Euro CineLab 2024, organised by Cineuropa and funded by the European Union, brought together emerging filmmakers from three Central American countries (El Salvador, Honduras and Panama), fostering regional collaboration and the creation of new narratives through audiovisual experimentation. Josué Orellana, hailing from Honduras, is an example of how these types of labs can enhance local talent: following his participation, his short film Infortunio has been selected at prominent festivals such as ICARO, the Antigua Film Festival and the Bridgeport Film Fest in the USA, where it won the Award for Best International Film.

Cineuropa: How did your participation in Euro CineLab have an impact on the development of your film and your career as a filmmaker?
Josué Orellana: The impact was very significant. First, as a filmmaker, I was thrilled to discover that there are still projects focused on laboratories, where the main goal is to experiment, to go beyond what has already been done or is commonly done. Moreover, the mentors were very approachable, despite their extensive experience and careers. That “peer-to-peer” environment allowed me to express myself freely and absorb their teachings to the fullest. Thanks to this experience, the idea for my film, which I had been developing for some time, began to take shape as an extension of my own way of telling stories.

What did the recognition you gained at the film festival in the USA mean to you?
It was pure motivation and a push to demand even more of myself. I deeply value the fact that a group of jurors takes the time to evaluate and recognise the work we do. For me, awards are doors that open up new opportunities, and this was a door I walked through with determination, promising myself to do everything with even more love and dedication.

You’ve managed to participate in key gatherings like ICARO and the Antigua Film Festival. What would you say has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned from this journey across different countries and film platforms?
The greatest lesson has been learning to trust in myself while maintaining the humility to be guided by those with more experience. Filmmaking is a continuous process of study and work; it doesn’t happen by magic, but rather through effort and constant dedication. I’m still awaiting confirmations from other festivals, and this entire process reaffirms for me that perseverance and learning are key.

As a young filmmaker, do you think labs like Euro CineLab could help filmmakers produce more movies in Honduras?
Absolutely. Euro CineLab would be of great support to filmmakers seeking new ways of telling stories, especially from a more artistic and experimental perspective. These labs are ideal spaces for learning through trial and error, which is essential in the creative process. I believe that more initiatives like this could strengthen and diversify film production in Honduras and the entire region.