Uljin World Mountain Film Festival 2026: Slovenia, the Guest Country—“Parasite” (Slovenian Version) “Family Therapy” Arrives

Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival has selected Slovenia as the guest country for its 2026 festival and unveiled the lineup of major screening titles on the 6th.

Planned with the support of the Slovenian Embassy in Korea, the “Julian Alps–Slovenia” section brings the country’s majestic natural landscapes and distinctive way of life to the screen.

The most attention-grabbing works are the “Kekež” series, restored to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Slovenian cinema in 2025. Set against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, the film depicts the adventures of a shepherd who fights for justice, and it also won the Best Children’s Film category at the 1952 Venice Film Festival.

Also scheduled is “Block 5”, which has been recognized for its artistic merit at major international film festivals. The film examines the true meaning of community through the conflicts and reconciliations of children who band together to protect a playground, and has been invited to the Locarno Film Festival and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, among others.

In particular, “Family Therapy,” the film that has been dubbed “Parasite” (Slovenian version), will be revealed in Korea for the first time. Through the story of two families staying in an upscale country house deep in the woods, it delivers sharp questions about class and desire, and is a standout film selected as Slovenia’s submission for the 2025 Academy International Feature Film Award.

The documentary “Pastor, Janja”, which follows a female pastor’s convictions and healing process for five years, will also meet Korean audiences for the very first time through this festival.

There are also plenty of documentaries that showcase the identity of mountain film festivals. “Warriors of the Mountain”, which shines a light on the climbing spirit of Slovenian mountaineers, and “Ales Kunaver and the First Journey of the World’s Highest Peaks Exploration Team”, about the life of legendary climber Ales Kunaver, who helped shape sherpas into true mountaineers, are waiting to be screened.

A festival official said, “We selected works that let you catch a glimpse of Slovenia’s unfamiliar nature and culture,” adding, “We also plan to prepare a variety of hands-on programs, including a traditional food pop-up store.”

Slovenia’s Ambassador to Korea, Jernej Muller, said, “I hope Korean audiences will experience Slovenia’s alpine spirit and its astonishing natural heritage through the screen.”

Meanwhile, the 11th Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival will be held for five days from September 18 to 22 across the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center area in Ulsan’s Ulju-gun.