{"id":54694,"date":"2025-05-24T14:48:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/center-izola.si\/?post_type=dogodki&p=54694"},"modified":"2025-06-12T10:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T09:09:10","slug":"54694-2","status":"publish","type":"dogodki","link":"https:\/\/center-izola.si\/en\/events\/54694-2\/","title":{"rendered":"21st Island Cinema – Isola cinema"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

21st Kino Otok \u2013 Isola Cinema International Film Festival!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Izola from June 4 to 8, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following last year’s festive 20th anniversary, the 21st edition of the Kino Otok \u2013 Isola Cinema International Film Festival is setting out on new paths. Building on our established core values\u2014connectivity and non-competitiveness as a response to the omnipresence of hyperproduction and hyperfestivalization\u2014we are now introducing a third foundation: sustainability. This refers to the gradual content and organizational development of the festival, which is to be balanced, long-term, resilient, and culturally, socially, and environmentally responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean for this year\u2019s program in Izola and beyond? It brings a calmer festival rhythm, encourages a deeper experience of cinematic art and understanding of the world in which it is created, and creates space for genuine encounters between filmmakers and audiences. In this way, we aim to co-create an interconnected community, united not only by a love of cinema but also by broader social values. This community will be supported year-round through Kino Otok events in Ljubljana and across Slovenia in collaboration with numerous partners, beyond the main festival in Izola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The core festival events will take place in Izola from June 4 to 8, 2025, and are primarily aimed at cinephile audiences of all ages. From May through June and continuing throughout the year, the “Otok in Ljubljana” film program will take place in partnership with Kinodvor, the Slovenian Cinematheque, and \u2013 for the first time this year \u2013 Vodnik Homestead. Our collaboration with art cinemas in Cerknica, Idrija, Se\u017eana, and Tolmin will be enriched and expanded throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PRO Otok program for film professionals will no longer be limited to the festival days in Izola but will become a year-round space for exploring filmmaking. We are also starting a new collaboration with the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (AGRFT) in Ljubljana in May, followed by June events in Izola and autumn events at new locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Altogether, the 21st edition of Kino Otok will present more than 130 feature and short films and host numerous international and Slovenian filmmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the Kino Otok International Film Festival?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since 2004, the Kino Otok \u2013 Isola Cinema International Film Festival has been a true festival in every sense of the word: a living encounter between creators and audiences through the art of film, featuring an outstanding film selection and prominent guests from near and far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kino Otok is a cinematic story in progress\u2014screenings are followed by filmmaker Q&As, workshops, the birth of new ideas, sharpening of perspectives, and lively discussions. The acclaimed film and accompanying program for both cinephile and professional audiences of all ages includes screenings, guest talks, workshops, the film education program Submarine on the Island<\/em>, and a vibrant festival nightlife on Izola\u2019s Svetilnik beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, the program includes numerous Slovenian premieres\u2014films that would not otherwise be shown in Slovenia or the broader region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have received continuous support from organizations and individuals who help transform the seaside town of Izola into a true film island. The Mediterranean spirit of the festival strikes a balance between relaxation and passion\u2014the magical Kino Otok formula that keeps visitors coming back and helps build the Kino Otok community year after year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Festival Locations and Program in Izola and Beyond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The festival program features a diverse selection of content, locations, and venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Izola, we are preparing an exciting open-air program under the stars at Manzioli Square and the Arrigoni Summer Cinema. A selection of short films by emerging filmmakers will be presented in the laid-back setting of Video on the Beach<\/em> at Svetilnik Park. One evening, a film screening will take place at Largo pri \u0160pini, a bustling Izola crossroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival also invites audiences to enjoy cinema in the dark comfort of indoor venues\u2014Art Kino Odeon and the Cultural Centre. The festival spirit will spread to other venues around Izola, including the JSKD Sun Hall, the Manzioli Palace, and the Salsaverde Gallery. Each afternoon, in collaboration with the Izola Public Library, the Beach Library<\/em> will open at Svetilnik Park, and each evening the Nights of Light<\/em> music program will bring life to Svetilnik beach, prepared in cooperation with the Club of Izola High School and University Students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a strong desire to connect and strengthen the Kino Otok community, the rich film program of this year\u2019s festival will also be presented in cooperation with numerous partners in Ljubljana (Slovenian Cinematheque, Kinodvor, and for the first time also Vodnik Homestead), as well as in Cerknica, Idrija, Se\u017eana, and Tolmin (art cinemas, members of the Art Cinema Network of Slovenia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the Path to Zero Waste and Sustainability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, Kino Otok became the first Slovenian film festival to embark on a zero waste journey. Of course, this doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s no waste at all, but together we strive to generate as little of it as possible and ensure it is properly collected. Our efforts are supported by Ecologists Without Borders<\/em>, the national zero waste organization guiding municipalities, event organizers, and tourism providers on how to reduce waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adopting the zero waste commitment is part of our broader effort to reduce the negative environmental impact of the festival. Our green practices include sustainable energy use, waste management, responsible procurement, mobility solutions, capacity building, audience awareness, and impact monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, sustainability has become one of the festival’s key foundations, with four core aspects in mind: cultural, social, environmental, and economic. We are gradually developing a content and organizational plan that is balanced, long-term, resilient, and accountable to culture, society, and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Program Presentation Dates in Izola and Ljubljana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The full program of the 21st Kino Otok will be published in May. The festival team will present it live:<\/p>\n\n\n\n