Slovenia is arriving at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 with more than just books — it’s bringing ideas. This year, the spotlight turns toward poetry, philosophy, and screen media, three deeply rooted elements of Slovenian culture that are making a powerful comeback on the global stage.
From soul-stirring verse to thought-provoking essays and visually inspired storytelling, Slovenia is showing that literature isn’t confined to pages — it flows across forms, genres, and mediums. And in a world hungry for meaning and connection, these timeless themes are more relevant than ever.
Let’s look into how Slovenia is putting poetry, philosophy, and screen media front and center at Frankfurt.
Table of Contents
Poetry
Poetry holds a special place in Slovenian literature. In fact, many of the nation’s most celebrated authors — including France Prešeren, Srečko Kosovel, and Tomaž Šalamun — are poets. And at Frankfurt 2025, Slovenia is making sure their legacy is felt.
Contemporary Slovenian poetry is bold, lyrical, and unafraid to tackle today’s issues — from climate anxiety to digital isolation. At the fair, you’ll find newly translated collections by poets like Anja Golob, Katja Perat, and Nina Dragičević, who are redefining what poetry can be in the modern world.
Live readings, bilingual poetry slams, and small-press showcases are bringing these verses off the page and into the ears of international audiences. For German readers seeking rhythm, emotion, and authenticity, Slovenian poetry is a fresh discovery.
Philosophy
Philosophy has deep roots in Slovenia, and Frankfurt is the perfect stage to showcase it.
Thinkers like Slavoj Žižek have long made Slovenia a recognizable name in global philosophy. But there’s more than one voice in this space. Emerging philosophers and essayists are now joining the conversation, and their works are being translated for the German-speaking world.
At Frankfurt 2025, expect to find philosophical books that examine politics, technology, ethics, and the human condition — often through a distinctly Central European lens. These aren’t dry academic texts; they’re lively, accessible, and deeply relevant.
Panel discussions and philosophy cafés at the fair will invite both experts and curious readers to dive into Slovenia’s intellectual world. It’s less about heavy theory and more about sparking dialogue.
Screen
Screen media is a new and exciting focus for Slovenia at this year’s fair. The rise of streaming platforms and digital storytelling has opened doors for literary adaptation — and Slovenia is seizing the opportunity.
At Frankfurt, Slovenia is presenting a range of projects that blend the written word with screen content. From scripts and graphic novels to book-to-film pitches, the country is highlighting the cross-pollination between literature and film.
There are even special showcases for screen-adapted works, including poetry-based shorts and philosophical documentaries. These projects bring Slovenian stories to life in new ways and show the publishing world how literature can evolve beyond print.
Industry professionals, producers, and film scouts will find plenty of reasons to stop by the Slovenian pavilion — especially those seeking fresh intellectual and artistic content for adaptation.
Events
To spotlight these three themes, Slovenia is hosting a series of curated events at the fair, such as:
- Poetry Across Borders – live readings in Slovenian and German
- Think Again – a panel with philosophers on AI, freedom, and ethics
- Books on Screen – a roundtable on adapting literature to visual media
- Author-Translator Duos – sessions where poets and their German translators discuss the creative process
These events are meant to connect disciplines and audiences, and to show how Slovenian literature continues to evolve while staying grounded in its traditions.
Meaning
Why are these themes making such a strong return now?
In times of change and uncertainty, readers are looking for depth. They want more than entertainment — they want connection, reflection, and a sense of meaning. Poetry, philosophy, and screen media offer exactly that.
Slovenia isn’t just delivering stories. It’s delivering experiences that linger, challenge, and inspire. And that’s what sets its Frankfurt 2025 presence apart.
Whether you’re browsing for books or scouting creative collaborations, Slovenia’s poetic, philosophical, and multimedia offerings promise something real — something timeless.
FAQs
What poetry is Slovenia showing at Frankfurt?
Works by Anja Golob, Nina Dragičević, and others are featured.
Is philosophy a big theme this year?
Yes, both classic and emerging thinkers are spotlighted.
How is screen media part of the fair?
Slovenia presents adaptations and film-literate content.
Are there live poetry readings?
Yes, bilingual slams and live events feature Slovenian poets.
Why are these themes highlighted now?
They connect deeply with readers seeking meaning today.
