Žiga Virc, a renowned Slovenian filmmaker, came into the world in 1987 in the charming city of Novo mesto, Slovenia. As a talented individual, he pursued his passion for the cinematic arts at the prestigious Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film, and Television (AGRFT) located within the University of Ljubljana. It was during his time at AGRFT that Virc honed his skills as a film and television director, allowing him to establish a distinctive style and narrative approach that would set him apart in the world of filmmaking.
Notable during his academic tenure, Virc garnered widespread recognition for his thought-provoking short film, Trieste is ours!, which sparked controversy among Italian political leaders due to its poignant and unflinching portrayal of social and political issues. This critically acclaimed work did not go unnoticed, as it garnered a prestigious Student Academy Award nomination, further solidifying its status as a masterpiece of contemporary cinema. The film's impressive accolades did not stop there, as it also took home the esteemed AGRFT and Prešeren Student Award, a testament to Virc's innovative storytelling and cinematic prowess. Furthermore, the film's lead actor received the national Vesna award for their outstanding performance at the Slovenian Film Festival, a fitting tribute to the film's powerful narrative and Virc's masterful direction.
Following the completion of his academic pursuits, Virc embarked on a professional journey by directing a quartet of documentaries for the national television station RTV Slovenija through his own production company, Studio Virc.
In the year 2012, he conceived a trailer for his forthcoming project, Houston, We Have a Problem!, which garnered widespread international acclaim and accumulated over one million YouTube views within a mere three-day period.
The feature-length documentary, Houston, We Have a Problem!, made its world premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York in 2016, and has since been showcased at numerous esteemed film festivals globally, including the London BFI, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and the Stockholm International Film Festival.
Noted director Virc's body of work is distinguished by its striking visual aesthetic, masterful incorporation of music to craft an atmosphere of suspense, and meticulous attention to narrative architecture, thereby rendering his creations accessible and captivating to a diverse range of viewers.
Throughout his illustrious career, Virc has had the privilege of directing an extensive array of commercials, documentary films, and fictional projects, garnering him a plethora of prestigious awards and honors.
Virc, a visionary filmmaker, remains actively engaged in the creative process within the familial confines of his eponymous film company, Studio Virc, nestled in the picturesque city of Novo mesto.
