Everything Spins: Experimental Film in the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, 1960s–1980s

For decades, the rich experimental film heritage of the former Socialist Republic of Slovenia remained overlooked at home and abroad. Finally visible today, these films prove that the metropoles of the West were not the only hubs of innovative cinema.

Co-director of Alpe-Adria Underground! Matevž Jerman has curated Everything Spins: Experimental Film in the Socialist Republic of Slovenia, 1960s–1980s, a selection of short experimental films showcasing the diversity of artistic approaches and authors from the vibrant experimental scene that simmered in the underground of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. At the time, filmmakers created under the umbrella of so-called kino clubs and within the framework of amateur film. Over time, much of this work faded into obscurity, and only today are we truly beginning to rediscover this history.

The films in the program are part of avant-garde collections from the archives of the Slovenian Cinematheque and have recently been digitally restored.

The programme includes:

• Praškapomlad (Prague Spring) by Vinko Rozman (1969, 11’)
• Nokturno (Nocturne) by Vasko Pregelj (1965, 12')
• Gratinirani mozak Pupilije Ferkeverk (Fried Brains of Pupilija Ferkeverk) by Karpo Acimovic-Godina (1970, 12')
• Vsesevrti (Everything is Spinning) by Davorin Marc (1978, 2')
• Ljubezen na prvi pogled (Love at First Sight) by Tone Rački (1972, 3')
• Serija Dislocirano tretje oko: Bismillah (Dislocated Third Eye Series: Bismillah) by Sulejman Ferenčak (OM Production, 1984, 31')

One in a series of events celebrating the 10th anniversary of BEEF collective (Bristol Experimental Expanded Film), this screening is co-curated with Niyaz Saghari as part of Other Ways of Seeing, with support from BFI Awarding Funds from National Lottery.

With thanks to the support of the Embassy of Slovenia. Supported by the Cultural Fund—which promotes Slovenian culture internationally and is administered by the Slovenian Embassy in London on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.