Following the success of our first module in Evia Island, Greece, the CIRCLE Women Doc Accelerator is thrilled to announce the second module of our year-long documentary training program for women and gender-expansive directors and producers.
Module 02, focusing on production strategies, kicked off this week at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. With a focus on refining production techniques, pitching preparation, and honing distribution strategies, participants are gearing up to meet international financiers with confidence. The case study will be ASWANG by Alyx Ayn Arumpac.
Production Strategies at the Heart of Module 02
This second module emphasizes the essential tools needed to turn creative ideas into successful documentary films. Through hands-on workshops and sessions led by industry experts, participants will dive deep into production strategies, gaining insights into how to market their films and navigate distribution challenges. With international pitching sessions on the horizon, much of the training will revolve around strategic planning, ensuring that each project is finely tuned to attract global funding and audiences.
The curriculum for Module 02 not only equips participants with the skills to develop their films, but it also focuses on the broader vision—how to position their projects in the global documentary landscape. From marketing strategies to preparing for international pitch forums, this module is critical to advancing the professional journeys of our participants.
Setting the Scene: Petrovaradin Fortress
This module takes place in one of Serbia’s most majestic landmarks, the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. With a history dating back to Roman times, the fortress has stood the test of time, serving as a vital defensive structure during the Austro-Hungarian empire. Today, Petrovaradin is not only a symbol of the city’s rich heritage but also a vibrant cultural center, hosting the world-renowned EXIT music festival and various artistic endeavors throughout the year. The fortress provides an inspiring backdrop for our participants, blending centuries of history with the forward-thinking creativity of documentary filmmaking.
Meet Our Mentors
Our participants are guided by an extraordinary team of mentors who bring years of experience, knowledge, and passion to the program.
Our participants are guided by an extraordinary team of mentors, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. Brigid O'Shea, co-founder of the Documentary Association of Europe (DAE), has been instrumental in shaping the European documentary industry since 2008, with her leadership at DOK Leipzig’s Industry Programme and beyond. Diana El Jeiroudi, an award-winning director, is known for her work on socio-political realities, with her film REPUBLIC OF SILENCE premiering at La Biennale di Venezia, and her co-founding of DOX BOX to support documentary filmmakers globally.
Charline Branger, a renowned editor, built her career under the mentorship of Marie-Hélène Dozo and has since contributed to numerous acclaimed films while teaching and guiding future editors. Lana Bastašić, an award-winning writer from the Balkans, is celebrated for her novel Catch the Rabbit, which has been translated into over 20 languages and won multiple literary prizes.
Yaël Bitton, a highly respected documentary editor and director, has over 25 years of experience and has won prestigious awards, while also serving as a mentor in renowned international film programs. Alyx Ayn Arumpac, a multi-award-winning filmmaker from the Philippines, is recognized for her powerful documentary Aswang, which has received numerous international honors and highlights her commitment to impactful storytelling. Together, these mentors provide invaluable guidance, helping participants sharpen their skills and elevate their projects to the international stage.
We're thrilled to welcome you all to Biljana Tutorov's hometown!
Your CIRCLE team.
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