A meeting with Golden Bear winner Fatih Akin, a masterclass by Afghan Golden Globe laureate Siddiq Barmak, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new JOJ series Na dosah with director Ján Novák, a documentary expedition with a camera to Mount Everest, the phenomenon of vertical series shot in portrait orientation, and a discussion of three European FIPRESCI critics. The industry programme of the 32nd IFF ART FILM Košice (19 – 25 June 2026) will offer film professionals a total of nine masterclasses, lectures and discussions.
The festival’s industry programme is intended for filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, dramaturges, journalists and film-school students coming to Košice for the 32nd IFF Art Film. Thematically it covers the whole spectrum of contemporary audiovisual work – from directorial portraits of world names through series and vertical production, documentary directing in extreme conditions and Slovak montage film, to dramaturgy, journeying as a creative format and a critical reflection on the current festival scene.
Masterclass: Fatih Akin – film director
German-Turkish director, screenwriter and producer Fatih Akin, born in Hamburg to Turkish parents, is regarded as one of the most important European filmmakers of his generation. In his masterclass he will present his major works, the process of creating them and where he looks for inspiration. At the 32nd IFF Art Film, Fatih Akin will also receive the Golden Camera award for his significant contribution to world cinema.
Masterclass: Siddiq Barmak – film director
Afghan film director, screenwriter and producer Siddiq Barmak, born in the Panjshir province, studied film directing at the VGIK in Moscow and won a Golden Globe for his film Osama (2003). In his masterclass he will guide the audience through the process of making films in Afghanistan. Siddiq Barmak is also a member of the International Jury of the Competition of Central and Eastern European Films at the 32nd edition of the festival.
Masterclass: Ján Novák – the series Na dosah
In his masterclass, director Ján Novák will talk about making series and about the behind-the-scenes work on the new JOJ series Na dosah. Visitors will get an insight into how contemporary television fiction comes to life – from the screenplay through filming to the final form for audiences.
Masterclass: A Documentary Challenge – A Journey with a Camera to Mount Everest
Speakers: Lucia Janičová and Paul Diffley
The masterclass will guide the audience through the entire process of making a film shot in extreme conditions, where the film equipment and crew push against the limits of physical and technical possibility. It will cover preparation, logistics, the choice of technology, and how to make decisions in situations when your battery fails below –20 °C.
Masterclass: The Vertical Drama Phenomenon – A New Language of Audiovisual Media
Speaker: Peter Neveďal
In his presentation he will examine not only the technological aspects and dramaturgy of vertical series, but also the psychology of the viewer who today perceives the world of film through a mobile phone. He will introduce the production process, distribution options and how creators have to grapple with the composition of shots filmed in portrait orientation.
Masterclass: Shaping Meaning – Slovak Montage Film
Speaker: Martin Palúch
The event will offer a deep insight into the specific genre of the montage documentary, represented in Slovakia by names such as Paľo Bielik, Ján Kadár, Ctibor Kováč and Rudolf Urc. IFF Art Film artistic director Martin Palúch will explain how the approach to the film archive changed over the decades – from propaganda use to an authorial reflection on history. The masterclass follows on from the presentation of his new monograph Slovenský strihový film (Slovak Montage Film), which is part of the festival’s public accompanying programme.
The Profession: Film Dramaturge
Speaker: Marek Janičík
In his masterclass he will offer a unique look behind the scenes of film dramaturgy, an invisible yet essential profession that shapes the final form of a film. He will discuss when a dramaturge enters a project, how they collaborate with the screenwriter and director, and what decisions they make as a screenplay becomes a film.
Via Slovakia – How a Film About a Journey Is Made
Speaker: Slavomír Duchovič
The masterclass will guide the audience along a route measuring 1,870 km and use concrete examples to show how to connect a passion for journeying with the production of content that resonates with a broad public. The topic is relevant for documentary makers, digital content creators and anyone thinking about how to turn personal experience into a compelling film story.
The FIPRESCI Critical View – A Dialogue on Contemporary Cinema
Guests: Matúš Kvasnička (SK), Pierre-Yves Roger (FR), Clementine Sophia Van Wijngaarden (NL)
Three experts from different corners of Europe will offer a unique insight into the behind-the-scenes work of evaluating films, the workings of world festivals and the state of contemporary cinema. All three are also members of the FIPRESCI jury at the 32nd IFF Art Film.
The programme of the Industry section, the times of the individual sessions and registration options for each event can be found at aff.cinepass.sk.
The 32nd IFF ART FILM is taking place with the support of:
Main organizer: ART FILM FEST s.r.o.
Co-organizers: Mesto Košice, K13 – Košické kultúrne centrá, Visit Košice, ART FILM FEST, n.o.
With the financial support of: Audiovizuálny fond
The project was co-financed by the Košice Self-governing Region from the Terra Incognita program
Main partners: CODES Brand House, H2O FUND SICAV
Automotive partner: AUTO-VALAS
Official hotel: Hotel Yasmin
Main media partners: TV JOJ, Pravda, Eurotelevízia
Sponsors: U. S. Steel Košice, ANTIK Telecom, Kino Úsmev, LOKO TRANS Media, CORE Labs, Technická univerzita v Košiciach
Technological partners: NOV, ZEBRA, Deutsche Telekom Systems Solutions Slovakia, DELTA OnLine, ARICOMA, Datacomp
Official suppliers: DKC Veritas, PLOOM, DOMOS SLOVAKIA, Reštaurácia Contessa, Natura, Kinley, Budweiser Budvar, Julius Meinl
Media partners: JOJ play, JOJ 24, Film Europe Media Company, Rádio KOŠICE, Aktuality.sk, Forbes, Startitup.sk, Korzár, Slovenka, SITA, TASR, Mediaboard, AHOJ TV, See & Go, Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze – ČSFD, Filmsk.sk, BigMedia, Kino Sterio, Košice City Guide, Košice V Skratke, MOJAkultura.sk, diva.sk, koktejl.sk, zenskyweb.sk
Partners: JOJ Cinema, Jojko, Slovenský filmový ústav, WITKOWITZ SLOVAKIA, DDDental, CK TUI ReiseCenter Slovensko, Taper, ECO Technologies, Aupark Shopping Center Košice, Letisko Košice, Rent2Eat, CPK Transport, iWish.sk, Kvety Garomi, Hair Factory Košice, Panta Rhei, LOCAL NOMAD, MIHYRING
Gastronomy partners: Pub u Kohúta, OhniskO Fire Dining & Brew Bar, MAIKO SUSHI, Kaviareň Slávia, El Nacional, Tabačka Kulturfabrik, Casa Trade – Casablanca cafe, Macarons Košice, Savour Patisserie
