MIDPOINT Feature Launch 2023

A writer's freedom to make things up may seem like a simple way to determine what is true and meaningful within one's own story. But in the process of constructing their stories, writers often struggle with the fallacies – and even the truths – of their own making. As A.I. technology develops the ability to construct narratives, the issues that have always challenged writers come into renewed focus.  This lecture explores how writers and their trainers can identify what is true and false within their own stories, and how to strive for clearer meaning in the development process... Or, maybe not.

In this lecture, Christian Routh will present some tips to screenwriters about how to confront the apparent paradox of being a screenwriter, in which they need to switch from a solitary introspective mode while writing, to a more outgoing gregarious mode when the time comes to explain and present their work to the industry. This duality requires certain skills that even the most introverted writer can acquire. The presentation will utilise some inspirational quotes from assorted artists through the ages to pass on some helpful practical advice.

What is the (right) role of the producer during project development? How to discuss the creative and other aspects of the project with your writer and director? How to convey a common vision of the future film and how to develop the same creative idea and avoid possible different views, approaches and sometimes even disagreements?

These are just a few questions each producer is addressing when developing the main idea of the project together with the director (and writer) during the development, usually the most creative process for the whole creative team. Part of the lecture will also be dedicated to the main characteristics of the development financing from the European perspective.

What is the position of a writer/director/producer in the European ecosystem, what to look out for when it comes to contracts and which expectations to have? We’ll discuss all this and more in a closed session where there are no bad questions with Rudolf Leška, an established copyright lawyer with international experience.

A case study about a second feature film by director Cristina Grosan premiered at Venice Days of the 79th Venice Film Festival.

A misfit teenager, an anxious mother, and a recent widow see their day interrupted by a mysterious natural phenomenon. As their world descends into chaos, the three women struggle to find their place in life.

Moderated by Katarína Tomková.

What written materials do we need on the long route of producing a film, who should be preparing them, and in which phase of the film's creation do we use them? Addressing all the do's and don'ts in a film package, Katarina's lecture will prepare the creative teams for the presentation and positioning of their project in an international context.

A unique masterclass will be offered by the renowned and award-winning Romanian producer Ada Solomon, who has over 60 film titles to her credit, including, for example, Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn (Golden Bear, Berlinale, 2021), I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians (KVIFF Crystal Globe, 2021) and many others. During her career, she co-produced with fifteen countries and is behind the film debuts of many contemporary European directorial talents, such as Marta Bergman, Chiara Malta, Federico Bondi, Adriano Valerio, Ivana Mladenovic, and Stefan Constantinescu.