FIRST FILMUP! – SCREENING OF GRAM OF HEART AND A DISCUSSION WITH DIRECTOR JAN CVITKOVIČ
On Wednesday, 25 February, at 19.00, the first FilmUP! event took place in the Trubar Hall of the University of Primorska Library. The event is intended for students and staff of the University of Primorska who share a love of cinema and an interest in in-depth discussions of the themes presented in film.
The first FilmUP! began at 19.00 with a screening of the documentary Gram of Heart (2024), which takes viewers into the world of addiction on the streets of Ljubljana. In intimate interviews, and also through artistic expression, people struggling with addiction share their experiences, memories and hopes for the future.
Nearly 50 attendees filled Trubar Hall and, at the end of the screening, welcomed the arrival of Jan Cvitkovič – the director and screenwriter of Gram of Heart and several feature films: Bread and Milk (2001), Gravehopping (2005), Archeo (2011), Šiška Deluxe (2015), The Family (2017) and Hotel Alkohol (scheduled for distribution in 2026). His films have been shown at more than 200 international festivals and have received over 60 awards.
After the opening questions from the evening’s moderator and organiser, Ylenia Mahnič, members of the audience quickly joined the discussion, as the film had raised many questions for the director. These addressed both the ethical aspects of filming and his personal experiences when working with people affected by addiction, as well as broader questions about society’s responsibility towards this issue.
The event concluded with applause and thanks to the director. After the discussion, several attendees approached him, as the topic had sparked strong interest. Many participants, both staff and students, expressed a wish for more events of this kind, particularly those addressing taboo subjects about which there are many prejudices and conflicting opinions.
The University Library plans to organise FilmUP! events up to four times a year, outside examination periods.
