Express Film Workshop: Tools for the Independent Documentary Filmmaker

An initiative of FECIVES in collaboration with Paverte

Justification

The independent documentary is a powerful tool to narrate realities, make social issues visible and raise awareness. However, many young Salvadoran filmmakers do not have the technical knowledge or the necessary opportunities to explore this cinematographic language from a practical, sensitive and committed perspective.

Based on the success of the previous workshop on the environment, this new initiative seeks to expand the impact of the Salvadoran Student Film and Video Festival (FECIVES) through an express immersion workshop that combines technical training and social commitment, allowing participants to work directly with communities in audiovisual documentation processes, fostering dialogue, empathy and citizen participation.

Objectives

General Objective

To strengthen the capacities of young filmmakers in the field of independent documentary filmmaking through a theoretical and practical workshop focused on social impact filmmaking, with an emphasis on community collaboration.

Specific Objectives

• Provide essential technical and narrative tools for the development of a documentary project.
• Generate a space for collaboration between emerging filmmakers and local communities.
• Produce three short documentaries of a maximum of 2 minutes that make visible real problems of a community in the municipality of Suchitoto.
• To promote the use of film as a vehicle for social transformation and the construction of collective memory.

Workshop Structure

PHASE 1: Virtual Modality (August 18 to 22)

2-hour daily theoretical sessions that will address the stages of documentary production: from the conceptualization of the idea to distribution, including direction, production, photography, editing and field shooting strategies.

An additional meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26 for general coordination of the groups and preparation for the on-site phase.

PHASE 2: Intensive Presential Modality (August 30 and 31)

Two days in Suchitoto, where participants will work in teams to shoot, edit and present three short documentaries inspired by real problems in a local community.

• Fifteen participants will participate in both phases; a maximum of 20 participants will be accepted for the virtual phase.
• Recording and editing in the field, accompanied by professional advisors.
• Final presentation of the three projects at the end of the second day.

Impact and Reach

For participants:

• Development of technical skills in directing, production, camera and editing.
• Intensive practical experience of high formative value.
• Awareness of real issues and critical thinking skills.

For the allied community:

• Production of audiovisual pieces that may serve as tools for visibility, advocacy or awareness-raising before public or private entities.
• Opportunity to participate in cultural and educational processes.
• Strengthening of the community fabric through dialogue with young creators.

For FECIVES and Laberintos Films:

• Expansion of their territorial and community outreach.
• Deepening the link between film, education and social transformation.
• Positioning as a reference in the training of filmmakers with ethical and technical commitment.

Expected Result

Three short documentaries of social impact, made in an express, professional and collaborative process, which will be part of the official program of FECIVES and made available to the participating community.

Enrollment

Enroll by clicking in the following link: Express Film Workshop

Cost: $200
Special price of $175 for those who enroll first
For more information or to enroll: info@fecives.com

Limited places available. Apply now!
Organizers: FECIVES & Paverte