Berlin Workshop February 2025

 BERLIN WORKSHOP IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GOETHE-INSTITUT IM EXILE

We are happy to announce the continuation of our collaboration with the Goethe-Institut im Exile in Berlin!
After a successful event in Berlin in December 2023, where 4 Close Up documentary films were showcased, our partnership with the Goethe-Institut continues this year as well.

Close Up will organize a 3-day event in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut in Exile in Berlin, bringing together female documentary filmmakers from the SWANA region for a special story lab workshop! During this event, we will showcase the work-in-progress of 4 Close Up documentary projects.

The projects are:

  I FELL IN LOVE WITH A DEAD WOMAN by Anahit Ghazaryan
STRANGE SEA by Lala Aliyeva

  HEART DON’T BE AFRAID by Ana Kvichidze
A RHINO’S TALE by Meital Zvieli
These projects address significant social issues such as cultural exchange, migration, historical conflicts, queer oppression, women’s resistance, and censorship. The filmmakers will have in-depth discussions about the structure, narrative, and form of their projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, Nino Kirtadze, Giles Gardner and Close UP Founder & Executive Director Sigal Yehuda.

Additionally, networking opportunities will be provided with industry professionals attending the Berlinale Film Festival (February 13-24, 2025). The projects to be presented aim to reflect important changes and cultural diversity on both local and global scales.

From February 18-21, the workshop will feature screenings of each project’s 30-90 minute edited materials, followed by a comprehensive discussions on the creative challenges and development processes the projects are facing, including finding concrete solutions for the continuation of the project’s story development

This collaboration with the Goethe-Institut offers a valuable opportunity for dialogue between cultures, strengthening bridges, and promoting cultural understanding and tolerance.