In the picturesque alpine setting of Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, the legendary birthplace of the literary hero Kekec, a new initiative is taking shape this summer: the Kekec International Children’s Film Festival (pilot edition: July 3–5, 2026). The festival fills a gap in the Slovenian film landscape by establishing a dedicated, child-centered platform and creating a meeting point for European professionals dedicated to promoting, distributing, and producing films for young audiences.
Named after Josip Vandot’s iconic shepherd boy, a figure who has inspired generations through classic films like KEKEC (1951, by Jože Gale), the festival positions children as active participants rather than passive spectators. Artistic Director Klemen Dvornik: “Our core philosophy emphasises a return to analog experiences: communal screenings, socialising in nature, and outdoor play. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Julian Alps, the festival promotes an outdoor lifestyle where high-quality cinema serves as a bridge to creativity and community.”
The first edition is a three-day festival tailored to the developmental needs of two main age groups:
– Ages 0–6: A specialised “Baby Kino” in a cushion-filled hall, where toddlers can move freely while watching 30–40 minute blocks of dialogue-free short films focused on visual expression.
– Ages 6–12: Curated thematic selections of four feature films and two short film blocks.
Beyond the screen, the festival integrates filmmaking and animation workshops, concerts, and street theatre. Kekec ICFF is more than a public event; it is a professional platform that will strengthen the Slovenian and regional children’s film industry. A central pillar is a regional conference on the importance of children’s cinema for audience development, film literacy, and the role of film festivals and non-theatrical distribution. By fostering networking opportunities, the festival aims to connect local creators with international experts and institutions, including ECFA and KIDS Regio.
Klemen Dvornik: “This July 2026 debut invites the international film community to celebrate the enduring power of children’s stories. We warmly welcome collaborations and programme exchanges with partners as we build new bridges for young audiences.”
Led by Artistic Director Klemen Dvornik and produced by Sagar Kolektiv, represented by Miha Mohorič, the festival is supported by the Slovenian Film Center, the Municipality of Kranjska Gora, and Tourism Kranjska Gora.