Creative Retreat
with Irena Taskovski: award-winning producer & distributor; CEO -Taskovski Films.
In Auroville
3rd to 7th January 2024
OVERVIEW:
Auroville Film Institute is delighted to announce a creative retreat with Irena Taskovski – for emerging producers and directors of creative documentaries – for their project development.
Emerging filmmakers often have great energy, ideas and access. But, sometimes it is not optimised to full potential. Irena Taskovski through her conscious filmmaking approach – will guide participants to find the core of their story, identifying the essential message/theme; and how to articulate it in a striking way, in other words, how to ‘pitch it’. She will further guide through impact and distribution strategies, in a way that the idea is ‘intentionally’ developed from its core, right up to its reception by a well curated audience.
She will cover following aspects of pitch, production, impact and distribution:
FINDING THE CORE OF YOUR STORY:
Authentic Storytelling: Identify the core message or theme you want to convey. What is the essence of your story, and what do you want your audience to take away from it?
Character Development: Develop characters that the audience can relate to. Understanding the motivations, struggles, and development of your characters adds depth to the story.
Emotional Resonance: Connect emotionally with the audience. Stories that resonate emotionally tend to be more memorable and impactful.
Social Relevance: Often, conscious filmmaking delves into socially relevant topics, such as environmental issues, social justice, mental health, or human rights. Finding a way to address these topics authentically is crucial.
THE ART OF PITCHING:
Clear, Compelling Pitch: Craft a concise and compelling pitch that encapsulates the essence of your film. Emphasize what makes your story unique and why it matters.
Know Your Audience: Understand who your film is for and tailor your pitch accordingly. Whether it’s investors, production companies, or film festivals, catering your pitch to their interests is essential.
Visuals and Materials: Use visuals, mood boards, or teaser trailers to support your pitch. Visual aids can provide a glimpse of what your film will be like.
IMPACT:
Define Your Goals: Determine what impact you aim to achieve with your film. Is it to raise awareness, inspire action, prompt discussion, or evoke emotions?
Engagement Strategies: Plan how you’ll engage your audience beyond the film. This could involve discussions, partnerships with relevant organisations, educational outreach, etc.
Measuring Impact: Consider how you’ll measure the impact of your film. This might involve gathering audience feedback, tracking social media engagement, or partnering with researchers for more in-depth impact assessment.
DISTRIBUTION:
Film Festivals and Markets: Target film festivals and markets that align with your film’s themes. These platforms can provide exposure and networking opportunities.
Online Platforms: Leverage online platforms for distribution. Streaming services, digital downloads, or Video on Demand (VOD) platforms can broaden your audience reach.
Community Screenings: Organize screenings in communities, schools, or relevant organizations to reach specific audiences and spark discussions.
Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to create buzz around your film. Utilize social media, press releases, and collaborations to reach a broader audience.
Irena will helm this retreat in a manner of her signature dancefulness, urging that creative breakthrough happens by truly listening to oneself, one another; and caring for what’s actually happening. Urging a relaxed, playful atmosphere, joy, confidence and coordination – that comes not with competition but with connection and collaboration.
IRENA TASKOVSKI:
an award-winning producer, distributor, and founder/CEO of London-based Taskovski Films LTD, a leading creative documentary powerhouse, integrates production, distribution, and the #DocsConnect training program for conscious creative filmmakers.
Irena has produced and distributed works by Indian filmmakers like Nishta Jain for “The Golden Thread (2022)” and Pushpendra Singh for “Pearl of the Desert (2019).” She also distributed the IDFA 2020 Best Documentary winner “Radiograph of a Family” and the 2021 IDFA Best Debut award winner “Where Are We Headed.” Taskovski Films’ catalogue includes works by other award-winning filmmakers, such as Tilda Swinton’s “The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger (2016).”
Additionally, Irena serves as a film consultant and expert in marketing, sales, financing, and festivals for various film institutions, including HBO Europe, TRT World, Asian Cinema Fund, Dok.incubator CZ, and Sources Germany.
SELECTION:
Applicants will be selected in following categories:
(i) Applying with Idea for Development;
(ii) Applying with Early Stage of Project Development;
(iii) Applying with a Project at its Post Production and Distribution Stage;
(iv) Applying as a practising filmmaker / film technician – without any specific project, but with an intention to understand creative producing processes and to look out for connections and collaborations;
(v) Applying as an aspiring filmmaker / producer – Novice in the field;
(vi) Film Student
Selection will be based on statement of purpose and general orientation / work experience.
We shall respond to you within 4 days of your application. If selected, you will be requested to pay the fees within 4 days of selection intimation. Participation will be confirmed upon verification of payment.
APPLICATION FEES :
For Indian Applications: 15000 INR
For International Applications: 380 EUROS
Application Deadline: 25 December 2023
ACCOMMODATION :
Please note: accommodation has to be booked directly with the guest house of selection. Usually Single Occupancy will cost a minimum of Rs. 1000 /day; while shared occupancy may cost Rs. 500/day. Dorms if available can cost rs. 350/day. Participants may look up Auroville Guest Accommodation Service – to get an idea. Feel free to reach out to us if you need recommendations. We are happy to assist with the bookings.
Mitra Youth Hostel, Serendipity Guest House, Atithi Griha, Center Guest House, Arka Guest House, Creativity Guest House are some of our recommendations. There are many other options available – in and around Auroville.
TRAVEL GUIDANCE:
The closest Airport to Auroville is Chennai. With respect to Trains, Auroville is about 15km from Pondicherry railway station; about 75km from Villupuram and about 165 km from Chennai railway station. There are some weekly trains directly to Pondicherry, while regular trains from all parts of India to Villupuram and Chennai. There are several options of local buses and passenger trains from Chennai to Auroville; it takes about 3-4 hours approximately. For those preferring to travel by taxi, we recommend Auroville based taxi services as they can pick up from anywhere you are and drop straight to the respective Auroville guest house. Please check Auroville Shared Transport service.
LOCAL MOBILITY:
Thr 5 days of guided tours in the 2nd week of the workshop will be taken care of by AVFI. On other days for general mobility, we recommend renting bicycles/ e-cycles/ motorcycles.The Guesthouse may facilitate booking. Standard Rentals are anywhere between Rs. 100 to 300/ day depending on the kind of 2-wheeler.
Please visit www.auroville.org for orientation and additional information on Auroville.
CERTIFICATES:
Certificates of participation will be issued to those who fill up this Certificate Issuance Form.
QUERIES:
For any queries, please write to: filminstitute@auroville.org.in or call / message +919969879319 (whatsapp and telegram only). Further details of the workshop can be shared upon request.
Auroville Film Institute 