Slovak Films 1993 - 2006

This publication presents all Slovak and co-production full-length films and selected documentary and animated films made between 1993 and 2006.

This period of time was not chosen randomly. Before January 1, 1993 Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia and, thus, it could consider the success and the Academy Awards given to Closely Watched Trains or the Shop on Main Street its own. However, the split of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of an independent Slovakia launched a new chapter in the history of Slovak cinema. In the 1980s and shortly after 1989 there were 6 to 10 feature films produced annually. With a new economic system, film production dropped to 1 to 3 films a year - a fact reflecting that on-going efforts towards continuity rather than regular film production characterized the situation in Slovak cinematography.

Between January 1, 1993 and May 1, 206, there were 46 features and full-length documentaries made in Slovakia. Only nine of them - Rain Falls on Our Souls, Hannah and Her Brothers, Jaseks Dream, Autumn (yet) Strong Love, On the Beautiful, Blue Danube, Truth or Dare, Two Syllables Behind, Here We Are and Terminal Station - were made as entirely Slovak productions. The other films were released in cinemas thanks to major or minor co-production (mainly with the Czech Republic) and financial support from Slovak and international funds.

Despite the low number of new films, Slovak cinematography can be proud of having received such awards as the International Emmy Award (The Power of Good - Nicholas Winton), minor participation in the Academy Award nominee (Zelary), a nomination for a Student Academy Award (In the Box), awards from the festivals in Cottbus, Karlovy Vary, Mannheim - Heidelberg, Palm Springs, San Francisco, San Sebastian, and many others.

The recent years were marked by success with a slow increase recorded in the number of films made in Slovakia.