both artistic fulfillment and financial stability. Unlike many photographers of his time, who focused on portrait studios, Naglič ventured into the world with his camera, documenting life as it unfolded around him. This perspective, combined with his keen observational skills, made his work invaluable to the historical record. The film’s premiere was met with enthusiasm, drawing attention to the importance of preserving and sharing such cultural treasures. As the film continues to be shown, it serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting audiences to reflect on the enduring power of visual storytelling.