UCLA Film and Television Archive, Slovenian Film Center, and the South East European Film Festival (SEE FEST) will present “Slovenia Begs to Differ,” a retrospective of the best Slovenian films from the past 60 years from September 9 through September26 at the Billy Wilder Theatre at the Hammer Museum. The retrospective is curated by Vera Mijojlic and Shannon Kelley. Special thanks to Nerina T. Kocjancic, Slovenian Film Center.
This series features some of the most influential and fascinating Slovenian films from mid-century forward, offering lyrical, poetic and free-spirited stories of endearing misfits. Highlights include Valley of Peace, which won Best Actor at Cannes in 1957; Vesna (1953), one of Slovenia’s most popular films; Dance in the Rain (1961), an elegant and enigmatic love story that often tops national critics’ polls; and a concluding double bill with an ironic comedy Gravehopping (2005), and a psychological thriller 9:06 (2009). Director of 9:06, Igor Šterk will be traveling to Los Angeles to attend the screening.
“Collaboration with the UCLA Film Archive is an important milestone in our almost decade-long effort to expand the presence of films from South East Europe in the U.S.,” said Vera Mijojlic, founder and artistic director of SEE FEST. “It is a great joy to finally bring to Los Angeles some of the treasures of Slovenian cinema that have never been seen here before.”
“UCLA Film & Television Archive is pleased to present a selection of treasures from Slovenia’s rich cinematic tradition,” says Shannon Kelley, Head of Public Programs for the UCLA Film & Television Archive. “The achievements of this film culture are too little known, but the Slovenian cinema offers thrills and pleasures on a par with its famed European and American counterparts. It’s wonderful to be able to introduce Southern California audiences to these treasures in archival prints that magnify the best work of Slovenia’s leading
