Slovenia Next Wave Genre Lab 2026
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 minutes ago
A new lab dedicated to Slovenian genre films Applications now open
It Was a Beautiful Day by Perica Rai
© Vertigo Ljubljana, Mediaspot, Kreativist
TATINO is proud to announce the inaugural edition of Slovenia Next Wave Genre Lab, a new initiative designed in partnership with the Slovenian Film Centre to support and accelerate the development of Slovenian genre cinema. The program is open to writers, directors, writer-directors, and producers currently developing feature genre film projects — encompassing comedies, thrillers, horror, fantasy, action, crime, mystery, and beyond.
Genre filmmaking in Slovenia has seen remarkable growth in recent years, from Tomaž Gorkič's slasher Idila to Sonja Prosenc's satirical comedy Family Therapy (Tribeca, 2024 — Slovenia's official Oscar submission).
Slovenia Next Wave Genre Lab builds on this momentum, to foster the development and international visibility of Slovenian genre films. The aim is to ensure Slovenian filmmakers and their projects are fully market-ready, supported by a clear strategic framework.
"Our vision is to expand the diversity of Slovenian cinema by strengthening genre filmmaking and fostering film excellence. We believe that high-quality genre films can bring Slovenian cinema closer to audiences in theatres. In cooperation with Tatino Films, two Slovenian genre projects will further develop with international expertise through the Next Wave Genre Lab, which represents a great opportunity for us."
Nataša Bučar, Managing Director, Slovenian Film Center
Program Description
The Slovenia Next Wave Genre Lab is a transformative program that cultivates talent and projects focusing on genre cinema, fosters collaboration, and elevates the genre film landscape in Slovenia. The aim is to create a tailor-made trajectory of development support. Over the second semester 2026, the creative teams of 2 Slovenian genre film projects will have the opportunity to take part consecutively in two flagship programs of TATINO: the Full Circle Lab and the Pop Up Film Residency.
The Full Circle Lab Workshop in Bordeaux on 6-10 July 2026 is attended both by the writer/director and the producer of the project. The 4-day intensive workshop consists in individual consultations with script & producer consultants, together with peer-to-peer exchange with other creative teams developing international film projects.
More info on the consultants: https://fullcirclelab.org/full-circle-lab-nouvelle-aquitaine-hessen-2026/
The Pop Up Film Residency in the Autumn 2026 is to benefit the writer/director of each project. The individual 3-week Residency will take place either in Fårö (Sweden) or in Bratislava (Slovakia). Planned dates: 14. September - 5. October 2026.
Details on the residences in
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from Slovenian filmmakers and producers actively developing a feature-length genre film project. The following profiles are eligible:
Profile
Writers, directors, writer-directors, and producers
Project type
Feature film in development — genre projects (thriller, horror, comedy, fantasy, action, crime, mystery, and beyond)
Connection
Project must have a connection with the Slovenian Film Centre (author/director, producer, or project supported by the SFC)
Submission
One writer/director + one producer per project
Timeline
31 March 2026 - Application deadline
9 April 2026 - Interviews with applicants in Ljubljana
17 May 2026 - The two selected projects announced at the Cannes Film Festival
6-10 July 2026 - 4-day development workshop in Bordeaux, France
Autumn 2026 - 3-week residency across Europe
How to Apply
Send a single PDF document in English to the address below, combining all of the following materials:
• Synopsis (1 page)
• Logline (up to 50 words)
• Director’s statement (up to 2 pages)
• Producer’s note (up to 2 pages)
• 10-page treatment
• Script (if available)
• Biographies of the scriptwriter, director and producer
• Profile of the production company
• Links to previous films
Deadline: 31 March 2026
About TATINO
TATINO is a global film and talent development company delivering labs and residencies for over 300 filmmakers annually from 50 countries through flagship programs including First Cut Lab, Full Circle Lab, and Pop Up Film Residency. Its global partnership with Netflix Grow Creative spans 30 programs worldwide. Slovenia Next Wave Genre Lab follows the successful model of TATINO’s UK Next Wave Genre Lab, organized in partnership with the BFI London in 2024.
About the Slovenian Film Centre
The Slovenian Film Centre is the national public agency responsible for supporting and promoting the development of Slovenian cinema. It funds feature films, documentaries, short films, and animated projects across all stages — from development and production to distribution and promotion. Through targeted grant schemes and co-financing support, the Centre plays a central role in strengthening the Slovenian film industry and fostering its international presence.
