Screenings
5. 5. at 18:00 – AGRFT Ljubljana
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8. 5. at 19:00 – Kino Union Celje
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12. 5. at 19:00 – Kulturni dom Cerknica
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13. 5. at 19:00 – Kino Radovljica
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14. 5. at 19:00 – Cineplexx Kranj
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15. 5. at 19:00 – Kino Sora Škofja Loka
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19. 5. at 19:00 – Kino Odeon Izola
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20. 5. at 20:00 – Kulturni center Kočevje
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22. 5. at 20:00 – Kosovelov dom Sežana
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29. 5. at 19:00 – Kino Domžale
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T.B.A. – Mestni kino Ptuj
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T.B.A. – Kulturni dom Nova Gorica
Past screenings:
Storyline
The Slovenian economy relies on workers from Kosovo, but how can the education system support their children? This documentary offers an insightful look into the background of immigration and the challenges of integrating immigrants from Kosovo into the Slovenian school system.
The film follows the journey of four Albanian-speaking children from Kosovo as they navigate the Slovenian school system with no prior knowledge of the language and significant educational gaps. It also highlights the stories of their parents, who are seeking a better future in a new country. Featuring insights from experts in both Slovenia and Kosovo, the documentary sheds light on the challenges of integrating immigrants and explores the distinct characteristics of the school systems in both countries.
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Synopsis
Immigrants from Kosovo represent a rapidly growing community in Slovenia. Historically, migration involved men only, but now women and children also accompany them. Among these groups, children face the greatest challenges, struggling to adapt to the Slovenian school system and
integrate into a new social environment.
The Slovenian school system is often unprepared to address the real issues of integrating children from Kosovo, resulting in lower academic performance compared to their peers from both the majority population and other immigrant groups. The language barrier is the most significant obstacle, as systemic solutions still cater to immigrants from former Yugoslav republics where Slavic languages were spoken. Teachers face significant challenges, while children depend heavily on their
creativity and family encouragement. Many are placed in primary schools with lower educational standards, leading to overcrowded classrooms populated largely by pupils from
Kosovo.
Parents, particularly mothers, play a crucial role in the children’s successful integration, yet they face difficulty engaging with schools due to language barriers. What programmes are available to help them? How can we design initiatives to empower mothers from Kosovo to be more actively involved in schools? Few participate in local community programmes aimed at integration. Many have lower
educational attainment than other immigrant women, are inactive in the labour market, and remain isolated within their ethnic communities.
Through the stories of the four central protagonists—children of immigrants from Kosovo—the documentary examines an overlooked immigrant group. It also explores the education system in Kosovo and the broader context of migration to Slovenia.
Reviews
''New Classmates'' is a compelling documentary that explores the experience of integration and identity. The film follows the lives of four children as they navigate the challenges and joys of building new friendships, adjusting to school life, and blending their different cultures. The documentary highlights how diversity shapes not only the children but also the educational environment, shedding light on the personal stories of children from Kosovo, fostering a dialogue about belonging, empathy, and understanding. It is not just an exploration of multiculturalism in Slovenia, but an intimate look at how children negotiate their identities in a rapidly globalizing world, tackling themes of immigration, community, and the social fabric of modern Europe.
''New Classmates'' presents a powerful, heartwarming narrative of childhood and cultural fusion, offering audiences a fresh and relatable perspective on how young people from Kosovo adapt to their new environments in slovenian schools. With a delicate touch, it addresses issues of identity, belonging, and the importance of understanding in multicultural societies. This documentary will resonate with those interested in stories about immigration, educational systems, and the often-overlooked experiences of children in diverse
Director's statement
režija:Toni Cahunek
The inspiration for this film came from observing changes in my hometown of Kranj, a small yet third- largest city in Slovenia, driven by economic growth and the demand for migrant workers. These changes were particularly evident at my old elementary school, where my sister now works. In 2018, she told me she had started learning Albanian because of the increasing number of children from Kosovo. Back then, they were the sixth-largest minority group in Slovenia; today, they are the second-largest. Our focus was on children who are most vulnerable to the systemic shortcomings
faced by migrants who do not speak Slavic languages.
We sought to understand their challenges, the programmes available to them, and ways to improve their inclusion in the Slovenian school system. We followed four main protagonists throughout the school year and accompanied them on visits to their former schools, relatives, and teachers in Kosovo. These visits provided insight into the reasons behind their migration and their experiences upon arriving in Slovenia. The documentary also delves into the parallel schooling system and the turbulent history of establishing Kosovo’s education system.
This context is vital, as the creation of the film was prompted by Albanophobia, fuelled by prejudice and ignorance in Slovenian society. Many Slovenian parents, teachers, and school principals lack knowledge about Kosovo’s history, its education system, and the reasons for migration. The Slovenian school system faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of the growing number of children from Kosovo. Understanding the background of their migration and the education system in their country of origin is essential for developing programmes, projects, and guidelines to make the integration process more effective and welcoming.
