Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Slovenian Film Centre and what are its responsibilities?
The Slovenian Film Centre (SFC) is a public agency of the Republic of Slovenia that promotes creativity in film and audiovisual production and helps create the conditions for the development of film, audiovisual and cinema activities in Slovenia. It supports the development, production, distribution and promotion of Slovenian films, as well as their presence in Slovenia and abroad.

The agency became operational on 19 January 2011 as the legal successor to the Slovenian Film Fund. It was established by the Republic of Slovenia.

How does the Slovenian Film Centre support filmmakers?
Through public tenders and public calls, the SFC co-finances screenplay and project development, film production, distribution and promotion, as well as other programmes in the field of film culture. The conditions, eligible applicants and scope of support are specified in each public tender or public call.

Where can I find information about Slovenian films and the SFC’s activities?
Information about the SFC’s activities, public tenders and calls, and Slovenian films is available on our website under Funding and on our social media channels. More detailed information about Slovenian films, filmmakers and productions is also available in the Slovenian Film Database (BSF).

Where can I watch a particular Slovenian film?
To find out where a particular film is available, check the websites of Slovenian cinemas and video-on-demand providers. For a public screening, contact the film’s distributor or producer. The availability of older films depends on the condition of the surviving materials, the clearance of rights and the existence of suitable screening copies, so not all films are available to watch at all times.

If you cannot find the film, you can contact us. In your message, include the film title, director and purpose of the screening or viewing. We will help you identify the rights holder or an appropriate provider where this information is available.

Which platforms offer Slovenian films on demand?
Slovenian films are available through various video-on-demand providers, including the Slovenian Film Database (BSF), the RTV 365 Film Library, VOYO, the AKMS platform, the T-2 video library, Telekom Slovenije’s DKino video library and Beletrina Digital.

Where can I buy Slovenian films on DVD or Blu-ray?
The SFC publishes Blu-ray editions of restored Slovenian film classics. For information on the availability of other films on physical media, contact the film’s distributor or producer or consult specialist film retailers such as Filmoteka.

Which films does the SFC offer for cinema screenings and other public screenings, and what are the rental terms?
The films we offer for public screening are presented on our SFC Distribution page. Information about the available versions, booking procedure and screening terms is provided alongside the catalogue, while prices are listed in the current SFC price list.

I would like to use a photograph or an excerpt from a film. How do I obtain permission?
As a rule, you must obtain permission from the relevant rights holder before using a photograph, film excerpt or other material. Depending on the film, the material and the intended use, the rights holder may be the producer, distributor, author, archive or another organisation.

The SFC can grant permission only for materials or rights under its management. Your request should include the film title, a precise description of the requested material, the purpose and extent of its use, the publication medium, the territory and the proposed duration of use. If the SFC is not the competent rights holder, we may be able to direct you to the appropriate party based on the information available to us.

I want to make a film. Where should I start?
You can begin by developing your idea and screenplay, pursuing relevant education or gaining experience by working on film projects. If you wish to apply for SFC funding, follow the current public tenders and calls and check who is eligible to apply and which supporting documents are required. For most development and production tenders, projects must be submitted through a producer who meets the eligibility criteria of the specific tender.

The SFC does not select projects on the basis of screenplays or presentations submitted outside a public tender or call. Applications are considered exclusively in accordance with the procedure and deadline specified in the relevant call.

How can young people enter the film industry?
Young people can enter the film industry through film, arts and related study programmes, participation in workshops, involvement in student and independent projects, and entry-level work on film productions. Professional guilds, film schools and organisations offering training programmes are also useful sources of information. More information about the Slovenian film industry is available in the About the Industry section of our website.

Who can apply to the SFC’s public tenders and calls?
Eligible applicants vary depending on the purpose of each public tender or call. Only natural or legal persons who meet the conditions set out in the relevant documentation may apply. Before applying, check the section on eligible applicants in the text of the specific tender or call.

How many projects can I submit to an individual public tender?
The permitted number of applications or projects is specified in the text of each public tender or call and is not the same for all calls. Before submitting your application, check the documentation for the specific tender or call.

Which date is considered the date of timely submission when an application is sent by post?
The submission method and deadline are specified in the text of each public tender or call. Where submission by post is permitted, check whether timeliness is determined by the date on which the registered item was posted or by the date on which the SFC receives the application. The rule stated in the specific call applies.

How do I obtain an electronic signature?
To sign electronically, you need a valid qualified digital certificate or another means of electronic identification supported by the application system. Information on obtaining a digital certificate is available on the SI-TRUST portal, while instructions for signing and submitting an application are provided in the documentation for the specific tender or in the electronic application system.

How do I use the electronic application system?
Instructions for registering, completing and submitting an electronic application are published alongside each public tender or call and on the Instructions for Applicants page. For questions concerning the content of a call, contact the person named in the notice. For technical issues, use the support contact for the electronic system.

Can the SFC communicate the results of a public tender by telephone or before formal notification?
No. Information about a decision cannot be provided by telephone or before formal notification. Applicants are informed of the decision in the manner specified in the procedure for the relevant public tender or call.

How is the impact of a producer’s or director’s work assessed?
The impact of a producer’s or director’s work is assessed according to the criteria, supporting evidence and scoring system set out in the text and assessment forms of the relevant public tender. When preparing your application, follow the explanations provided in the tender documentation and include only achievements that fall within the required period and can be properly substantiated.

What are the technical standards for submitting film materials under an agreement with the SFC?
The current technical standards and instructions for submitting film materials are available on the Instructions for the Submission of Materials page.

What is a DIP and how does it affect the disbursement of transfer funds for projects co-financed by the SFC?
A DIP, or Project Identification Document, is a document and procedure related to the inclusion of a project in the current Development Programmes Plan of the state budget. Until the necessary budgetary and administrative requirements have been met, the SFC cannot disburse transfer funds for the project. As the procedure relates to a specific project, contact the officer responsible for your agreement for information about its status.

When can I expect payment of a transfer funding claim?
Payment can be expected within 30 days of submitting complete claim documentation, provided that all other administrative requirements of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Finance have also been met.

Are applicants whose projects have been approved for co-financing required to pay the service fee?
Pursuant to Article 2 of the General Act Repealing the Tariff for Services Provided by the Slovenian Film Centre, a Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 42/25; hereinafter: the General Act), the tariff continues to apply to projects and programmes approved for co-financing under SFC public tenders published before the General Act entered into force.

The General Act entered into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, namely 14 June 2025. The service fee must therefore be paid for all projects and programmes approved for co-financing under SFC public tenders published before that date, in accordance with the Tariff for Services Provided by the Slovenian Film Centre, a Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 73/12).

How do I issue an invoice to the SFC as a self-employed individual or a company established in Slovenia?
Self-employed individuals and companies established in Slovenia must issue e-invoices to public funds users. An invoice addressed to the SFC must therefore be issued in a structured electronic format and submitted through the UJP system.

A PDF file alone does not constitute an e-invoice, as it does not allow the automatic exchange and processing of data between accounting systems. Instructions for preparing and submitting an e-invoice are available on the website of the Public Payments Administration of the Republic of Slovenia.

Where can I find information about filming locations and permits in Slovenia?
Information about locations, production services and the basic requirements for filming in Slovenia is available from the Slovenia Film Commission. Depending on the selected location and the type of filming, permits must be obtained from the owners or managers of the locations and from the competent national or local authorities. The Film Commission can assist you in finding locations and direct you to the appropriate authorities, but it does not generally issue permits itself.

When must an application for a cash rebate be submitted?
The application must be submitted no later than one day before filming begins in the Republic of Slovenia.

How much is the cash rebate?
The cash rebate amounts to 25% of the total eligible production costs incurred in the territory of the Republic of Slovenia for an individual project.

Which regulations govern eligibility for the cash rebate?
Eligibility for the cash rebate is governed by:

• the Slovenian Film Centre Public Agency Act;
• the Rules on Promoting Investment in Audiovisual Production.

Is value added tax included in the basis for calculating the cash rebate?
No.

What procedure is used to obtain the right to a cash rebate?
The right to a cash rebate is obtained through a public call.

Who pays the cash rebate?
The cash rebate is paid by the Ministry of Culture from a dedicated budget item upon receipt of a payment request from the SFC.

Where can I find the SFC logo, presentation materials and contact details?
The SFC logo, basic presentation materials and contact details are available on the Organisation page. For additional materials or press enquiries, please contact the SFC’s public relations contact.