Last week, leading UK-based doc production, distribution and sales company Taskovski Films announced a brand-new training lab called #Docs Connect. The event is set to unspool in Sitges, Spain, from 17-21 October and will focus on the art of pitching, innovative storytelling and impact strategies in distribution.

The team describes the effort as “an international, tailor-made professional training and networking hub led by award-winning industry experts […]. Our mission is to connect and empower creative individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, fostering conscious personal and professional growth, knowledge exchange, and intercultural understanding. Our programme promotes the creation of documentaries, non-linear media and immersive projects as powerful tools for social change, with a special emphasis on impactful storytelling and effective distribution strategies,” says the Taskovski team.

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The lab is open to about 15 doc directors, producers and storytellers working on projects at any stage and focusing on any themes. “Peace, human unity and environmental issues” will be prioritised. The retreat will unfold in a traditional Catalan farmhouse nestled in the Garraf National Park. The head tutor is Irena Taskvoski, while listed guest tutors include two-time Gaudi Award winner Alba Sotorra Clua, former YLE commissioning editor and producer Iikka Vehkalahti, and AI specialist Jorge Caballero.

Past workshops and labs powered by #DocsConnect or headed by Irena Taskovski include the "Pitching Mentorship for Climate Change" lab and the tutelage of the main pitch projects (Sunny Side of the Doc 2024); the "Impact Strategies, Conscious Leadership, Development and Distribution" lab (Vestnorsk Filmsenter); the "Audience Development and Distribution" lab (Filmkraft); "Empowering Female Filmmakers & Producers" (Nepal Women in Film Association and the British Council); the "Development, Pitching, Distribution" lab (Universitat Pompeu Fabra); Emerging Producers (Ji.hlava IDFF); and the "European and LATAM Financing & Co-Production" lab (Chile Doc).

“Making impactful, creative films, being successful, changing the world – all of this starts with you. Self-care, mental-health hygiene and a conscious filmmaking culture are the essence of our work at #DocsConnect. Our labs combine industry know-how with mindfulness practices and conscious leadership training to empower filmmakers to lead with purpose and creativity,” commented Taskvoski.

The lab takes place during the days of the Medimed Market (17-20 October), which is set to celebrate its 25th edition this year and will offer the participants additional networking opportunities. For further information, please click here.