Documentary

Slovakia, 2026, 56 min

Director: Vladimír Šifra

Locations in the Košice Region: Kopanecké Meadows (Slovak Paradise National Park)

This nature documentary explores the globally unique Kopanecké Meadows of the Slovak Paradise National Park. It highlights their exceptional value, ecological importance in the context of the climate crisis, and the urgent need for their protection.

The filmmakers live in the region, which allowed them to capture the meadows in the best possible time, light, and atmosphere. Through visually compelling storytelling, the film reveals the hidden life of these grasslands. Time-lapse sequences follow plant growth, detailed macro shots bring the fascinating world of insects closer, and wide landscape compositions portray nature’s transformation throughout the year. The viewer is drawn into a world that usually remains unseen by the human eye.

The documentary also tells the stories of people who have shaped this landscape over generations. Traditional farming, a sensitive approach to nature, and authentic folklore create a distinctive atmosphere. Multipart singing from the village of Vernár and other Horehronie communities, inscribed on the UNESCO list, adds a strong cultural dimension to the film.

The film serves as an important project for promoting the Slovak Paradise National Park and its natural heritage, offering a new perspective on biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural identity. The project was supported by the Košice Self-Governing Region through the Terra Incognita programme.

The premiere took place on April 5, 2026, broadcast by Slovak Television and Radio on Dvojka.

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