Musician, performer, and mischief-maker Samuel Szabo was, according to his website, born in 1988. In 1998, he turned ten. In 2006, he reached adulthood. Since then, he’s been getting a year older every year. He loves playing with things that make sound. When they took away his toys as he grew up, he had to make do with these. We’re looking forward to seeing how he makes do at Four Elements, during his concert in the attic of Art Cafe.
Free entry for Four Elements cinepass holders. Entry for others: €5.
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A creative workshop for children inspired by the film The Secret World of Arrietty, focused on the Japanese art of paper folding – origami. Children create their own paper characters, animals, and everyday objects that reflect the miniature world of the film. Suitable for children aged 6 and up. All materials are provided.
A discussion with members of the LGBTI community about the internal and external challenges one faces — and how coming out and openly embracing one’s identity can impact the quality of life. People who choose to live in truth — to speak openly about who they are and where they belong — may find joy in life despite the obstacles they encounter. Join us for a conversation about whether it's possible to live a joyful queer life.
Speakers:
- Milan Zvada – Director of the independent cultural centre Záhrada in Banská Bystrica and member of the Inakosť platform
- Miroslav Maťavka – Chair of SIGNUM – Rainbow Christians
Moderator: Ivana Klimentová
The discussion is organized by the Živena association as part of the Four Elements festival.
free entry / only in Slovak
Robert Pospiš & Martin Sillay will perform a cross-section of their work — just the two of them, in an intimate setting. This will be one of the rare chances to hear their singer-songwriter material live this concert season, as the duo is currently focused on performing their albums Hydra and Doe Gazing at Polaris, created in collaboration with poet Mila Haugová.
Free entry for Four Elements cinepass holders. Entry for others: €6.
DJ Peal already performed at 4 Živly—around 20 years ago, back when he was just starting out as a DJ. Since then, he has become a well-known figure on the Slovak electronic music scene. He has played sets both at home and abroad—in Los Angeles, London, the legendary Tresor club in Berlin, at various festivals, clubs, and parties across Slovakia and neighboring countries.
Peal’s years of experience are reflected in his energetic, genre-rich, and finely crafted sets, which he skillfully adapts to different audiences. His performances blend house, techno, electronica, post-punk, and even elements of “quality” pop.
Mišo also attends our festival as a film lover and regular audience member, which is why we knew we had to invite him back to 4 Živly—this time behind the DJ booth once again.
Free entry.
Intergenerational trauma is an uninvited inheritance passed down from previous generations — one that often deeply affects our lives without us even realizing it. It can be the hidden cause of our failures, inaction, and distorted worldview, often depriving us of the ability to feel happiness and joy. How can we recognize these inherited wounds and face them in a way that opens the door to a more joyful life? Two women who have long worked in this field will share their insights.
Speakers:
- Lenka Sarnecká – Clinical psychologist and coach
- Renáta Hovorka Taligová – Psychologist and mentor
Moderator: Ivana Klimentová
The discussion is organized by the Živena association as part of the Four Elements festival.
free entry / only in Slovak
This creative art workshop is inspired by the film Tales from the Magic Garden and encourages children’s imagination through painting plaster casts. Children will decorate flowers, animals, and other nature-themed shapes, creating their own pieces of a magical garden. Suitable for children aged 4 and up. All materials are provided.
In the garden of the Eleuzína cultural centre, a trio of guests will discuss reasons for joy — but also the challenges that come with seeking and enjoying different forms of pleasure. Joining the conversation will be cultural anthropologist Helena Tužinská, philosopher Alžbeta Kuchtová, and theologian and publicist Michal Havran.
free entry / only in Slovak
Our Saturday Night Bonfire at the Hájovňa cultural and tourist centre is becoming a tradition. After the Saturday screening at the amphitheatre, you can get there by taxi — or, for a more joyful adventure, take a scenic night hike starting at the Birth House of Dežo Hoffmann (Pod Červenou Studňou 625/10), past the Veľká Vodárenská lake, and all the way to the destination at Hájovňa Červená Studňa. Along the trail, you’ll find clues to collect — and if you put them together into the final password, you’ll earn a sweet reward. The campfire evening will be accompanied by a tasty offering from the forest cabin buffet (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), and the most beautiful starry sky of the summer.
Free entry.
Joy on the cinema screen can be contagious, but joy in the body is real. Saturday morning, skin awakened by the waters of Veľká Vodárenská, and 45 minutes of yoga. No third eye opening here. We’ll try something different – in pairs, because shared joy is double the joy. Gentle, explorative, and a bit bold. While joy can’t be guaranteed, this effort will surely count toward your karma.
You’re welcome to come as a pair or solo – entry is free. Please, bring your own yoga mat or towel. In case of bad weather, we’ll meet at the Cultural Centre (KC).
Just as the screening of Celebration in the Botanical Garden will open the 27th edition of Four Elements, a guided walk through the Banská Štiavnica botanical garden will help us bring it to a close on Sunday. The approximately one-hour tour will be led by Mr. Kútik, who has guided visitors through the garden for many years during his teaching career.
Free entry, only in Slovak language. The meeting point for the group will be at the entrance from Akademická Street, which is the first entrance if you're coming from Art Cafe. It has a decorative black wrought-iron gate.