Slovenia may be a small country, but it has a big talent pool when it comes to acting. Many actresses and actors have made their mark in both local and international films and TV shows.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top Slovenian actresses and the roles that made them famous. From big Hollywood movies to beloved Slovenian classics, they present the diverse talent that Slovenia has to offer.
Table Of Contents
Most Famous Slovenian Actresses
I’ve created a list of Slovenian actresses that I believe to be the most influential in the industry. I’ll also describe some of my favorite Slovenian movies that they were in, and if you decide to see these movies for yourself, you’ll get to see their talent and contributions to Slovenian film and television.
Nina Ivanišin
Nina Ivanišin is known for her captivating performances in both film and theater. She gained international recognition for her leading role in the 2009 film Slovenka, the alternative English title of which is ”A Call Girl.” In the movie, she portrays an English student leading a double life as a call girl. The movie was a hit and earned her a lot of international praise.
We can also see her in other roles that aren’t always as serious, and she portrays comedic roles just as well. She truly stands out in Slovenian cinema for her complex characters and comedic talent.
Pia Zemljič
Pia Zemljič is a well-known Slovenian actress with a wide range in film, TV, and theater. One of her standout roles was in the popular Slovenian movie Petelinji zajtrk (Rooster’s Breakfast). Her performance in this film played a big part in its success and helped solidify her reputation in Slovenian entertainment.
The movie is a mix of romance, drama, and humor, exploring love, infidelity, and the pursuit of happiness. It shows the struggles and dreams of everyday people trying to find joy and meaning in life. Petelinji zajtrk was a major hit in Slovenia, praised for its engaging story, strong acting, and realistic portrayal of small-town Slovenian life.
Katarina Čas
If you’ve seen The Wolf of Wall Street, you might remember Katarina Čas, the Slovenian actress who made a splash in the film. Katarina has built a reputation for her strong screen presence and versatility in various roles.
Her career began early, with a television debut in a 1988 commercial for the Slovene soft drink Cockta. Katarina became more familiar to Slovenian audiences in 1997 as a host on Slovenian TV, but her international career took off with the role in the movie The Guard.
However, it was her portrayal of Chantalle in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street that truly brought her into the global spotlight. She continued to impress audiences with her role alongside Al Pacino in the 2015 film Danny Collins.
In addition to her film work, Katarina has appeared in numerous TV series across the UK and the US. She’s a talented and charismatic actress, charming audiences both at home and around the world.
Tanja Ribič
Tanja Ribič is an actress and singer famous for her many roles in theater, film, and TV. One of her standout performances is in the romantic comedy Kajmak In Marmelada (Cheese And Jam), directed by her husband Branko Đurić.
In the movie, Tanja plays Špela, a Slovenian woman, opposite Božo, a man from the Balkans. Their love story faces challenges due to cultural differences and Špela’s disapproving father. Božo tries to win Špela back by taking on illegal and odd jobs, which leads to hilarious escapades, like dressing up as Mickey Mouse. The story also takes a darker turn.
Despite the hurdles, Božo’s determination and the couple’s eventual reconciliation bring humor and heart to the film. Tanja Ribič shines in her role, bringing depth and charm to Špela and ensuring her place as a beloved actress in Slovenian cinema.
Nina Ivanič
Nina Ivanič has had a diverse and vibrant career as a Slovenian actress. After studying performing arts and graduating in 1995, she has worked as a freelance artist, appearing in various theaters across Slovenia.
In addition to her stage work, Nina Ivanič has made significant contributions to Slovenian TV and film. She starred in many popular TV series and the movie Outsider.
The movie is set in Yugoslavia before the leader Tito’s death and revolves around a young man from a mixed Slovenian-Bosnian background. The story follows his journey of self-discovery and his attempt to find acceptance in society, complicated by his love for a Slovenian woman named Metka, played by Nina Ivanič. A great movie for those also interested in Slovenia’s history.
Polona Juh
Polona Juh is a highly respected Slovenian actress known for her strong performances on stage. Since 1994, she’s been a key member of the Ljubljana Drama Theater, where she has acted in many classical and modern roles.
Her acting is marked by intense focus and a detailed, careful approach to her characters. One of her standout roles was as Hanako in Mishima’s “The Visit,” which earned international praise for her captivating presence and charming, playful performance.
Aside from theater, Polona Juh has also made significant contributions to Slovenian movies and animated films. Her unique voice is a big part of Radio Slovenia’s artistic programs.
How Do You Say Actress In Slovenian?
The word for actress in Slovenian is igralka. The word for actor is igralec.
If you want to be specific and say that someone is a theater or film actress, you can say gledališka igralka, or filmska igralka. For an actor, you can say gledališki, or filmski igralec.
Slovenian Vocabulary Related To Acting And Movies
Learning about Slovenian actresses means you should also learn some useful related vocabulary. I’ve prepared a list where you’ll find words related to movies and acting.
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Movie | Film |
| Theatre | Gledališče |
| Acting | Igranje |
| Script | Scenarij |
| Director | Režiser |
| Producer | Producent |
| Short film | Kratek film |
| Feature film | Celovečerni film |
| Stage | Oder |
| Dialogue | Dialog |
| Productions | Produkcije |
| Scene | Scena |
| Cast | Zasedba |
| Audition | Avdicija |
Do you enjoy learning things about Slovenia while also learning the Slovenian language? Maybe you haven’t heard of the Ling app yet. It’s a language learning app where you can keep learning Slovenian through structured lessons, starting out with basics. If you’re already at an intermediate level, you can also grow from there. Ling will help you out either way!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was The First Slovenian Movie?
The first Slovenian movie ever made was called Na naši zemlji (On Our Own Land). The movie came out in 1948.
The story is set during the last years of World War II in the Slovenian Littoral, which was under Italian control. After Italy surrendered, German forces occupy a village, and the film follows the resistance efforts of Partisan fighters and the local villagers. The movie premiered on November 21, 1948, in Ljubljana’s Union Cinema and was very well received. It was also shown at the 1949 Cannes Film Festival.
What Was Slovenia Called Before?
Before Slovenia became its own country, it was part of Yugoslavia. It was known as the Socialist Republic of Slovenia within the larger Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991, officially becoming its own nation. That is also the day Slovenians now celebrate Statehood Day.
Watching older Slovenian movies, you can see the life in Yugoslavia and how people lived during that time, capturing the atmosphere, challenges, and cultural richness of that era in Slovenian history.
Who Is The Most Famous Slovenian?
Besides famous actors and actresses, the most famous Slovenians include:
- Luka Dončić, a basketball player.
- Slavoj Žižek, a Slovenian philosopher.
- Melania Trump, the former first lady of the United States.
- Jože Plečnik, a Slovenian architect.
- Anže Kopitar, an ice hockey player.
- Tina Maze, a retired alpine ski racer and a double Olympic gold medalist.
Discovering Slovenia Through Movies
Watching Slovenian movies gives you a glimpse into the country’s culture, landscapes, and, most of all, talented Slovenian actresses.
From comedies to dramas, these movies are a great way to educate yourself about Slovenia’s unique culture. So make sure to add some of these movies to your watch list and watch out for those memorable performances from the actresses you learned about today.
There’s also no better way to learn Slovenian than to immerse yourself in the language, and what better way to do it than by watching Slovenian movies?
