In the heart of the Sundarbans, the second edition of the ECO Film Lab: International Film Residency is set to kick off, promising to be a transformative experience for aspiring filmmakers. This 15-day residential workshop, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, aims to delve deep into environmentally friendly filmmaking and sustainable production techniques.
Blending virtual and in-person components, the event begins with 5 days online, followed by 10 days of immersive hands-on activities. Divided into three teams, participants will explore the Sundarbans' tapestry of people, nature, and climate change impacts. Under the mentorship of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Pushpender Singh, attendees will navigate story selection, scriptwriting, project presentations, shooting preparation, and filming.
an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Post, Bibesh Roy, Executive Director of the International Academy of Film and Media (IAFM), expressed positive hopes for new filmmakers, highlighting IAFM's role as a talent-exposing platform. Three groups, each with 3 or 4 members, will submit their video shoots covering the Sundarbans, with scholarships and fellowships awarded to top performers.
Renowned trainers offer remote guidance, and post-production expertise is provided by institutions like the American Film Institute, Lodz Film School, and Don Bosco International Media Academy, France. Polish cinematographers from Lodz Film School will enrich visual storytelling.
Further, the Sundance Collab grants a one-year scholarship for a feature film centered on the Sundarbans. Fellowship opportunities await winners: the Don Bosco International Media Academy in Paris and the Raindance Institute in London for second and third-place, respectively, while the first-place winner secures a prestigious Sundance Collab scholarship.
The impact of ECO Film Lab is global, with its inaugural short film "Hoite Surma" making waves at the European Film Festival and being considered for the Student Academy Award (Oscar) The European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, in partnership with the Green Film School Alliance (GFSA) and the Isabela Foundation, presents an event organized by the International Academy of Film and Media. Supported by Knowledge Partner Connect4Climate, and partners like Goethe-Institute Bangladesh, with media backing from Asia-Europe Foundation and CINEROPA, this collaborative effort bridges film and environmental advocacy.
For aspiring filmmakers, details are available on the event's Facebook page, promising certification and international networking opportunities. Contact: 01731683677 (WhatsApp)