Quick news

Grace Pudel is an outsider, a bookworm, and loves collecting snails. When she is violently separated from her twin brother Gilbert, she falls into depression. A small hope appears when she befriends an eccentric older woman named Pinky. Memoir of a Snal is a beautiful, emotionally intelligent film that flows between tragedy and comedy, reminding us never to give up on life under any circumstances.

A fantastic film with visual effects you've never seen on screen before. It’s the year 2898, and in the desert that was once Earth stands the last city with an inverted pyramid, where fertile women are taken for mysterious experiments. A group of rebels rescue one of the women, believing in the arrival of the last divine incarnation in the form of her unborn child. Mystical visions appear, an ancient power awakens — a battle for the fate of the world is about to begin...With a budget of approximately 72 million dollars, it has become the most expensive Indian film of all time. Presented with the support of the Embassy of India in Bratislava.

We invite you to the honorary award ceremony of IFF Art Film on Friday, June 27 at 3:00 PM. The event will take place on the stage by the Lower Gate and is open to the public. This year’s laureate is the exceptional actress Daniela Kolárová, whose work has made a significant contribution to Czechoslovak cinema.

Young idealistic prosecutor Alexander Kornev discovers a letter written in blood by an unjustly imprisoned man. He embarks on a risky investigation of the secret NKVD police, uncovering brutal torture and corruption. The film is set in 1937 during the Stalinist purges and was featured in the main competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

“You are like a blank sheet of paper, so vulnerable... My film is about an intense physical relationship, but I shoot the nude scenes in the most artistic way...” These were the words spoken by the famous Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci to the young and naïve star Maria Schneider when he offered her a role in Last Tango in Paris. The traumatic “butter scene” became a turning point in her life and career, raising important questions about the treatment of women in the film industry.

Sanna Fabery de Jonge weaves a unique poem from home videos in Like Tears in Rain, bidding farewell to Rutger Hauer and revealing the unexpected vulnerability behind the iconic face of Blade Runner.

The story takes place in 1942 during the wartime Slovak State. Hungarian widow Marika hides a Jewish boy, Šimon, in her barn near the Slovak-Hungarian border. She becomes the object of attention from two men – a captain of the Hlinka Guard and a German officer. The film is presented on the occasion of Martin Štrba receiving the Golden Camera award. It also features Milan Ondrík, who this year was honored with the Actor’s Mission award at the festival. Cinematographer Martin Štrba and costume designer Katarína Štrbová Beliková will attend the screening.

Today, Alice stands before the judge. She cannot afford to make a mistake. She must fight for her children. Can she protect them from their own father before it’s too late? The film had its world premiere this year at Berlinale, where it received a Special Mention.

Toxic follows the lives of two young girls coming of age in a toxic country, shaped by toxic beauty standards and toxic relationships. They dream of escaping their bleak hometown, where the only perceived path to success leads through a local modeling school. But the promise of a better life drives the teenagers to harm their bodies in increasingly extreme ways.

A guided tour of the historic city center along the KOŠICE FILM TRAIL with Tomáš Galierik and Timea Verešová will showcase filming locations from dozens of movies.

The film location tour will take place on June 26 in Slovak, lasting 90 minutes (at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM). The tour starts at Moyzesova Street 19 and ends at Staničné Square.

The film that won the most prestigious film award – the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year – is simply unmissable!

The documentary film about underground legend Peter Varsavík will have its world premiere at IFF ART FILM. Varso captures the life and work of this unique musician, whose creative journey spans from the late 1980s to the present day. The film will be presented with the personal attendance of the filmmakers.

A film for you, women! In Diamonds, Ferzan Özpetek transports us to the vibrant fashion atelier of 1974 Rome, where female solidarity shines as brilliantly as the colorful fabrics of haute couture. The film won the David dello Spettatore award, given to the most-watched film in Italian cinemas.

An epic, grand, and bombastic saga! A fearless warrior on a dangerous mission joins forces with a brave police officer as they become freedom fighters together. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023. Presented with the support of the Embassy of India in Bratislava.

The duo of iconic Radio_FM hosts – Baláž and Hubinák – who are also great film enthusiasts, will interview special guests on June 25 at 6:00 PM. Don’t miss this exceptional festival event – featuring microphones, studio laughter, and questions you (might not) want to hear.

Guests:

Martin Štrba /cinematographer, Golden Camera award winner/

Katarína Štrbová Bieliková /costume designer/

Pasha Talankin is an unlikely hero – a beloved Russian elementary school teacher, a well-known mentor and jokester who offers students a safe haven in his office. When Russia invades Ukraine, Pasha's role changes drastically as he is unwillingly swept into Putin's propaganda machine. The film won the Special Jury Award for Best Documentary in the World Cinema category at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

Joe the First – a unique cinematic tribute to a legend! Featuring global football icons, never-before-seen footage and information, and a special gift presented to the Slovak Football Association Hall of Fame! Doc. Dr. Jozef Vengloš coached on three continents and was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit in Ruby – the highest honor in the world of football – yet in Slovakia, he has been almost forgotten… The documentary will be screened at IFF ART FILM with the personal attendance of the filmmakers. A moderated discussion will follow the screening, including exclusive materials that didn’t make it into the final cut.

After the death of his parents from COVID, Ľuboš is left alone. His sister no longer speaks to him and blames him for their deaths. The pandemic has passed, but the war between Russia and Ukraine has begun. Ľuboš is given a chance to continue spreading what he sees as the truth, hidden by liberal propaganda. After the assassination attempt on the Prime Minister, he is hired by the owner of a Czech alternative media outlet to investigate the attack. IFF ART FILM will present the film in its Slovak premiere, with director Peter Pavlík in attendance.

We live in an incredibly tense time—for both children and their parents. What happens when a teenager feels uncomfortable neither at home nor at school? When they have no real friends, no support, no love? The easy solution may be to run away from home, but that brings the risk of encountering dangerous manipulations. The Estonian drama Lioness is a powerful reflection on our present reality. When fifteen-year-old rebel Stefi goes missing, her mother Helena has nothing left to lose—why cling to reason when madness offers a chance for reconciliation and love?

Enric Marco is an incredibly charismatic man—except he has spent his entire life deceiving both his family and the public. He claims to have been deported to a concentration camp and even serves as the president of the Spanish Association of Holocaust Victims. Directors Aitor Arregi and Jon Garaño reconstruct the fascinating hoax of the alleged concentration camp prisoner, raising the poignant question: where does memory go when we believe it too blindly?

Fiume o morte! is a hybrid feature comedy docudrama. From a geopolitical angle, it reconstructs – or rather, deconstructs – the utterly absurd occupation of the border town of Rijeka by the decadent Gabriele D’Annunzio: a famous poet, bohemian, war hero, and wildly charismatic extremist. While the film remains grounded in the historical events of 1919, Bezinović presents them in a dazzling display of outrageous formal experimenttion and playful narrative twists. The film premiered in 2025 at the 54th Rotterdam IFF, where it won both the Tiger Award.

The Shadow of Victory is based on the remarkable true story of two brothers from the Norwegian countryside. Magne Havnaa became Norway’s first light heavyweight boxing champion, while his older brother, Erling Havnaa, was a top-level kickboxer and also Magne’s trainer. However, Erling’s involvement in the largest bank robbery in Norwegian history—an event with tragic consequences—ultimately overshadowed his brother’s triumphs. IFF Art Film will present this Norwegian-Slovak-Czech co-production in its Slovak premiere, with the personal attendance of the filmmakers.

15-year-old Ahmet falls in love for the first time—with a girl who is already promised to someone else. He dreams of becoming a DJ but struggles against the conservatism of his father and the entire village community in Northern Macedonia. The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Perla, a painter and former dissident, lives a peaceful life in Vienna in the early 1980s. Her calm existence is disrupted by a phone call, forcing her to return to Czechoslovakia. This journey uncovers family traumas and unresolved pains from the past. Actor Noel Czuczor, actress Rebeka Poláková, and producer Tomáš Krupa will attend the screening.

The humor of Milan Kolcun and the insight of Peter Béreš come together in a unique format. The show Bez šepkára features lively dialogues with guests and witty observations from Košice. Look forward to Magda Vášaryová and Hana Lasicová on Monday, June 23 at 7:30 PM. Musically, students from Vlado Urban’s Private Elementary Art School will perform a diverse selection of film music.

The story of Mikuláš Černák, a man who became a symbol of the turbulent 1990s in Slovakia. Who is the figure once feared by an entire nation, now serving a life sentence behind bars? This four-part television miniseries will be presented in an exclusive pre-premiere screening, with director Jakub Kroner and editor Michal Kondrla in attendance.

From the magical forest straight to the festival! TV Jojko brings you a musical fairy tale full of cuddles, courage, and big dreams. Meet Mojko the bear and his brave friend Kajka in a heartwarming story about emotions, friendship, and the dream of becoming a singer. Author Branislava Hronská will also join to talk about the adventures of Jojo in the new book Jojo, really?! 2.

Expect lots of fun, gifts, ice cream, and healthy treats – for kids and kids at heart!

In the powerful film Dreams, the director Michel Franco explores the fragile boundary between philanthropy and the abuse of power. The story unfolds as a wealthy patron opens her doors to a Mexican dancer—and unknowingly, to her own inner demons.

Photographer and director Martin Kollar presents a philosophical essay that captures the world in both its horizontal and vertical dimensions. Moving through landscapes across all seasons, he places within them the human figure—working or resting, active or afflicted by illness. This is a visual meditation on the state of our presence in a land where everything begins and ends. The film had its world premiere at the Vision du Réel festival and will be shown in its Slovak premiere at IFF Art Film, with Martin Kollar in attendance.

An order is said to leave no room for choice. But is that really true? The story of Kolya, a 19-year-old Bulgarian soldier who took part in the invasion of Czechoslovakia by occupying forces, is a powerful example of how a person’s convictions, will, and strength can be shattered by the decision of a superpower. The Bulgarian-Slovak-Czech documentary I’m Not a Bad Man by Nadya Todorova will be presented with the personal attendance of the filmmakers.

JOJ Television is launching an audience competition to determine the Best Feature Film. Viewers and attendees of the IFF ART FILM can cast their vote online at aff.cinepass.sk. The winning title will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on June 26, 2025, and the name of the prize winner will be published in a press release after the festival ends, on June 30, 2025. Vote and win exciting prizes. More information available at www.iffartfilm.com.

Janek and Wanda decide to reboot their relationship in an unconventional way. They pack only the essentials and set off on a journey along the coast of the wintry Baltic Sea. The film, rich in small, everyday moments, is told with disarming authenticity, blending depth and humor. In director Maria Zbąska, it reveals a distinctive new voice—recognized as Discovery of the Year by the Polish Film Academy. The film will be introduced at the festival by director Maria Zbąska.

After long hours in the cinema, a bit of movement feels just right! Join morning yoga with Jaiwanti Singh, a yoga ambassador from Slovakia with Indian roots. Enjoy a gentle blend of breath, movement, and inner balance. Open to all levels – just bring your yoga mat!

In the park (weather permitting) or at JOJ Cinema 2 (in case of bad weather).

Miša Richterová is an ambitious journalist from Bratislava. After an unfortunate mistake during a live broadcast, she is reassigned to the regional newsroom in Košice. At first, she sees it as a punishment, but gradually she comes to realize that life in the East Slovakia has its own charm. The film will be presented with the personal attendance of director Ján Novák and screenwriter Hana Lasicová.

A young teacher Jakub leaves the city, fleeing the absurdity of his life, and retreats to an old house in the countryside. There, he finds himself in the strange, magical space of a garden that offers him spiritual cleansing, peace, and a new sense of purpose. The film is being screened in honor of cinematographer Martin Štrba, recipient of the Golden Camera award, and will be presented with the personal attendance of director Martin Šulík and screenwriter Marek Leščák.

Anička inherits an old villa with a greenhouse and a dental clinic in Medov. Thanks to an exotic Peruvian herb, she can treat teeth without pain, but this earns her a powerful enemy—Doctor Druml. This film, full of magic, humor, adventure, and a timeless message about trust, help, and courage, will be presented with the personal attendance of the filmmakers.

The portrait of an amateur orchestra from Police nad Metují captures the cost of success and popularity, exploring the crises and dilemmas its members face between their private lives and collective commitment. Director Dominik Kalivoda will attend the screening.

If you want to have an open conversation about love and sex, one of the best places to do so is Scandinavia. People there know how to be honest, free of complexes and pretenses—at least when it comes to their filmmakers. This film concludes the trilogy Sex, Love, Dreams by director Dag Johan Haugerud. It won the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale and is being presented in its Slovak premiere at IFF Art Film.

We invite you to the honorary awards ceremony of IFF Art Film on Saturday, June 21 at 4:00 PM. The event will take place on the stage by the Lower Gate and is open to the public.

One of this year’s laureates is film actor Milan Ondrík, a prominent figure in Slovak cinema.

An allegorical comedy with elements of magical realism about love that transcends even death. The grotesque tales of a family of idlers serve as a metaphor for our archetypal traits—unchanged through the centuries—that define us as a nation, in both the best and worst senses of the word. The highly anticipated film by Rasťo Boroš will have its Slovak premiere at IFF Art Film, presented in person by the filmmakers, including this year’s Actor’s Mission Award recipient, Milan Ondrík, who plays the lead role of Enrik.

The docu- drama by Dušan Trančík uncovers the methods used by the State Security against the French Consulate in Bratislava, which, after the rise of communism, helped Czechoslovak citizens escape across the border. The film will be presented with the personal attendance of director Dušan Trančík, editor Peter Harum, and sound designer Dušan Kozák.

As part of the Late Night Show section, we will exclusively present two interconnected films — both of which are not to be missed. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), directed by Tobe Hooper, has become a cult classic of the horror genre. It will be followed by the documentary Chain Reactions, which explores the profound impact of this iconic film on five artists: Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama. The documentary won the Best Documentary Award in the "Venice Classics" section at the Venice Film Festival last year. Both films will be personally introduced by Alexandre O. Philippe, the director of Chain Reactions, who is serving as a jury member of the International Feature Film Competition at this year’s IFF Art Film.

Come enjoy a unique concert by Celeste Buckingham on Sunday, June 22 at 8:00 PM. For IFF Art Film, she has prepared a special acoustic set with Matěj Vávra and Lukáš Vajda, featuring her hits and well-known film melodies.

Winter 1862, USA, civil war, uncharted territory. The government sends an army cavalry unit on a distant reconnaissance mission into “no man’s land.” And it doesn’t end well. Internationally acclaimed artist, experimenter, documentary filmmaker, and film director Roberto Minervini, who lives in the US, has shot a staged “historical documen¬tary,” – a war western that is strictly realistic, but even more suspenseful and mysterious.

The Chinese film Black Dog premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and offers a unique blend of western and fairytale elements. Its aesthetic is built on visually striking, artfully composed shots. The film tells a dramatic story of a lonely protagonist in an apocalyptic, post-industrial setting who finds himself in a violent conflict with local gangs after befriending a dangerous and wanted dog.

Join the competition for the Most Active Filmgoer Competition of the ART FILM International Film Festival and win a stay voucher from Arietes Marmont Resort **** for 2 people for 2 nights in a TINY HOUSE, or 2 full festival passes to the 51st edition of the Summer Film School Festival in Uherské Hradiště, taking place from July 25 to 31, 2025. More information available at www.iffartfilm.com.

An occult horror film in which a shaman, a geomancer, and an exhumator encounter dark forces and an ancient curse while relocating a grave.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry might never have become a writer and the author of The Little Prince if had he not faced a life-threatening situation in the cold, snow-covered Andes. The film Saint-Exupéry, starring Louis Garrel, Vincent Cassel, and Diane Kruger, was directed by Pablo Agüero — who once only dreamed of a film career while growing up in a slum without water or food, and eventually made his debut at the Cannes Film Festival.

A criminal, poet, servant, politician, revolutionary, warmonger, anarchist, and maniac, Limonov was truly a remarkable figure in the Russian and American underground of his time. He was a major influence – and repeatedly demonstrated which paths were bound to lead nowhere. Kirill Serebrennikov’s new film tells Limonov’s perverse story at the crazy and colourful pace of a roller coaster at some kind of remarkable fair. It takes the viewer from sheer excitement to utter disgust – and back again.

Shashi is a traditional Indian housewife. Her children and husband often make fun of her because she doesn’t speak English. When she has to travel to New York, she quickly discovers that the language barrier becomes a serious challenge—so much so that she can’t even order a cup of coffee. This charming and uplifting comedy will be introduced by Her Excellency Mrs. Apoorva Srivastava, Ambassador of India to the Slovak Republic

1944, Vermiglio, a mountain village high in the Italian Alps. The war hangs in the air like a distant yet constant threat. A deserter named Pietro arrives in the village and grows close to Lucia, the eldest daughter of the local schoolteacher. As the world begins to recover from the wounds of World War II, the family faces an unexpected tragedy. The film was awarded the Grand Jury Prize – Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year.

Greta Garbo becomes an enigma that Lorna Tucker unravels in her documentary Garbo: Where Are You? with visual opulence and an eye for detail, reminding us why the Hollywood Sphinx chose to retreat into eternal silence.

Come witness the arrival of film stars, capture unforgettable moments, and be part of the festive opening night of the largest film event in Slovakia.

Although the ceremony itself is primarily reserved for invited guests, the public has a unique opportunity to experience the cinematic atmosphere right by the red carpet—one hour before the ceremony begins, on June 20 at 6:30 PM.

Every day from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 27, between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, the Singing Fountain in Košice will perform the most famous and popular selected film melodies. The excellent selection of film music was made by Juraj Čurný.

Come and join us — we look forward to seeing you!

Get into the festival spirit and take a photo on our Film Chair of Fame at Aupark near Billa — available daily until Sunday, June 15, until 9:00 PM.

Feel like a true star!