Four Years of Košice Region Film Office
Košice Region Film Office marks four years of supporting audiovisual production in eastern Slovakia. During this time, it has become a trusted partner for filmmakers, helping bring productions to the region while contributing to the growth of the local creative industries. Four years on, it remains the only regional film office in Slovakia.
"When we launched the Film Office, our ambition was to create a functional support system for audiovisual production. Today, we can see tangible results – a growing number of productions, successful films, new job opportunities, and increasing interest from filmmakers in our region," said Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Self-Governing Region.
Since 2022, the Košice Region has recorded its highest-ever level of audiovisual production. Film crews have completed nearly 500 shooting days across the region, engaging more than 650 film professionals, actors, and crew members. These productions have brought investments exceeding €6 million into the regional economy.
Dozens of Supported Projects
Since its establishment, the Košice Self-Governing Region has financially supported nearly 30 film projects. Many of them have achieved success at national and international film festivals, receiving numerous awards.
"Among last year's premieres, Martin Gonda's debut feature Potopa (The Flood) stood out by winning six Sun in a Net Awards, Slovakia's national film awards. Another debut, Hore je nebo, v doline som ja (Promise, I'll Be Fine), directed by Katarína Gramatová, earned her the Czech Lion Award for Best Director," said Jan Melikant, Manager of Košice Region Film Office.
In 2026, two documentaries co-financed by the Košice Region premiered: Dr. Meď and Príbehy z Kopaneckých lúk. Zemplínska šírava has become one of the region’s most popular filming locations, hosting the production of the sequel to the successful comedy Kavej 2 as well as the feature film Posledná sezóna. Both productions are set to premiere this summer. Another supported film, Šípkari, is expected to reach cinemas this autumn, while several other projects are preparing for festival premieres.
Košice Region Film Office serves as a contact point for film crews and producers. It provides a database of filming locations, connects productions with local professionals, and assists filmmakers in delivering projects throughout the region.Financial incentives provided by the Košice Self-Governing Region are a key part of this support. Since 1 June 2025, the region has increased its cash rebate programme from 2–7% to 5–10% of eligible regional expenditure. A second pillar of support is the Terra Incognita grant programme, through which filmmakers can apply for direct funding each year until the end of November. In the latest funding round, the region approved €60,000 for eight additional audiovisual projects.
A New Community Initiative
This year, Košice Region Film Office launched Filmmaking Evenings, a new community and educational initiative for film professionals and emerging filmmakers.
"We believe that supporting the film industry goes beyond financial assistance. Building connections, sharing experience, and creating opportunities for collaboration are equally important. Film Evenings are designed to provide practical know-how directly from industry professionals," explained Jan Melikant.
The first two Filmmaking Evenings focused on film production and pitching strategies, featuring producers Igor Engler and Tomáš Gič as guest speakers. The third gathering of the regional film community took place on 23 June at Tabačka Kulturfabrik in Košice. This special edition of Film Evening formed part of the accompanying programme of the International Film Festival Art Film Košice under the title A Day with Košice Region Film Office. Alongside a discussion with Košice-based directors Katarína Gramatová and Martin Gonda, visitors enjoyed special screenings of their debut films Hore je nebo, v doline som ja and Potopa.
An Evening with Košice Region Film Office
The evening programme welcomed guests from the audiovisual sector, project partners, and industry professionals. Alongside a presentation of the Film Office’s current activities and future vision, the official programme introduced two new ambassadors of Košice Region Film Office: Lukáš Berberich, Director of Kino Úsmev, and producer Igor Engler.
Producer Dano Dangl, who has served as an ambassador since the Film Office’s establishment, also attended the event and said he always enjoys returning to the Košice Region.During the evening, Rastislav Trnka also recognised directors Katarína Gramatová and Martin Gonda for promoting the Košice Region through their work and presented them with support for their upcoming projects.
"Košice Region Film Office will continue to develop the regional film industry, strengthen cooperation with domestic and international producers, and create the best possible conditions for new audiovisual projects in the years ahead,"concluded Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Self-Governing Region.