FeKK SLO: National Competition Programme

In recent years, it often occurred that specific film genres defined individual editions of the Slovenian short film competition programme. This year, it is the documentary’s turn, since it has—along with hybrid fiction and experimental forms—the majority in the selection.

FeKK SLO 2024: DOKUFeKKTARY

The research into possible forms of documentary film and its fusion with fiction form has seemingly been “in the air” for a while now; consider docufiction on screen and autofiction in literature. These terms signify a hybrid form in which a documentary is also a metadocumentary, disclosing the manner of establishing the truth, narration, subjectivity, and many social and ideological constructs in relation to which we define ourselves.
The advancement of the documentary form also impacts the status of fiction films; this year, there were quite few “classic fiction” films in the selection. For that reason, it is more accurate to speak of hybrid documentary and hybrid fiction forms, with the latter also seeking new ways to express and tell a story. Simultaneously, change occurs also in direction and screenwriting, as they become more of a creation of circumstances for a scene to develop than a pre-set scene with prepared text.
Aside from that, it is worth noting that for the first time this year, FeKK SLO will showcase an AI-produced film, the development of which will define new possibilities for future film production as well as new means of evaluation that have yet to emerge.
Naturally, there cannot be a programme without the Second Wave. It is again divided into two comprehensive thematic sections. The first one contains films that we have seriously considered including in the competition programme. They concentrate on women’s experiences and fates, as well as intimate family connections that cannot avoid the clash of familial forces. The second section, named On the Dark Side of the Alps, comprises films that lean towards horror, dystopia, and even sci-fi. It annually provides a dynamic parallel production by independent filmmakers, government-funded projects, or foreign/international production.
Let us conclude with the 2024 statistics: out of approximately 150 applicants, 18 films were accepted into FeKK SLO’s main competition programme and an additional 14 into the Second Wave.
We wish you a great viewing experience! Matevž Jerman, Dora Trček, Robert Kuret