The industry program at Astra Film Festival 2018, will take place between 17-19 October, with a program that includes talks, events, presentations and networking opportunities, gathered under the umbrella of DocumentaryTank@AFF, which aims to provide a range of activities for film professionals. The vision of this program is to encourage the development and growth of the Romanian and European documentary industry and of its current and future filmmakers. To that end, we have organized a series of expert-led discussions focused on the funding, development and distribution of films, and the education of future directors, producers, cinematographers or distributors.
The participants with the following types of badges will have access to the DocumentaryTank@AFF program:
Industry
Jury
Film delegate
University.
Priority of access will be given to Industry guests. Due to limited number of spaces, participants with University badges will only have access if there are available places.
For participants with a press accreditation, access will be granted only to those who have requested access to the industry program.
Schedule
Romanian Docs in Progress
The DocumentaryTank@AFF will again host the Romanian Docs in Progress program, which gives documentary filmmakers, who are currently developing stories originating in this part of Europe, the opportunity to present their ongoing work to an audience of both local and international film professionals, in order to attract possibilities of finance, co-production and distribution. Aiming to support new voices and bridge the gap between new talent and decision makers, Romanian Docs in Progress will offer documentary projects the opportunity to gain the support meant to help finalize their projects.
The Romanian Docs in Progress program is structured into two separate events, which will give the opportunity to thirteen projects to meet potential partners and receive feedback on their documentary films. This year, four of the selected projects will be presented in a pitching session, in front of an audience that will consist of producers, distributors and festival representatives.
The one-to-one meeting, will host nine projects, in different stages of production, which will have the opportunity to interact in one-to-one meetings with established experts in the field of production, funding and distribution of documentaries.
Financing and Networking Opportunities
Several lectures in the DocumentaryTank@AFF 2018 program will be dedicated to discussing the challenges and concerns that documentary filmmakers usually face when putting together a strategy for their project and the opportunities that some of the film industry forums in Europe are offering in this direction.
Operating on the festival circuit
With the proliferation of film festivals around the world and the growth of the documentary festival market, it has become quite an intricate process for filmmakers to know what avenues to pursue. With over 30 years of working on film festivals, Ally Derks, former director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) will share some stories and know-how about the festival circuit.
Documentary production and distribution in the US
Simon Kilmurry, executive director of the International Documentary Association (IDA) will discuss the possibilities for European documentary filmmakers to access the US market. Drawing from his 16 years of experience as executive producer for POV, the PBS long-running showcase of documentary cinema, and his work at IDA, Simon will share from his knowledge in both production and promotion of documentary filmmaking in the United States.
Creative Europe MEDIA. Present & Perspective@ AFF
Creative Europe Desk-MEDIA RO& Creative Europe Desk München
Valentina Miu, coordinator of the MEDIA Romania as part of the Creative Europe Desk Romania, will present opportunities available for documentary filmmakers in the Creative Europe Program(2014-2020) – EU Media sub-program and the perspectives of the future multi-annual financial framework. This event is presented in partnership with the Creative Europe Desk München and will benefit from the participation of Franz Hirner, Kick Film GmbH (DE), who will share from his experience of accessing Creative Europe MEDIA Development funding.
European co-productions – a success formula for documentaries?
Co-productions are a great avenue for the completion of European documentaries, by providing the framework for financing, production and distribution of films across borders. This roundtable discussion will address some of the details of the current conditions, opportunities, issues and possibilities for co-production. The participants, producers with experience in European co-productions, will highlight some of the characteristics of production in their national context.
Documentary project development and funding in Europe (in Romanian)
Although the possibilities for funding and development of documentary projects have increased in the last decade, it has become more difficult for filmmakers to follow and to know what opportunities to pursue. This discussion will facilitate the sharing of experiences by Romanian documentary filmmakers, regarding the possibilities for development and funding, and will touch on issues such as applying for workshops and grants, what to expect from pitch and networking sessions at documentary industry gatherings, as well as how to manage a project that is still in the development phase and you are working without a budget. Join us and share your own experience!
Discussion introduced and moderated by Adina Popescu.
Coproduction opportunities in Romania – Studioul Video Art (in Romanian)
Marilena Iliesiu will present the possibilities of production and co-production offered by the Studio Video Art. The studio was founded in 1991, and focuses on making and promoting documentaries of and about art, with an extensive experience of over 200 films produced in this field. The Studio Video Art is interested in promoting young filmmakers who adopt novel cinematic approaches.