Ambassador Knez marks Slovenia's continued participation in Cine Europa Film Festival
Slovenia’s sustained presence in the festival highlights the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between Ljubljana and Manila, following the historic establishment of the Slovenian Embassy in the Philippine capital.
Opening ceremony of Cine Europa 2025 at the University of the Philippines Cebu | Author University of the Philippines Cebu
Emphasising the importance of expanding the festival beyond the capital, Ambassador Knez stated: "The regional tour of Cine Europa is a testament to our commitment to making cultural exchange accessible to all. Bringing these diverse European narratives to the Visayas is vital for bridging communities, fostering mutual understanding, and bringing our cultures closer together through the universal medium of film."
Unveiling 'Family Therapy' and Contemporary European Narrative
Slovenia’s headline entry for 2025 is the critically acclaimed dark comedy-drama "Family Therapy" (Odrešitev za začetnike), directed by Sonja Prosenc. Inspired by Pasolini’s Teorema, the film explores the profound destabilisation of the wealthy Kralj family when an outsider disrupts their lives, peeling back the layers of a carefully maintained bourgeois facade to reveal harsh contemporary realities.
Poster for 'Family Therapy' | Author Embassy of Slovenia in Manila
Expanding the Cinematic Footprint Across the Visayas and Manila
To ensure broader audience reach within the Visayas region, the free screenings ran from 13 to 16 September 2025. Beyond Cebu City, the regional tour extended to several key cultural and academic hubs, including:
- Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City
- Cinematheque Centre Negros, Bacolod City
- University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City
- Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building, Bacolod City
Simultaneously, the festival maintained its traditional home in Metro Manila at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong from 12 to 17 September 2025, following an opening launch on 8 September.
This multi-city celebration reinforces the long-standing tradition of cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union. Through Cine Europa, Slovenia and its EU partners reaffirm their shared commitment to international cultural collaboration and the promotion of global artistic values.