Contrasts - Young People Take the Stage

CONTRASTS – YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE THE STAGE is an unconventional TV series produced by Kinoatelje for RAI - Slovene Program. Young authors present portraits of their peers from the Gorizia, Trieste, and Venetian regions, who excel in various fields ranging from artistic and creative to sports and practical endeavors. The youth discuss topics such as love, growing up, being part of a minority, space, language, and the future. Even the opening credits are the work of a young creative person from the minority community, Pietro Cromaz. Producer Mateja Zorn emphasizes that the series stems from the energy of young people gathered around Kinoatelje and their desire to actively co-create the cultural landscape of Slovenians in Italy while enriching the multicultural identity of the cross-border region. Let them be seen and heard!

All episodes are availabe on this link.

The sixth season is part of the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025, breaking boundaries and expanding horizons. In the 4th episode of the 6th season, the audience will meet Irina Goruppi and Dario Valetič, who present art in two forms – academic and urban-street art. Irina's paintings transport us to serene and inspiring moments in nature, her primary source of inspiration. On the other hand, Dario discovers beauty and potential in empty walls, abandoned underpasses, and unused urban spaces, transforming them into canvases with his colors and ideas. This episode, created by Urban Košir, will air on Sunday, January 12, at 8:00 PM (rerun on January 16 at 8:00 PM).

Irina Goruppi is a young artist from Občine, passionate about painting female figures. Her work often explores various techniques and approaches, adding freshness and uniqueness to her art. Beyond creating, she enjoys nature, hiking, and relaxing outdoors with her boyfriend and loyal dog Chico. As a Slovene minority artist, she sees great potential in connecting people on both sides of the border, enriching the community.

Dario Valetič is a street artist from Batuje who experiences the world through a palette of vibrant colors. For him, graffiti is a form of expression that allows him to bring color to the everyday lives of others. His personality is deeply intertwined with the environment he grew up in – at the crossroads of cultures and stories near the border, which is reflected in his work.

Urban Košir, the author of this episode of Contrasts, says: "This episode is dedicated to art in two forms – academic and urban-street. Irina transported us to serene and inspiring moments in nature, her source of inspiration. Meanwhile, Dario finds beauty and potential in empty walls, abandoned underpasses, and unused urban spaces, which he transforms into canvases with his colors and ideas."

 

In the third episode of the sixth season, the audience will meet Matija Frandolič and Noemi Capuano, two individuals with different life stories united by a creative drive and a strong connection to the environment they work in. Matija draws inspiration from skateboarding culture, while Noemi expresses herself creatively through dance and architecture. Both demonstrate how a love for their profession can transcend borders and build bridges between people and places. The show’s author is Urban Košir. The episode will air on Sunday, December 1, at 8:00 PM (with a rerun on December 5 at 8:00 PM).

Matija Frandolič

Matija Frandolič, a skateboarder, entrepreneur, musician, and occasional actor, finds inspiration for all his pursuits in the world of skateboarding. It is this passion that led to the idea for his own clothing brand. While he enjoys traveling, he feels most at home when he returns to his local area, where he feels a deep connection to the people and environment.

Noemi Capuano

Noemi Capuano, a young dancer, dance teacher, and architecture student, discovered her passion for dance at sixteen when she moved from Trieste to Nova Gorica. Dance opened the door to the world of Slovenian culture and helped her learn the language, enriching both her personal and professional journey.

Regarding the experience of filming this episode of Contrasts, Urban Košir shared:
"In this episode, I present two inspiring young individuals whose lives have been profoundly shaped by their passions – be it for dance or skateboarding. These two life paths encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and significantly influenced their personal and professional growth."

In the second episode of the sixth season, the audience will meet Vili Kokot and David Raida, two creative young men living in the Gorizia area and working in – at first glance – very different fields such as photography, rap, and gardening. However, they share a common reflection on the relationship between urban and rural, what nature means to them, where they see themselves in the future, and their connection to the borderland. The episode will air on Sunday, November 3, at 8:00 PM (with a rerun on November 7 at 8:00 PM).

Vili Kokot

Vili Kokot, aka Viljamsss, is a 26-year-old musician or, more precisely, a rapper. In addition, he is a photographer and digital designer, with interests ranging from skateboarding to many other talents. He enjoys living in contrast between the city and the countryside, between noise and silence. In the future, he wishes to continue doing what he loves and hopes to achieve his goals.

David Raida

David Raida, 29, is a gardener from Gorizia who values the borderland as a great asset. After studying forestry, he embarked on a cycling journey across Italy and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a gardener. He sees gardening as harmonizing nature with the urban environment and is keenly aware that while nature does not need us, we need nature. Whenever he finds time, he loves »escaping« to Sabotin.

On filming this episode of Contrasts, Urban Košir shared:
"Filming this episode was a fascinating experience. On one hand, I presented someone I have known and worked with for a long time. On the other, I got to know someone new who allowed me into their private space. I am grateful to both for letting me portray them and hope you will find them as enjoyable as I did."

The first episode of the sixth season introduces Ruben and Dana, two young individuals connected through worlds intertwined with various passions while maintaining a deep bond with their native Benečija. This episode was created by Alex Chiabai and Pietro Cromaz and will air on Sunday, October 6th, at 8:00 PM (repeat on October 10th at 8:00 PM).

Ruben

Ruben comes from the small village of Petjag, where he developed a love for music, particularly electronic, at an early age. Over time, he has gained recognition as a DJ and producer in the Slovenian underground music scene, known for his original approach and unique fusion of local and global sounds. Performing at various alternative venues, from small clubs to larger festivals, Ruben is gradually attracting a growing fan base that appreciates his distinctive creative vision. Despite his rising success, he remains humble, deeply dedicated to his music, and always open to new artistic challenges. At his core, Ruben is still the boy from Petjag, deeply connected to the landscape that inspires and grounds him.

Dana

Dana, on the other hand, leads a more nomadic life. She grew up in Sorzento but has spent the past decade exploring the world. Initially driven by her studies, she pursued marketing and international relations at prestigious universities across Europe. These experiences opened many doors to the world of fashion marketing, where she began building her career. Currently employed by Bogner, a renowned German fashion brand, she manages digital marketing campaigns and collaborates with numerous influencers and creative teams. Her schedule is packed with work commitments, business trips, and events, yet despite her success in Munich, she often dreams of returning to Benečija to rediscover her roots. In the quiet of the countryside and the slow rhythm of daily life, she finds the balance often missing in the fast-paced world of fashion runways and digital trends.

"Through the latest episode of Contrasts, we discover how Ruben's love for music and Dana's career in the fashion world co-create a unique mosaic of identity, deeply rooted in their native Benečija. We are thrilled to share their stories, which often go unheard in these remote areas." – Alex Chiabai and Pietro Cromaz

Season 5 is produced as part of the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025. Reflecting the show's ethos of crossing borders and broadening horizons, the latest episode presents a new cross-border narrative. In the fourth episode of the fifth season, audiences will meet Karin Likar, a young animation student from Ajdovščina, and Jaš Bensa, a Ph.D. student in physics at the University of Ljubljana. This episode, created by Lina Bensa and Urban Košir, will air on Sunday, January 7th, at 8:00 PM (repeat on January 11th at 8:00 PM).

Jaš Bensa

Jaš Bensa is from Gorizia and is pursuing a PhD. in physics at the University of Ljubljana. During his studies, he ventured abroad, spending several months in New Jersey in 2019 through an exchange program organized by the American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF). His master’s thesis was published in the prestigious scientific journal Physical Review X in 2021, and in 2022, he received the Prešeren Award from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics in Ljubljana. His days are marked not only by a passion for science but also by an active dedication to sports, especially basketball and climbing. Despite his time abroad, he has found his home in the border region.

Karin Likar

Karin Likar, from Ajdovščina, studies animation at the Academy of Arts at the University of Nova Gorica. Beyond her studies, she engages in numerous activities with young people, serving as a mentor at the International Youth Film Camp in Nova Gorica, workshops, and Kinoatelje film projects. If she hadn’t chosen animation, she might have pursued mathematics, a dual love that informs her daily life with both order and creative chaos from the world of art.

"Collaborating with the Kinoatelje team on Contrasts as an assistant to director Urban Košir was an incredibly fulfilling experience. During this process, I had the opportunity to meet many fascinating individuals, including our featured guests. Despite their differences, they both proved to be exceptionally kind, enriching our work. Their unique perspectives added a special charm to the entire experience, inspiring me and making me look forward to future projects." – Lina Bensa

"I have been part of Contrasts since the very beginning, helping develop the concept into a popular artistic documentary showcasing young talents from our region. This time, I stepped into the role of director for the first time. I thoroughly enjoyed the process, getting to know two fascinating individuals. I’m excited to share their stories with you through my audiovisual language." – Urban Košir

In the spirit of transcending the boundaries of the show and its horizons, we have crossed the border and created the first cross-border episode. In the third episode of the fifth season, audiences will meet Enej Ljubič Šinigoj, a composer and multi-instrumentalist from Nova Gorica, and Matteo Parenzan, a Paralympic table tennis champion from Trieste. This episode, created by Jan Devetak, will air on Sunday, December 3rd, at 8:00 PM (repeat on December 7th at 8:00 PM).

Enej Ljubič Šinigoj

Enej Ljubič Šinigoj is a student of archaeology, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Nova Gorica. He is deeply immersed in art and musical experimentation, exploring new instruments, musical genres, and their boundaries.

Matteo Parenzan

Matteo Parenzan is a young man from Trieste with a passion for sports. Despite physical limitations due to a muscular condition, he has risen to the pinnacle of table tennis, becoming a Paralympic world champion.

"I have been part of Contrasts for five years, growing alongside the TV series. This year, I contributed to the first cross-border episode, showcasing the diversity of our region. It inspired me to adopt an even more dynamic audiovisual language, characterized by quick cuts and a documentary approach to portraying the featured individuals. As always, I strive to shape each episode as a documentary, an approach I explore daily in various contexts." – Jan Devetak

Episode 5x02

In the second episode of the 5th season, the audience will meet Antje Gruden and Tamara Podveršič, two young individuals who are actively performing in various fields. This episode will be aired on Sunday, November 5, at 8:00 PM (repeated on November 9 at 8:00 PM). The creators of the show are Ines Lakovič and Peter Persoglia, with the visual identity contributed by Urban Košir. The fifth season is produced within the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.

Antje Gruden

Antje Gruden, a young student, municipal councilor, and much more, leads a dynamic life filled with various contrasts. Her world is a mosaic of passions drawn from personal stories, travels, and culture. Although deeply connected to the diaspora, she is also drawn to the wider world.

Tamara Podveršič

Tamara Podveršič, an active 28-year-old from Doberdob, develops her passion for winemaking like a young wine aging in a barrel. In a blend of tradition, experimentation, and inspiration gained from numerous experiences abroad, she creates wines that reflect her strong connection to nature and respect for her roots.

Ines Lakovič says: "Creating the Contrasts series was a unique and first-time experience. I chose these portrait subjects because I wanted to present two strong and ambitious young women to the audience, their dynamism, diversity, and passion for life and all they engage with.

From the very beginning, from shaping the idea to the first conversations and filming, I let myself be inspired and reflected on through the process. Both of them made me think about how my life is also filled with contrasts. With one foot in the world but a deep love for my homeland, I realize the importance of preserving cultural identity, while at the same time understanding the importance of remaining open to everything the world has to offer. I am extremely grateful to Kinoatelje, with which I have collaborated for many years, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this story, and to my colleagues Peter and Urban, who helped make each step of this experience even more valuable."

Peter Persoglia says: "I have been working with Kinoatelje for many years as a technician, but this time I had the opportunity to try myself in creative expression, which is particularly close to my heart. The portrait subjects and their work surprised me greatly, as they showed exceptional strength, drive, and excellence in fields traditionally not occupied by women."

Episode 5x01

In the first episode of the 5th season, the audience will meet two portrait subjects from the Nadiške valleys. This episode will air on Sunday, October 22, at 8:00 PM (repeated on October 26 at 8:00 PM). This time, the episode features young musicians Matteo Parillaud and Fanika Coren. The authors of this episode are Alex Chiabai and Pietro Cromaz. The fifth season is produced within the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.

Matteo Parillaud and Fanika Coren

Matteo Parillaud moved from Paris to an old family house in Pocera (Pozzera), a village surrounded by forests on the slopes of Mount Matajur. His love for the land and nature, passed down by his ancestors, led him to learn old crafts and take care of the surroundings.

Fanika Coren has a deep passion for art. She started playing the cello in childhood and today studies painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. The stark contrast between the chaotic life in the Italian capital and the peace she feels when returning home makes her appreciate the beauty of the Veneto region even more.

"Creating an episode of the Contrasts series gave us the opportunity to get to know two young individuals developing a shared music project and eager to experiment. We were thrilled to present their stories, which are often unheard in these remote areas." - Alex Chiabai and Pietro Cromaz

Episode 4x03

In the third episode of the 4th season, the audience will meet two portrait subjects who talk about love, growing up, the diaspora, space, language, and the future. This episode will air on Sunday, December 4, at 8:00 PM (repeated on December 8 at 8:00 PM). The episode features young singer Tijana Borić (Tish) and illustrator Jurij Devetak. The author of this episode is Jan Devetak.

Tijana Borić - Tish

Tijana Borić – Tish has been involved in various fields of artistic creation from a young age, such as photography, drawing, and music. She is best known to the public for her songs and as a finalist on the television show Amici di Maria De Filippi, where she gained great popularity, still followed by her audience today. Tijana is a versatile personality with an interest in various fields, where she also excels.

Jurij Devetak

Jurij Devetak is an illustrator and comic book author, aiming to tell complex ideas, thoughts, and stories through images and graphic language, even though some of them may seem too painful to tell at first glance. A few months ago, Jurij published his first graphic novel, Nekropola, at Mladinska knjiga, following the masterpiece of Boris Pahor with the same title. For Jurij, it is crucial to address young people with his art, which he will also do in his upcoming literary publication.

"Although I have lived and worked in Milan for years, I still feel, and I believe I will always maintain, a strong connection to my hometown of Gorizia. I can claim to feel at home in both Milan and Gorizia, and I truly hope that my passion for creation allows me to leave a mark in both places. In me, contrasts unfold between niche and mainstream, hobby and profession, silence and noise.

Contaminatio remains one of my favorite words that I learned in high school. What I learned in Milan, in the world of fashion, music, advertising, and documentary form, I pour into my new episode of Contrasts, where portrait and self-portrait become one," says the author of the episode, Jan Devetak.

Episode 4x02

The second episode of the 4th season of Contrasts will air on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 8:00 PM. This episode introduces professional athlete Caterina Sinigoi and financial analyst Cristian Visintin. The director of the episode is Alexander Faganel. The episode will be repeated on November 10, 2022, at 8:00 PM.

Caterina Sinigoi

Caterina Sinigoi, a 19-year-old professional athlete from Nabrežina, is passionate about skiing. Her parents and sister Giorgia support her in achieving her goals, such as competing in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.

Cristian Visintin

Cristian Visintin, a 25-year-old from Gorizia, has worked in radio and television for years and currently works as a financial analyst. In his spare time, he is involved in basketball and plays the piano.

Alexander Faganel believes: "I wanted to create an episode where the word 'contrast' clearly expresses itself through reflections on belonging as well as in daily life, where science and art intersect into something greater. I believe that contrasts are the foundation of every development and indeed our life by the border."

Episode 4x01

The format remains unchanged for the fresh 4th season. There will be three episodes in which the audience meets two portrait subjects who talk about love, growing up, diaspora, space, language, and the future. The first episode of the new season will air on Sunday, October 9, at 8:00 PM (repeated on October 13 at 8:00 PM). This episode features young model Marvi Nanut and violinist Aleš Lavrenčič. The directors of the episode are Danijel Bukovec and Peter Persoglia.

Marvi (Maria Vittoria) Nanut

Marvi (Maria Vittoria) Nanut entered the world of fashion after completing higher education. She began as an amateur in her home environment and later, after moving to Milan, collaborated regularly with various fashion houses while studying communication studies. Lately, she has also focused on running.

Aleš Lavrenčič

Aleš Lavrenčič, now a violinist in the famous Arena di Verona orchestra, tells us how his love for music grew alongside him from a young age. We can envy him for successfully advancing on his professional path without having to give up his interests. This also requires talent, perseverance, and a bit of luck.

"The selection of portrait subjects is the biggest challenge that the upgrade of the series presents as we meet interesting young members of the diaspora. For this year's fourth season of Contrasts, I chose two portrait subjects who are on very different professional paths, have already achieved significant results, and at the same time represent a unique contrast with their choices," says Danijel Bukovec, the author of the first episode.

"I have been collaborating with Kinoatelje for a long time, working as a technician for film screenings and also as a mentor at film camps and workshops. The greatest challenge and satisfaction comes from co-creating the show Contrasts, where I can express my authorial approach both in editing and filming," adds Peter Persoglia, co-author of the episode.

Episode 3x03

The last episode of the third season of Contrasts will air on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at 8:00 PM. This time, the show features young graphic designer Ivan Persoglia and singer Martina Gergolet. As always, it is the result of teamwork. It was directed by Danijel Bukovec, edited by Peter Persoglia, and the visual identity was contributed by Urban Košir and Alexander Faganel. The episode will be repeated on January 6, 2022, at 8:00 PM.

Ivan Persoglia

Ivan Persoglia, a graphic designer who collaborates with the Novi Glas newspaper and studies at the New Academy of Fine Arts (NABA) in Milan, tells the story of how his passion for aesthetics was born after finishing technical school. He explains his principles related to graphic creation—rules to follow in order to create a successful composition. The discussion also touches on his current studies in Milan and future projects.

Martina Gergolet

Martina Gergolet is one of the youngest guests to have appeared on Contrasts. She talks about her love for music, her success at the "Monfalcone talent show" where she won with the song "L'unico posto," and about a new project where she is collaborating with the famous Italian producer Andrea Rigonat.

"In the last episode of the third season of Kontrasti, we continued to experiment and test new combinations in assigning roles in the creative process. The production of the episode was quite challenging from a logistical standpoint. The featured personalities are interesting, offering great potential despite being at the beginning of their journeys. I believe the key word for this episode is ‘future’—a moment where we focus on searching for new formulas to renew and improve the current model of the show." – Danijel Bukovec

Episode 3x02

The latest episode of Contrasts, featuring portraits of Erik Purič and the music group Buss band, will air on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 8:00 PM. The unique feature of this episode is the teamwork involved; Danijel Bukovec and Alexander Faganel are credited as the authors, with Peter Persoglia handling the editing and Urban Košir contributing to the visual identity. The episode will be repeated on November 11, 2021, at 8:00 PM.

Erik Purič

Erik Purič, also known by his stage name Johnny Reed, talks with passion about his solo music career, the current topics in the music world, and his physical and mental preparation for concerts. He also shares insights into how he and his band members organize rehearsals and gives a glimpse into his upcoming projects.

Buss Band

The Buss band, alias Erik Carpani, Ivan Kralj, and Patrik Pregarc, is a trio from Trieste who discovered their love for rock music in their teenage years. When standing in front of them in a smoky studio, you immediately notice that they are something special. Their approach harkens back to the traditions of great bands from the 70s, traditions that they believe is almost extinct today. Although music can't always support them financially, as Erik puts it, they have achieved good success in recent years with their EP and are now preparing a new album.

"This season of Contrasts is marked by a new approach to production. Due to logistical reasons, as well as the desire to combine the film languages of various authors, we decided to produce the last two episodes in tandem with Alexander Faganel and myself. Additionally, we included a new editor, Peter Persoglia, who edited the entire episode. This episode is, therefore, experimental—a new approach we still need to develop further. However, I believe the work has yielded positive results." – Danijel Bukovec

"Kontrasti – Young People Take The Stage  is a TV series where we present the borderland space through the portraits of interesting young personalities. It’s an environment where we were born, met, and grew up. The show is a chance to introduce our talents to a wider audience and to reconnect with our roots." – Alexander Faganel

"I have been collaborating with Kinoatelje for a while now, and I can honestly say that I’ve always had great experiences. However, this is the first time I’ve contributed to Contrasts I handled the editing of this episode, and I must admit it was a real challenge since it was created by two collaborators, each with their own approach to shooting and conceptualizing the narrative. I had to connect the raw footage—captured moments and thoughts of the featured personalities—into a cohesive story. I believe the episode is interesting, as its main theme is music." – Peter Persoglia

Episode 3x01

The new season begins on Sunday, October 3, 2021, with portraits of Sanja Žagar and Luca Ajdić Bosnić. The author of the episode is Jan Devetak.

Sanja Žagar

Sanja Žagar, a young law student at the University of Trieste, comes from Bazovica. She is also Miss Riviera Resort 2020 and, in addition to her studies, is passionate about journalism. She has been collaborating with the Primorski dnevnik newspaper for years, writing for the @Direkt column, and draws her inspiration from nature and her local environment.

Luca Ajdic Bosnic

Luca Ajdic Bosnic, a creator of online content, was once very active on social media. Born and raised in Gorizia, he now feels at home in Amsterdam, Hamburg, or any other European city. He is currently working on developing strategic projects that promote green technologies in the field of European investment funds.

"When I left Gorizia for Milan, which became my new home, Kinoatelje and my friends were just beginning to develop the Contrasts TV series, where we wanted to present young Slovenes in Italy. Three years have passed, and much has changed, including ourselves. However, we are still continuing with the portraits of young borderland people who we believe are making a difference in our microcosm and have something interesting to say. The format remains almost unchanged as we capture the moments and thoughts of our peers. Even though I’m physically distant, I still create Contrasts with great joy and passion. I feel connected to my home environment, the land where I was born." – Jan Devetak

Episode 2x03

In this episode, which aired on January 10, 2021, we feature Giulia Rorato and Giorgia Sinigoi. The author is Danijel Bukovec.

Giulia Rorato

Giulia Rorato, an eighteen-year-old from Ronke, graduated last year from the Prešeren high school in Trieste. She plans to continue her studies in translation at the University of Trieste. Proud of her multilingual environment, she is also a recipient of the prestigious award given by the European Commission for young translators.

"I am convinced that the things we love make us the happiest, and I hope to combine my profession with what I truly love," she says.

Giorgia Sinigoi

Giorgia Sinigoi, from Nabrežina, has been sailing since a young age. She has participated in many high-level competitions, including the Barkovljanka in Trieste. Interested in science, she plans to continue her studies in medicine.

"Sailing taught me how to travel, and through my travels, I’ve visited some of the most distant parts of the world and learned foreign languages. I’ve made lifelong friendships, and those will always have a special place in my heart."

"Creating Contrasts is a real challenge for me. It’s given me the opportunity to meet fascinating people I wouldn’t have otherwise known, even though they live only a few kilometers away from me. The new episode is particularly interesting because it highlights the successful balance between academic careers and personal interests, a crucial dichotomy for any person’s development." – Danijel Bukovec

Episode 2x02

In this episode, which aired on December 6, 2020, Yao Agbetiafa and Jakob Sancin are featured, with Jan Devetak as the author.

Yao Agbetiafa

Yao Agbetiafa is a 25-year-old kickboxer from Gorizia. His mother is from Podgora, and his father is from the African country of Togo. Yao got involved in this sport during his teenage years and, through time and effort, achieved the Italian, intercontinental, and world WKA title in the 72 kg category. Despite his global successes, his roots in the borderland region remain a proud part of him.

"Kickboxing at high levels is mostly about sacrifice. If you want to achieve your goals, you have to sacrifice. The love for this sport sometimes crosses paths with the love for other people, but if those people really love you, they will understand."

Jakob Sancin

Jakob Sancin is a 20-year-old photographer from Trieste, focusing on portrait and street photography. He is inspired by travel, art, and love. In his work, content and form are closely connected, with an emphasis on capturing the moment.

"Love is what gives me the most inspiration. In life, in general, and in photography, which is what I do. I follow the philosophy that something beautiful can be found in any moment. With this philosophy, I also take photos, always looking for beauty in every situation, in every moment, and always trying to capture love."

Author Jan Devetak's statement: "Kontrasti – Young People Present Themselves is a TV series where young people talk about young people. The borderland is the microcosm where I grew up. I love my land, I like to observe it and tell its stories. Creating this series gave me the opportunity to meet very interesting people among my peers, the right interlocutors. We portrayed them to remind us of the strong inspiration that we young people in the borderland have."

Episode 2x01

In the first episode of the second season, which aired on October 4, 2020, Jasmina Gruden and Luka Paljk are presented, with Alexander Faganel as the author.

Jasmina Gruden

Jasmina Gruden is a first-year graduate student of civil engineering at the University of Trieste, and she is from Boljunec. She works as an announcer for the Rai Slovenian Program on Radio Trst A and Televizija Koper in the show Športel. Her passion is theater, and in her free time, she enjoys sewing and creating clothes from various materials.

"My world is a constant intertwining of art and technique—by technique, I mean the study of engineering, which is a world of pure logic, and by art, I mean theater and sewing."

Luka Paljk

Luka Paljk is a student of mathematics and physics at the University of Ljubljana, from Terzo near Gorizia. Alongside his studies in the sciences, he also nurtures a love for writing prose and poetry. Music is a constant in his life, and he plays the saxophone; he is also a member of the Emil Komel choir.

"I’m not an artist, a writer, a poet, or an author. I’m just a person who likes to write something down and find the right words for the right feelings and ideas."

Author Alexander Faganel's statement: "Contrasts – Young People Take The Stage is a TV series where we present the borderland environment through portraits of young, interesting personalities. It’s the environment where we were born, met, and grew up. The TV series Contrasts is an opportunity for us to present our talents to a wider audience and reconnect. I wanted to create an episode where, through the thoughts of the featured personalities, the word 'contrast' is clearly expressed, either through the question of belonging or everyday life, where science and art merge into something bigger. I believe contrasts are the foundation of every development and, in general, of our life on the border."

Episode 1x02

In the second episode, which aired on December 29, 2019, Pietro Cromaz and Anna Turel are introduced. Danijel Bukovec is the author of this episode, edited by Jan Devetak, with visual contributions by Danijel Bukovec and Urban Košir.

Pietro Cromaz

Pietro Cromaz, a student at the Academy of Arts at the University of Nova Gorica, is active in several fields. He primarily expresses himself through film and music, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature typical of the Venetian region.

Anna Turel

Anna Turel is a young athlete and was among the winners of the European Under-16 Basketball Championship in 2018. She comes from a mixed family and has a strong connection to Gorizia and the borderland region. She also points out the shortcomings of our area regarding sports.

Author Danijel Bukovec's statement: "Creating the Contrasts show was a new experience for me, as it was my first time working with documentary footage for television. It was a real challenge for me, which allowed me to acquire new skills while also giving me the opportunity to get to know the borderland better and meet interesting people we don’t know much about, even though they live just a few kilometers away from us."

Episode 1x01

In the first episode, which aired on December 1, 2019, Undefined, a rapper from Gorizia, and Sofia Kafol, a dancer from Trieste, are featured. Jan Devetak is the author, with visual contributions from Daniel Bukovec and Urban Košir, and Pietro Cromaz created the opening title.

Undefined

Undefined is a borderland rapper from the Gorizia area, for whom the only possible definition is undefinition. In his songs, he freely expresses the thoughts and observations of a young person marked by the cross-border environment and a multilingual identity.

Sofia Kafol

Sofia Kafol is a young talented dancer from a mixed family in Trieste. She chose the universal language of dance to express her inner world through the body and movement, which is primarily nourished by the cultural diversity of our region.

Author Jan Devetak's statement: "Contrasts – Young People Take The Stage is a TV series where young people talk about young people. The borderland is the microcosm where I grew up. I love my land, I like to observe it and tell its stories. Creating this series gave me the opportunity to meet very interesting people among my peers, the right interlocutors. We portrayed them to remind us of the strong inspiration that we young people in the borderland have."