Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival

The Grossmann Fantastic Film and Wine Festival is a summer event in Ljutomer, in the wine country of Prlekija in northeastern Slovenia, and it combines two passions that do not usually share a programme: fantastic cinema and local wine. The festival is named after Karol Grossmann, a Ljutomer man who made the first Slovenian films in 1905, and the connection with the town is the reason it is held here. When the festival started in 2005, it marked a hundred years since those first moving pictures, and it has since grown into an international gathering that attracts filmmakers, fans and wine lovers.

The film side concentrates on the fantastic in cinema, a broad category that includes horror, fantasy, science fiction and other genre work, and the programme mixes recent releases, cult favourites, independent productions and short films. There are screenings in the evening, often in open-air settings that make use of the warm summer weather, and the festival gives awards for feature films and short films. Guests include directors, actors and critics, and panels and workshops give a chance to hear about the craft, which makes it an interesting stop for anyone curious about how genre films are made. Some editions have marked anniversaries in the history of Slovenian cinema with special screenings.

The wine side is just as important. Prlekija is one of Slovenia's classic white wine regions, and the vineyards around Ljutomer and Ormož produce Šipon, Laški Rizling, Sauvignon and other varieties. During the festival, local producers pour their wines, tastings are held in the town, and the wine is part of the social life that surrounds the screenings. The pairing makes sense in a region where good wine and film-making have both become sources of local pride, and it makes for a relaxed, festive atmosphere in the evenings.

Dates, programmes and ticket arrangements change from year to year, so check the official programme before planning a trip. Accommodation in Ljutomer is limited and can fill up around the festival, so book ahead, or look at guesthouses and farm stays in the surrounding Wine Hills. Ljutomer Main Square is the natural centre of the town, and from there you can walk to museums, galleries and cafes.

The festival suits film fans, wine lovers and adventurous travellers who want to experience a lively local event. Bring a light jacket for the evenings, and if you plan to taste wine, arrange transport in advance. Founded to honour a local pioneer, the festival is a very Slovenian blend of the odd and the convivial. Beyond the screenings, the Wine Hills are the draw, and Slovenia’s film history is told here with humour.