January saw the start of Beijing Stories, a documentary filmmaking programme supporting communities and individuals in creating documentaries to spark dialogue and build deeper understanding on complex societal issues.
Running over 10 weeks, UK tutors Noé Mendelle and Anne Milne will deliver the workshop online, while the 15 participants will meet live in Beijing. Once again SDI is collaborating with British Council (UK & China) and new collaborators The Post Wave Film Workshop and the National Film School of Beijing. 600 people applied for this Beijing workshop, our highest ever number of applications!
The 15 selected filmmakers (7 women/8 men from diverse backgrounds) will work in teams to produce 6 short documentaries exploring personal reflections on the society and urban lives of China through stories rooted in and around Beijing.
Watch the introduction to the programme from Noé Mendelle:
The workshop covers:
- What is creative documentary
- Story development through characters
- Visual language and sound design
- Camera and sound techniques
- Shooting and directing
- Editing for an international audience
Completed shorts will be distributed by SDI, with previous films appearing at the likes of Locarno Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest, and Aesthetica Short Film Festival.
We look forward to collaborating with the filmmakers and building new international connections in this time of isolation.
Noémie Mendelle, Director of Scottish Documentary Institute, said: “I am really looking forward to growing closer to new talent in China and discovering new realities that will make our international audience reflect and feel differently about the day to day challenges for Chinese people.”
Visit British Council China’s website for the latest updates.