26/06/2024 - On its first stop on Nisyros, the training initiative is set to deliver a bustling two-week schedule, ending on 3 July

This year marks the silver-anniversary, 25th edition of the MFI Script 2 Film Workshops. The milestone event kicked off its first session in the picturesque setting of Nisyros on 21 June and will run until 3 July. This is the first of four sessions, combining both residential and online formats. A total of 53 participants are involved this year, hailing from 19 different countries (see the news).

The programme commenced with an online master class for trainer trainees, led by Isabelle Fauvel, of Initiative Film. This master class aimed to equip participants with the skills required to navigate the complex script-development process, particularly when working within groups. Upon arriving on Nisyros, filmmakers had the opportunity to collaborate both in groups and individually with a roster of trainers and experts from around the globe. The first day featured a plenary session moderated by Marjorie Bendeck, director of connecting cottbus and an expert at the MFI, where participants introduced themselves and their work, setting the stage for an intensive and collaborative learning experience.

A key highlight of the programme was an introduction to production considerations and audience awareness at all stages of development, presented by Simon de Santiago, producer of films such as Alejandro Amenábar’s Oscar-winning The Sea Inside [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-nominated Biutiful [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]. This segment was followed by in-depth group discussions focused on each project within the Film & Series Lab, providing participants with tailored feedback and guidance. Furthermore, Errika Zacharopoulou, AGORA coordinator, presented the industry section of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, extending an invitation to a selected project to participate in the Crossroads Co-production Forum in November.

Other highlights of the programme include a Q&A session on filmmaking, led by Jeremy Podeswa, renowned director of television series such as The 3 Body Problem, The Handmaid's Tale and Game of Thrones. This session is guided by MFI head of studies Christina Lazaridi, who scooped a Silver Condor Award for Best Screenplay for Nobody’s Watching [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] and was nominated for an Academy Award for her work on One Day Crossing. Additionally, a mini-lab titled “How to Remember What You Do Is Important”, conducted by award-winning Danish documentary creator Michael Madsen (To Damascus - A Film on Interpretation), aimed to spark creativity at critical moments. The schedule also features a master class by Konstantinos Kontovrakis, a renowned Greek producer of over 25 acclaimed films, including the Palme d’Or-winning Triangle of Sadness [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ruben Östlund
interview: Ruben Östlund
film profile].

During the session, participants have the opportunity to meet Martina Bleis, head and project curator of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, who will provide expert guidance on co-productions. Marjorie Bendeck offers extensive training on pitching, while Isabelle Fauvel works closely with participants on the overall project-development process. The programme also features two screenings: Holy Emy [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Araceli Lemos
film profile] by Araceli Lemos, developed at the MFI Script 2 Film Workshops, and the first two episodes of the TV series Styx, written and created by MFI alumnus and trainer Michel Sabbe, and directed by MFI alumnus Jeroen Dumoulein. These will be followed by a Q&A on series development.

The MFI Script 2 Film Workshops collaborate closely with the Agora of the Thessaloniki IFF, Sofia Meetings of the Sofia IFF, and Meetings on the Bridge of the Istanbul IFF. They also co-organise industry talks at the festivals in partnership with EAVE, ACE and the MIDPOINT Institute. The MFI Script 2 Film Workshops are supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA, the Municipalities of Nisyros and Astypalea, and the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT SA).