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In April this year, the Governing Board of the European Film Academy designated Prvomajski trg (1st of May Square) in Piran as one of the eleven new Treasures of European Film Culture.
The solemn unveiling ceremony took place in the foyer of the Municipal Palace. At the initiative of the Slovenian Film Centre, the guest of honour was Matthijs Wouter Knol, the Director of the European Film Academy. He and the Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Piran, Christian Poletti, unveiled the memorial.
On the occasion, the Director of the European Film Academy stated:
“Culture is also connected to places. Places that remind us, that have become memories themselves. Today we’re standing at such a place in Piran. The European Film Academy is building up a network of such places in fifty European countries. In the past twenty years, the list of these special places has grown to include sixty: from the Trevi Fountain in Rome and the Potemkin Steps in Odessa, to the famous London bookshop from the film Notting Hill, the Montmartre café from Amélie in Paris and the Bergman island Fårö in Sweden.
1st of May Square is the first Treasure of European Film Culture in Slovenia and part of a growing network of memorable places that people can visit, reminding them of the great and remarkable wealth of European cinema. Of course, Piran itself is like a stage set – a highly photogenic backdrop and a perfect setting for various film genres. And 1st of May Square is perhaps the most iconic location.”
On behalf of the Mayor of the Municipality of Piran Andrej Korenika, Vice-Mayor Christian Poletti delivered the following introductory statement to the assembled audience: “Prvomajski square, the heart of our Old Town, is set to become the first Slovenian treasure of European film culture. Piran is a place where art and history intertwine, with each stone telling a story and every sea view inspiring creativity. It is no coincidence that our squares and streets have become the backdrop for many memorable film scenes, bringing a new cinematic vitality to our city. With today’s recognition, Piran has not only been placed on the European film map but has also reaffirmed its role as a city that respects, preserves, and creates culture in all its forms. Let the Treasures of European Film Culture emblem, which will now adorn Prvomajski square, symbolise both our pride and our commitment to remain open to art, cooperation, and stories that connect people, cultures, and nationalities. I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this achievement and for helping write a new chapter in the cultural history of Piran and Europe with us.”
Bojan Labović, the Director of the Festival of Slovenian Film in Portorož, and Nataša Bučar, the Director of the Slovenian Film Centre, also addressed the audience.
Labović was pleased that this solemn event took place during the festival and noted that many renowned directors have filmed their masterpieces in this square. Ms Bučar emphasised the location’s importance and its stunning scenery for past and upcoming Slovenian and international film productions. She expressed her hope that Slovenia would become even more recognisable on the occasion of today’s historic event and thereby establish itself even more firmly on the map of international film locations. Today’s event also serves as a bridge to even closer cooperation with the European Film Academy.
The Director of the European Film Academy, founded in 1989 by Ingmar Bergman and 40 other European filmmakers, stated that the institution aims to promote, protect, and celebrate European film culture. “We do this with the films which are shot in Europe, and by directing people’s attention to all those who are involved in the making of films. 1st of May Square is the first Treasure of European Film Culture in Slovenia and part of a growing network of memorable places that people can visit, reminding them of the great and remarkable wealth of European cinema. Places like these are important to the European Film Academy.”
He also mentioned the Czech-born director František Čap, who moved to Piran and made eleven significant films there. It was precisely this square that he selected as the setting for the legendary comedy Our Car (1962). The same location also appeared in one of the biggest Slovenian hits of the 1980s, A Summer in a Seashell.
The flautist Anamarija Tomac Krečič and harpist Urška Križnik Zupan performed musical pieces, while the ceremony was hosted by Adrijana Krajnc Vasović.
The event was organised by the Slovenian Film Centre and the Municipality of Piran, in collaboration with the 28th Festival of Slovenian Film Portorož and the European Film Academy.
Source: Slovenian Film Centre
