International Filmmakers Discovered Slovakia,
Including the Košice Region
The Košice Region has much to offer some of the biggest names in the global film and television industry. During the Slovakia FAM Tour in September, international producers, location managers and representatives of companies such as HBO, Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount, Legendary and Marvel Studios visited Slovakia. The aim was to showcase the country’s filming opportunities and highlight its potential as a film destination.
The familiarisation tour was organised by the Slovak Film Commission in cooperation with its partners, including the Košice Region Film Office. Twelve international film professionals visited several locations across Slovakia, including Bratislava, Košice and the High Tatras. Particular attention was given to the Spiš and Gemer regions, which offer a diverse mix of historic architecture, authentic settings and industrial sites. In Košice, the visitors explored the historic city centre and Košice City Hall, also known as the “White House of Košice.”
One of the stops on the eastern Slovakia itinerary was the Premonstratensian Monastery in Jasov. With its extensive historic complex, Baroque church, library, frescoes and distinctive architectural details, the monastery showcased the wealth of visually striking locations available beyond the country’s traditional film production centres
Another stop was the village of Nižná Slaná in the Gemer region, where the visitors discovered a former mining complex. This industrial site offers a striking contrast to the region’s historic landmarks and opens up further possibilities for productions across a variety of genres. For the Košice Region, initiatives like this provide an opportunity to showcase the diversity of its locations and the resources available to international productions. Alongside attractive filming locations, factors such as access to equipment, skilled film crews, infrastructure and filming incentive schemes can also play an important role in production decisions.
The tour made a positive impression on the international guests. At the end of the visit, some expressed their intention to return, saying: “We will definitely be back.” Their words offer an encouraging sign for the Košice Region’s continued efforts to attract international film and television productions.
