Rogaška Slatina (Slovenia) will once again host the “International Sports Film FICTS Festival”, taking place from June 18 to 20, 2025. This year marks the 4th edition of the Festival and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the ŠKL – School Youth Sports League – one of Slovenia’s largest and most recognized youth programs that has united sport, education, media, and youth creativity for three decades.
Over the years, ŠKL has produced more than 750 television shows, over 1200 competitions, 300 hours of live event broadcasts, and awarded over 13,000 medals. It was also the birthplace of cheerleading and acrobatic performance groups like the internationally renowned Devil Dunkers.
ŠKL holds the official license from FICTS – Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs, based in Milan, an organization with 130 Member Countries and 21 Festivals (including that one in Rogaška Slatina) Racross the world for the “World FICTS Challenge” International Circuit. FICTS partners include: The International Olympic Committee (IOC), UNESCO, European Broadcasting Union (EBU), National Olympic Committees, International sports federations (FIFA, FIBA, etc.), Film academies and universities, AICO, BODA, etc.
Festival Locations and Program
This year, the festival expands beyond Rogaška Slatina to Ljubljana (Faculty of Sport) and Maribor (II. Gymnasium), with additional screenings and guest events.
In Rogaška Slatina
- Morning sessions will be dedicated to youth and school screenings.
- Evening programs will be open to the public with free admission.
The official opening will take place on Wednesday, June 18 at 7 pm in Anin Dvor. Special guest speaker: Mrs. Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO).
The Opening night will premiere the touching humanitarian sports film “Santa for a Day”, followed by a tribute to outstanding individuals in sports, education, culture, and community: Dejan Zavec, Tone Barič, Milena Štular, Rašo Nesterović, Mateja Pintar, Sergio Tavčar, Mitja Rotovnik, Miro Cerar, Goran Dragić, Silvo Pečjak, Matjaž Kek, Matjaž Berger, and Ernest Jazbinšek.
On Thursday evening, the program features the award-winning Russian football film Fedya followed by a reception hosted by the local Women’s Association (Gaja).
On Friday, screenings continue, alongside:
- A mini Olympics for children at the local school playground.
- A 3×3 basketball tournament in cooperation with the Rogaška Slatina Basketball Club.
- The “Closing Ceremony” at 7 pm on June 20, featuring the premiere of a documentary film on Goran Dragić and appearances by Matjaž Kek, Goran Dragić, and Matjaž Berger. There will attend a FICTS President Prof. Franco Ascani.
Special Awards
The Festival will also award primary and secondary schools for the best student tourism-themed films under the campaign “More Knowledge for More Tourism” by the Slovenian Tourist Board. Due to high interest, guests are asked to confirm their attendance for the closing ceremony at: www. info@isff.si
Acknowledgments
The organizers express sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Rogaška Slatina, Tourism Board Rogaška, STO, Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Ministry of Culture, and partners including: Afrodita, Steklarna Rogaška, Hotels Slatina, Atlantida & Aleksander, Klinika Vidim, Fivia, Birokrat, Gorenje, McDonald’s, Osem, BTC, Merit International, IAM, both local primary schools, the Secondary School Center and Music School of Rogaška Slatina.
Special thanks to media supporters: Ekipa Magazine, Radio 1, Telekom’s NEO platform, Rogaške novice, Štajerski val, and ŠKL.
Film program