Košice Region Film Office launches Filmmaking Evenings

The Košice Region Film Office is introducing a new initiative aimed at systematically building and connecting the regional film community. Filmmaking Evenings will bring regular meetings for film professionals, creators, students, and workers in the audiovisual sector.

The name of the event is no coincidence. Just as a “shooting day” is a familiar term on a film set, the Film Office introduces the concept of a “filmmaking evening” – a gathering focused on the creative process, production, and the behind-the-scenes realities of the audiovisual industry.

“Our ambition is to create a space where filmmakers can meet, connect and discuss their projects. Filmmaking Evenings are not about film screenings, but about the creative process, the challenges of production, and practical experiences from the field. We want to strengthen professional connections in the region and encourage new collaborations,” says Ján Melikant, Manager of the Košice Region Film Office.

Each Filmmaking Evening will focus on a specific theme and feature guest speakers, a moderated discussion, and informal networking. The events are planned to take place regularly every few weeks.

Topics will include guidance on film production, grant schemes, and festival distribution. The evenings will also explore practical aspects of working in the audiovisual sector, encourage collaboration between local and visiting creators, and present the Košice Region as an attractive, open, and professional environment for film production.

“The Košice Region supports audiovisual production through several grant programmes. However, when evaluating grant applications, it often becomes clear that although applicants have interesting and creative ideas, their implementation is not always sufficiently developed, or they lack the practical experience needed to bring their projects to life. That was one of the reasons why this initiative was created,” explains Melikant.

First Filmmaking Evening in March

The inaugural event will take place on 25 March 2026. The first guest will be Igor Engler, a Košice-born producer representing the emerging generation of Slovak film producers.

A graduate of the prestigious National Film and Television School in London, Engler gained recognition with his debut film Promise, I’ll Be Fine (Hore je nebo, v doline som ja), which received seven nominations for the Czech Lion Awards and achieved success on the international festival circuit.

During the evening, he will share insights from his experience in film production, discuss working with international partners, and talk about how to approach a project from the initial idea through to its realisation.

“We also want to open topics that are often discussed only within small professional circles – financing, production challenges, festival strategies, or cooperation with partners. Filmmaking Evenings will offer an open and welcoming space for questions, discussion, and sharing experiences,” Melikant adds.

Who Are Filmmaking Evenings For?

Filmmaking Evenings are open to regional film professionals, emerging creators, students of audiovisual production, and anyone working in the audiovisual sector who wants to develop their professional knowledge, build new professional connections, and actively contribute to the growth of a strong film community in the Košice Region.