The first Slovenian Christmas movie, The Beanie by director Slobodan Maksimović, has hit cinemas around Slovenia just in time for the Christmas season.

The Beanie tells the story of nine-year-old Erik, who is staying in a youth home but all he wants is to go home. His only connection to his parents is a beanie that his mum made for him.

Seven-year-old Lučka comes from a well-off family that can buy her everything but a sister. When Erik is selected to spend Christmas with a charitable family, the two kids meet and a true Christmas adventure ensues.

The film was shot during the pandemic in a decorated but deserted Ljubljana, with some scenes shot in Zagreb as well.

Gaj Črnič and Kaja Podreberšek star in the main roles, there are also appearances by famous Slovenian actors such as Klemen Slakonja, Jernej Kuntner, Lotos Vincenc Šparovec, Nina Valič and Primož Pirnat, and the rapper Klemen Klemen.

This is the third feature-length movie for Maksimović and a co-production between Slovenia, Luxembourg, Croatia and Slovakia.