What can the story of a person from another country reveal to us? How are traditions preserved in a rapidly changing world? And what brings us together despite our differences?
The 24th edition of the ETNOFILM International Film Festival offers answers to these questions. Audiences can look forward to documentary films that explore the diversity of human society, traditional folk culture, the values that shape our lives, intergenerational experiences, and the stories of people whose voices often remain on the margins of public attention.
ETNOFILM is more than just a film festival. It is an opportunity to discover the unfamiliar, understand different ways of life, and explore stories that can move us, surprise us, and make us reflect. The true power of documentary filmmaking lies in the authentic voices and experiences of people — in its ability to bring the world closer to us as it really is.
22 Films, Countless Stories and Perspectives on the World
The international participation is further proof of the interest in this year’s festival. A total of 64 films from various countries around the world were submitted to the competition. Of these, the selection committee chose 22 documentary films to be featured in the festival’s competition programme.
The festival awards will be decided by an international jury comprising experts in ethnology, film studies, and documentary filmmaking. The jury is chaired by Prof. Zuzana Beňušková, PhD, from Slovakia. The other members of the jury are Dr Helena Beránková from the Czech Republic and Prof. Jadwiga Hučková, PhD, from Poland.
Each selected film offers its own perspective on life, society, and cultural diversity. Together, they create a rich mosaic of human experiences, offering something meaningful to a wide range of audiences.
The Festival Closer to You: Enjoy ETNOFILM from the Comfort of Your Home
This year, ETNOFILM introduces a revised format. The festival’s competition programme will take place online via the official website, www.etnofilm.sk. This will allow audiences to watch the documentary films from the comfort of their own homes.
At the same time, the festival remains an integral part of the cultural life of Čadca. Public screenings of the competition films will take place at the House of Culture in Čadca. In cooperation with partner universities, public screenings of selected competition films will also be held in Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Nitra, and Trnava.
ETNOFILM thus creates a space for film enthusiasts, students, experts, and everyone who enjoys discovering new perspectives and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us to come together.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss ETNOFILM 2026
- Authentic Human Stories – documentaries that bring real-life experiences, personal journeys, and diverse perspectives on life into focus.
- Cultural Diversity – an opportunity to discover the traditions, values, and everyday lives of people from different backgrounds.
- An International Perspective – a selection of competition films showcasing documentary filmmaking from around the world.
- Online Access – festival films will be available to watch via the official website.
- Film Experiences in Čadca, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, and Trnava – selected public screenings will bring the festival atmosphere directly to local audiences.
Be Part of It!
The 24th ETNOFILM International Film Festival will take place from 23 to 27 November 2026. Take some time to discover stories that bring the world closer, broaden our horizons, and remind us that, at the heart of every culture, there are people and their stories.
For the latest information on the programme, online screenings, and public screenings, visit the official website: www.etnofilm.sk.
ETNOFILM 2026 – A World of Stories Waiting to Be Discovered.
