FNE: What are some of the main topics of interest for documentary filmmakers in Slovenia at this time?

Katja Lenarčič: I think there's no "main" topic. There's a lot of interest in exploring social topics, personal stories, observational documentaries and the topics that are found in the immediate surroundings of the filmmakers. There's been an increase of music documentaries as well.

FNE: What in particular attracts you to documentary film production?

Katja Lenarčič: Dealing with topics that I'm curious about and which I find relevant and interesting, combined with exciting and inspiring people (on and off camera) over a long(er) period of time.

FNE: How strongly is documentary filmmaking supported in Slovenia?

Katja Lenarčič: The budget for film production in Slovenia is one of the lowest in Europe, but for documentary films in particular that number is even lower. For example, the Slovenian Film Centre yearly allocates around 2 m EUR for film production, but the maximum amount which you can receive for a documentary film is 100,000 EUR. And sadly it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.

FNE: In general, is it easier to make a domestic documentary or an internationally coproduced documentary in Slovenia?

Katja Lenarčič: It depends on what kind of documentary you're making and the budget that's needed, of course. But in general it's almost necessary to look for international partners (the usual coproduction countries are ex-Yugoslavia and Italy) as it is impossible to work (only) with funding obtained in Slovenia. Not to mention other obvious positive outcomes and aspects of having an international coproducer(s) on board.  

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