International Film Festival Cinematic enters his 20th anniversary and celebrates a significant anniversary. In two decades of its existence, the event has become one of the most prominent film forums in Central Europe. This year, Piešťany will once again, from 10-15 September 2025, will transform into a centre for quality cinematography, discussions, inspiring meetings, and artistic freedom.
Since its inception in 2006, Cinematik has been more than just a festival – it has become living organisms of the Slovak cultural space. It maintains its reputation as a festival with a distinct in manuscript form, with an emphasis on European cinema, documentaries and films by young filmmakers. In recent years, the festival has screened hundreds of films from around the world, many of which had their Slovak premieres in Piešťany.
„Twenty years is a milestone we are proud of. The festival was founded with a vision to build a platform for quality film, dialogue, and free thinking. Today, we can say that this vision has been fulfilled. We have created a community that believes in the power of cinema.“ says Vladimír Štric, the festival’s artistic director.
Over the years, Cinematik has established a firm place in the international festival calendar. In addition to its popularity with audiences and growing attendance figures, it has also gained critical acclaim both at home and abroad, and regularly collaborates with renowned festivals and distributors.
The 20th edition It promises to be exceptional not only symbolically, but also in terms of its programme. The organisers are preparing a selection of the very best from across the world of cinema, special sections dedicated to prominent filmmakers, and a rich supporting programme, including concerts, workshops and discussions. Naturally, there will also be traditional competition sections such as Meeting Point Europe a Cinematic.doc.
Every year, more than 100 film professionals, critics and journalists, with visitor numbers exceeding 15,000 spectators in all cinemas. The anniversary edition is expected to attract an even wider audience, not only from across Slovakia but also from abroad. Piešťany will thus once again become a town where film comes to life in the streets, in the cinemas and in late-night discussions.
Cinematik continues to maintain an independent spirit and artistic courage. At a time when cultural values are often reduced to profit and marketing, the festival continues to provide a space for creative work that expresses a viewpoint, conveys a message and has a wider impact. „We believe that the 20th edition will be a celebration of film as an art form, not just as entertainment,“ the organisers add.
A detailed programme and the names of the guests will be published during July and August.