In Ljutomer, a film festival dedicated to horror and fantasy begins

The 22nd Grossmann Film Festival dedicated to horror and fantasy has officially begun in Ljutomer, Slovenia. Starting today and running until July 12th, the festival promises a diverse lineup of films, workshops, and accompanying events aimed at immersing attendees in the worlds of supernatural fiction and imaginative storytelling. The opening ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM in front of the Cultural House, marking the start of what organizers expect to be a successful and engaging week-long celebration of cinematic creativity. The festival's opening night features a carefully curated selection of films designed to set the tone for the coming days. At 7:00 PM, the Cinema Hall of the Cultural House will screen Zombie Dead, a film that explores themes of death and rebirth. This will be followed by a documentary titled Punk under Communist Regime at 9:00 PM on the terrace of Hotel Jerusalem. Both the director, Andrej Košak, and producer, Zoran Đeverdanović, will be present for this screening, offering insight into the making of the film. At 10:00 PM, the main square will host the adventurous film Deathstalker, which promises to deliver action and spectacle to the audience. In addition to these screenings, the opening evening will also feature a symbolic wine path where young winemakers will compete for the title of "Wine Champion of the Cat." This competition highlights the festival’s unique blend of cinematic and cultural elements, drawing attention to local traditions alongside the focus on horror and fantasy genres. According to the organizers, the festival will showcase a total of 53 full-length films, short films, and musical documentaries throughout its duration. They note that interest in fantasy and horror cinema has been growing steadily, as audiences increasingly seek escape into imaginary worlds. This trend has been further fueled recently by the rise of digital media and video games, according to Borut Horvat from the festival team. These factors have contributed to the increasing popularity of the genre and the festival itself. The competition for the prestigious "Cat" award, the festival's top prize, includes five films: Nikoli by Dave Boyle, Dawn by Patrik Syversen, Night by Paul Urkijo Alijo, Karmadonna by Aleksandar Radivojević, and Lament by Quarxx. Each of these films represents a distinct approach to the horror and fantasy genres, showcasing the diversity of talent and storytelling within the field. Alongside the main competition, the festival will offer a range of additional activities such as workshops, concerts, film quizzes, and a traditional zombie parade, which remains one of the festival's most anticipated highlights. The closing ceremony, during which awards will be presented, is scheduled for July 11th. As the festival progresses, it aims to provide both entertainment and a platform for emerging filmmakers and artists. With its mix of international and local contributions, the Grossmann Film Festival continues to establish itself as a significant event in the world of horror and fantasy cinema, attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond.