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.

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.

“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.

The First Filmmaking Evening Focused on Film Production

The opening event took place on March 25, 2026, featuring Košice-born producer Igor Engler, one of the emerging voices of the new generation of Slovak film producers. A graduate of the prestigious National Film and Television School in London, Engler gained recognition with the debut feature Promise, I’ll Be Fine (Hore je nebo, v doline som ja), which received seven Czech Lion nominations and achieved success on the international festival circuit. During the evening, he offered insights into the behind-the-scenes world of film production, international co-productions, and the process of developing a project from the initial idea to final realization.

The Second Filmmaking Evening Explored the World of Pitching Forums

The second Filmmaking Evening, held on May 6, 2026, featured producer Tomáš Gič, a graduate of Audiovisual Production at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and the Faculty of Law at Comenius University. He also produced the award-winning film Flood (Potopa), which received six national Sun in a Net awards. During the evening, Gič offered insight into the development process of a film project and the key stages that shape its creative and production direction. He also shared his experience with international pitching forums, highlighting their importance in building partnerships and creating opportunities for project development, financing, and international collaboration.

The Third Filmmaking Evening – Special Edition

On 23 June 2026, as part of the Art Film International Film Festival Košice, a special edition of the Filmmaking Evening was held under the title A Day with the Košice Region Film Office. Dedicated to successful directorial debuts, the event featured an expanded programme designed for both film professionals and the general public. In addition to a discussion with Košice-based directors Katarína Gramatová and Martin Gonda, audiences had the opportunity to attend special screenings of their debut feature films, Promise, I’ll Be Fine and The Flood.

What to Expect at the Next Filmmaking Evening

The next gathering of the regional film community will take place on 12 August 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Kino Úsmev. Titled From Research to Film: A Directorial Debut Based on True Events, the evening will feature screenwriter and director Gregor Valentovič, whose debut feature Nepela is inspired by the life of legendary figure skater Ondrej Nepela. In his presentation, Valentovič will guide audiences through the creative journey behind the film—from the initial research and collection of source materials to screenplay development and the production of a feature film. He will also discuss the creative decisions that shaped the project, as well as the challenges he encountered while making his first feature. Gregor Valentovič is the author of several award-winning short films. His feature directorial debut, Nepela, premiered in 2025 and received the Sun in a Net National Film Awards for Best Editing, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects. 

REGISTRATION

Admission is free, but seating is limited. We kindly ask all participants to register in advance.
Registration form: https://forms.gle/dZbgr7YTCRvzfw3T7