Visegrad Film Forum – partner schools film screenings (Bratislava)

Since VFF is primarily focused on students from film schools, the screenings of films from partner schools form an essential part of the programme every year. There are three blocks of films (two schools in each block). Screenings are followed by discussions with students. This allows participants to become acquainted with the teaching and creative methods at various schools with an audiovisual focus and to learn about the specific conditions of film and television production in different countries. Starting in 2016, we have actively expanded our network of partner schools and we change partner schools every year. Schools from the V4 countries are joined by schools from outside the V4, leading to closer collaboration. The partnership with these schools is based on the principle that selected schools provide a film selection for the program block (approximately 45 minutes each school) and also nominate four students and one teacher to participate in the event in person. The choice of films is entirely within the school's jurisdiction. The films can be either new or older titles; the only condition is that the selected students have a connection to the films. These screenings with discussions have long been a popular program feature, partly due to the opportunity for interactive engagement with the audience without the pressures often associated with competitive shows or festival audiences. The audience primarily consists of students, young filmmakers, and their teachers. www.visegradfilmforum.com

Visegrad Film Forum – in general (Bratislava)

4-day international educational and networking event in Bratislava. The event facilitates contact between talented young film professionals from the neighboring European countries and internationally recognized and appreciated film creators. Visegrad Film Forum is organized in conjunction with the International Film Festival FEBIOFEST Bratislava as a separate industry event, similar to Berlinale Talents during Berlinale. This collaboration is beneficial for both events in terms of audience and guests. Programme structure: WEDNESDAY: - informal first meeting of students and school representatives (get-together meeting and introducing each other, together with main organizers of the event) - opening ceremony connected with case study of selected film THURSDAY - two master classes - one partner school film screening (blocks of 2 film schools) - case study of selected film - netwotking lunch for school representatives FRIDAY - two master classes - one partner school film screening (blocks of 2 film schools) - case study of selected film - school tour for students who are interested SATURDAY - two master classes - one partner school film screening (blocks of 2 film schools) - closing ceremony connected with case study of selected film www.visegradfilmforum.com

Visegrad Film Forum – master classes (Bratislava)

Master classes by international professionals are designed to benefit all film professions and cover every aspect of the filmmaking process. Guest speakers are selected based on their expertise and experience. The guest speakers are not exclusively from the Visegrad region; our goal is to bring students and young filmmakers, mainly from the Visegrad region, into contact with well-known experts to enhance their knowledge and experience in the film industry, as well as to cross borders and learn about new procedures. In previous years, the VFF has welcomed renowned individuals such as director Peter Strickland (UK); DOPs Christian Berger (AU ), or Slawomir Idziak (PL); documentarian Mads Brügger (DK); film architects László Rajk (HU) or Eggert Ketilsson (IC) ; sound designer Christopher Newman (US) among many others. The master classes are always conducted by the specialized knowledge of the guest speakers, and some may be facilitated by a moderator provided by the event. The master classes are delivered in English; in cases where guest speakers are not fluent in English, we offer high-quality interpretation services to and from English. As many of these individuals are long-term guests, some invitations may extend over several years, contingent upon their availability. Currently, we are in discussions with Gael Garcia Bernal (actor, director), Mark Irwin (DOP), and Ada Solomon (producer). In Bratislava we are planning to organize 6 master classes. www.visegradfilmforum.com