AGP Executive Report

Arthouse & Culture Diplomacy: CICAE’s 23rd Arthouse Cinema Training opened in Berlin with a record 58 participants from 25 countries, including Slovenia, for a seven-day mix of talks and workshops ending Aug. 30. Literature & Memory: Colin Thubron’s Passage review spotlights mortality and memory through an intimate, adult-focused novel set partly in Egypt, anchored by a Slovenian family thread. Slovenia in the Spotlight (Sports/Pop Culture): Luka Dončić’s Ljubljana offseason has sparked fresh chatter after reports he partied at the same nightclub as former Playboy model Anja Jenko; meanwhile, Lakers teammate Jarred Vanderbilt says he’d like a Slovenian passport. Cycling: Tadej Pogačar crushed rivals in Andorra to win Vuelta stage 4 solo, extending his overall lead to 3:21. Travel & Lifestyle: United Airlines announced 10 new international routes for 2027, including nonstop Ljubljana from Newark. Climate & Food: EU JRC warns heat and drought are hitting summer crops and fodder across western/central Europe, with Slovenia among affected areas. Film & Accessibility: A push to make cinema and theatre screenings more accessible for people with disabilities is gaining momentum.

Aviation & Travel: United Airlines announced its biggest-ever international expansion, adding 10 new nonstop destinations for 2027, including Ljubljana (Slovenia) plus cities across Europe and Japan—Okinawa, Toulouse, Marseille, Luxembourg City, Ibiza, Valencia, Terceira, Olbia and Catania. Cycling: Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar crushed Stage 4 of the Vuelta a España with a 50km solo win in Andorra, extending his overall lead to 3:21. Film & Festivals: Montenegrin co-director/producer Petar Glomazić spoke about the Sundance-hit documentary To Hold a Mountain, now closing the Herceg Novi Film Festival after a global awards run. Culture & Screen Accessibility: A new push aims to make cinema and theatre screenings more accessible for people with disabilities, including audiovisual translation for deaf audiences. Sports & Identity: Slovenian director Urša Menart discussed her Sarajevo competition film Everything That’s Wrong With You, about online friendship turning into real-life intimacy. Climate & Food: The EU’s JRC warns heat and drought are stressing summer crops and fodder supply across western and central Europe, with impacts including Slovenia. EU Culture Politics: Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS says it will boycott Eurovision 2027, calling the contest “a platform for division” amid Gaza-related humanitarian suffering.

Football Governance: Slovenian UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin says he won’t try to replace FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, but warns Infantino must quit or face a leadership challenge in March. Women’s Volleyball: Türkiye kept its perfect start at the European Championship with a 3-0 win over Hungary, after earlier wins over Slovenia and Latvia. Kyiv Resilience Summit: Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska hosted the Sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv with 14 countries, focusing on resilience and stability. Eurovision Politics: Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS confirms it will boycott Eurovision again in 2027, calling the contest a “platform for division” amid Israel-related tensions. Local Culture & Faith: Lourdes’ bishop says mosaics by Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit and remain covered indefinitely. Sports & Lifestyle: Vuelta a España Stage 3 was abandoned after a hailstorm forced riders to shelter, with Tadej Pogačar still leading.

Kyiv Diplomacy: Slovenia’s First Gentleman Aleš Musar joined the Sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv, hosted by Olena Zelenska, focusing on how societies endure war while keeping daily life running. Eurovision Culture Politics: The Netherlands’ AVROTROS confirmed it will boycott Eurovision again in 2027, citing Gaza humanitarian suffering and press-freedom concerns, after other broadcasters including Slovenia refused to participate this year. Lourdes Church Update: Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said mosaics by Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik at Lourdes will be covered before Pope Leo XIV’s September visit and remain covered indefinitely amid abuse allegations. Vuelta Weather Shock: Stage 3 of the Vuelta a España 2026 was abandoned after a hailstorm made racing unsafe, with riders sheltering as conditions turned dangerous. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Türkiye beat Slovenia 3-1 in the CEV Women’s Volleyball Championship, while Slovenia’s basketball scene also felt the Luka Dončić absence as the national team prepares without its star. Local Arts & Film: Sarajevo Film Festival awards crowned Sandra Wollner’s Everytime with the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Film, with additional partner prizes also going to other regional titles.

Children & Social Media Regulation: A Pakistan legal challenge is pushing for rules on social media access for kids under 16, including age checks and stronger platform duties to curb harassment and harmful content. Sports—Volleyball: Türkiye kept its European Women’s Volleyball title defense on track with a 3-1 win over Slovenia in Istanbul, setting up the next Pool A clash vs Hungary. Culture—Film & Festivals: CineFest Miskolc (Sept 4–12) announced its lineup and a new V4+ competition, while the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival wrapped with Austria’s “Everytime” winning top narrative honors. Culture—Slovenian Screen: Urša Menart’s “Everything That’s Wrong With You” lands as a sharp, Slovenian take on zillennial friendship and the strange rules of online closeness. Local Spotlight—Ljubljana Music: The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra made its Ljubljana Festival debut, bringing an East-meets-West classical program to Cankarjev Dom. Global Football Governance: UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin ruled out replacing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but warned a leadership showdown is coming in March. Lifestyle—Melania Trump in Slovenia: Melania Trump shared rare details about her childhood in Slovenia, including how her father introduced her to racing. Religion & Art: At Lourdes, mosaics by Marko Rupnik will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit and remain hidden afterward.

Sports — Volleyball: Türkiye beat Slovenia 3-1 in the CEV Women’s European Championship in Istanbul, with Masa Pucelj top-scoring for Slovenia (17) as Türkiye set up a next match vs Hungary. Sports — Basketball (Slovenia in the mix): Slovenia reached the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket Final after beating France 67-58, while Spain cruised past Latvia 91-53; the title game is set for back-to-back years. Culture — Film: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival closed with Austria’s Everytime winning Best Narrative Feature, plus major acting and documentary prizes across the region. Culture — Ljubljana music: Wuxi Symphony Orchestra made its Ljubljana Festival debut at Cankarjev Dom, bringing an East-meets-West classical programme. Sports — Cycling (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar opened the Vuelta a España with a Monaco time-trial win, taking the red jersey and putting rivals on notice. Culture — Social media & friendship: Urša Menart’s Everything That’s Wrong With You explores zillennial online friendship and its messy rules, with a distinctly Slovenian take. Religion & heritage: Lourdes will cover Marko Rupnik mosaics on the basilica facade ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s September visit and keep them covered afterward.

Vuelta a España Spotlight: Tadej Pogačar launched his first Vuelta with a Monaco time-trial win, taking the red jersey after a 9.4-kilometer ride that set up a tense start toward Spain’s mountains. Youth Sports & Pride: Slovenia’s U16 women’s team fell to Spain again in the EuroBasket final, 87-40, with Spain’s Amelia Alonso named MVP as the tournament’s familiar rivalry repeats. Culture in Motion: Ptuj hosted the 19th Roman Games festival, bringing Roman costumes and bread-making contests to life over the weekend. Ljubljana Festival Exchange: The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra made its Ljubljana Festival debut at Cankarjev Dom, staging a clear East-meets-West classical dialogue. Film & Regional Voices: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival wrapped with Austria’s Everytime winning Best Narrative Feature, while Slovenian talent also featured among top honors. Public Media Question: Slovenia’s RTV referendum is back in focus, centering on whether to abolish the mandatory RTV contribution.

Sports & Identity: Spain beat Slovenia again, 87-40, to retain the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket title, with France taking third after a 78-58 win over Latvia. Film & Regional Culture: The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival crowned Austria’s Everytime as Best Narrative Feature, while Slovenia’s Eva Kostić won Best Actress (17) and To Hold a Mountain picked up Best Documentary Feature. Ljubljana Arts: The Ljubljana Festival welcomed China’s Wuxi Symphony Orchestra for a first-ever debut, staging an East–West classical dialogue at Cankarjev Dom. Pop Culture & Friendship: Urša Menart’s Slovenian Everything That’s Wrong With You explores zillennial online friendship and the messy pull of real-life bonds. Community & Youth: Split’s Plazma Youth Sport Games—Europe’s biggest amateur kids’ event—returns with hundreds of thousands of young participants across the region. Religion & Art: At Lourdes, mosaics by disgraced priest Marko Rupnik will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit and kept hidden indefinitely. Public Media Debate: Slovenia’s RTV referendum frames a €14 question about public broadcasting funding and control.

Youth Sport Spotlight: Plazma Youth Sport Games in Split is back for its 30th anniversary, billed as Europe’s biggest amateur kids’ event, with nearly half a million young athletes qualifying across the Balkans and a week of chess, basketball and more—plus lessons on teamwork and putting phones away. Cycling & National Pride: Tadej Pogačar starts La Vuelta a España from Monaco aiming to complete his Grand Tour collection, while the race’s early-stage buzz keeps Slovenia at the center of the story. Public Media Debate: Slovenia’s RTV referendum is framed as a €14 question, but the real fight is over how public broadcasting is financed and who gets a say. Church & Accountability: Lourdes mosaics by disgraced priest Marko Rupnik will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit and remain covered indefinitely, as the Church responds to abuse allegations. Sports Results: Slovenia’s women’s basketball and volleyball storylines keep moving—Slovenia’s U16 EuroBasket women reach the final after beating France, and Türkiye opens EuroVolley with a 3-0 win over Latvia, with Slovenia next on the schedule. Film Industry: CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival handed out major prizes, with Emilija Gašić’s folk horror “Wolf Days” among the winners.

RTV Referendum: Slovenia voters are being asked whether to abolish the mandatory €14.02 monthly RTV Slovenia contribution, but the question is consultative and doesn’t automatically replace the funding—so the real debate is who controls public media money. Vuelta a España (Slovenian spotlight): The final Grand Tour kicks off in Monaco with Tadej Pogačar as the overwhelming favorite, chasing the only missing Grand Tour title; expect heat, mountains, and a stacked field with Wout van Aert back in the mix. Lourdes Church controversy: Bishop Jean-Marc Micas says mosaics by disgraced Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik at Lourdes will be covered before Pope Leo XIV’s visit and remain covered indefinitely. Film industry (regional culture): CineLink Industry Days at Sarajevo Film Festival handed top prizes to Emilija Gašić’s folk horror “Wolf Days” and Oleksandr Roshchyn’s “Mamayi,” with Eurimages awards including €20,000 each. Sports (women’s volleyball): Slovenia’s national team is set to face reigning champions Türkiye after Türkiye opened the EuroVolley 2026 group stage with a 3-0 win over Latvia.

Migration & Borders: Migrants on France’s Dunkirk–Calais coast say police have blocked attempts to cross the English Channel, with crossings growing longer and more dangerous even as overall numbers fluctuate. Cycling Spotlight (Slovenia): Tadej Pogačar returns to the Vuelta a España, starting in Monaco and ending in Granada, chasing the only Grand Tour missing from his résumé—expect a Slovenian-led storyline from day one. Film Industry (Region): CineLink Industry Days at Sarajevo Film Festival handed out €131,000 in co-production prizes, with Montenegro Film Rendezvous also spotlighting new projects and international coproductions in Herceg Novi. Sports (Slovenia in focus): Slovenia’s Zoja Stirn signs with Purdue, while Slovenia is also listed among teams for the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stop in Bangkok. Culture Memory: Kekec children’s cream—named after Slovenian literature’s beloved character—remains a nostalgic former-Yugoslavia household icon. Youth & Media Debate: France’s constitutional court struck down a proposed under-15 social media ban, reshaping the wider European conversation on kids’ online access.

Sports & Youth Culture: The Under-17 European Inline Hockey Championships kick off in Waterford at the SETU Arena, with teams including Slovenia facing off in a fast, high-energy continental showcase. Film & Slovenian Screen Presence: Fantastic Fest has unveiled its 2026 programme, including a world premiere of Slovenian absurdist comedy Girl in the Night by Luka Marčetić. Cycling Spotlight on Slovenia: As the Vuelta a España starts in Monaco on Aug. 22, coverage keeps circling Tadej Pogačar’s bid for Grand Tour history, with Slovenia’s star framed as the overwhelming favourite. Heritage & Everyday Memory: A nostalgic look at Kekec children’s cream—once a Sarajevo-made staple across the former Yugoslavia—ties a famous blue-and-white tin to childhood and care. Community & Identity: Purdue has signed Slovenian guard Zoja Štirn, highlighting her rise from Cinkarna Celje to international youth success and now NCAA basketball. Culture on the Move: Beijing and Zagreb are set to connect via a new frequent Air China route starting Sept. 4, pitched as a boost for travel, trade, and cultural ties. Online Safety Debate: France’s constitutional court blocks a proposed under-15 social media ban, pushing the conversation back to privacy and children’s rights. Climate & History: Drought-exposed European rivers have revealed a WWII-era steam tugboat wreck in Serbia, once known as the Slovenian.

Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Purdue has signed Slovenian guard Zoja Štirn, the first-ever Purdue student athlete from Slovenia, after a trophy-heavy run with Cinkarna Celje and youth success with the Slovenian national team. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Teona Mitevska is prepping a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” with “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity)” shifting the story to North Macedonia and tackling masculinity and mental health through a satirical lens. Lifestyle & Youth: Luka Dončić’s foundation launches “Stay in Play,” a three-year grant program helping athletes aged 12–15 stay in sport despite costs—rooted in his own Ljubljana childhood. Tech & Rights: The EU’s e-Evidence rules take full effect, letting investigators in member states request digital data directly from major tech firms faster than before. Online Safety: France’s constitutional court blocks a bill banning under-15s from social media, citing freedom of expression and insufficient privacy protections. International Culture: The 17th European Cinema Cycle brings free European film screenings (including Slovenia) to Asunción, Paraguay, with Spanish subtitles. Music & Conservation: A North Wales festival will welcome visitors with giant gorilla and grizzly bear chainsaw sculptures, tied to a conservation-themed program and a talk by Pendine Park founder Mario Kreft.

Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Purdue women’s basketball has signed Zoja Štirn, the Cinkarna Celje guard who led six straight Slovenian league titles and recently debuted for Slovenia in EuroBasket qualifiers—an NCAA leap that could quickly reshape Purdue’s backcourt. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Dina Duma’s Sarajevo competition feature Skateboarding Is Not for Girls turns a youth skate dream into a story about forced marriage, survival, and agency. Sports & Identity: Luka Dončić’s foundation is funding “Stay in Play,” a three-year grant program for young athletes (12–15) inspired by his own Ljubljana childhood—helping cover training and club costs. Regional Influence in the Balkans: A new film, The Creeping Frontiers of the Serbian World, argues Belgrade is building political and cultural reach abroad through “national unity” networks. EU Digital Rights: The e-Evidence regulation is now fully in force, letting investigators across the EU request digital data directly from major tech firms. International Culture Calendar: The 17th European Cinema Cycle brings free European screenings (including Slovenian titles) to Asunción, Paraguay, with Spanish subtitles.

Venice Film Festival: The Venice lineup is finally taking shape, with big-name directors and a spotlight on fresh projects as the festival gears up for Sept. 2–12. Fantastic Fest (Austin): Genre fans get a major treat: Fantastic Fest 2026 opens with Mike P. Nelson’s creature feature Beware Boiúna and screens Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil in a special gala. Documentary & climate storytelling: Hollywood Climate Summit and Jackson Wild have named finalists for their expanded nature-and-climate awards, pushing more environmental narratives into film and TV. Slovenia in the spotlight: Anze Kopitar’s return to Slovenia continues—his family is settling in after shipping and customs delays. EU culture & rights: The EU’s e-Evidence rules take effect, changing how investigators can request digital data from tech firms across borders. Local sports culture: CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women kicks off Aug. 21 with Slovenia in Pool A, setting up a high-stakes continental draw. Lifestyle travel: Slow travel is trending as a way to explore more deeply—less rushing, more regional immersion.

Fantastic Fest 2026: Austin’s genre cinema festival (Sept 17–24) drops its lineup with Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil in a special gala and Mike P. Nelson’s Beware Boiúna opening the event, alongside Carrie and Victorian Psycho—with a clear push to spotlight new filmmakers. Film & identity: Teona Mitevska is developing a sequel to God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya, reframing feminist satire through a new story of a Belgian teen and an incel pact in North Macedonia. Documentary spotlight: Metod Pevec’s prison-set film When I Get Out screens in the documentary competition, focusing on what drives people behind serious crimes and whether lives can change after sentences. EU digital rights shift: The e-Evidence rules fully kick in, letting investigators across the EU directly order data from major tech firms faster than before. Sports in the region: CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women begins Aug 21 with Slovenia in Pool A, while Slovenia’s Veronika Ferjancic shines in youth basketball coverage. Culture & travel: A slow-travel feature highlights how longer stays and regional transport can deepen experiences—plus a guide to quieter pockets of Slovenia’s Julian Alps beyond the usual crowds.