62nd THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
4-14/11/2021
The Festivals of Thessaloniki, Drama and Clermont-Ferrand join forces in a new and important initiative
How does one make the transition from short films to a long-length debut film? Which tools and instruments can be of assistance? What poses the biggest challenge? Three festivals are offering a helping hand to young filmmakers, answering the most pivotal questions. The 2-day Agora Short Film Lab is an initiative hosted by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, scheduled to be held within the context of the 62nd TIFF (4-14, November 2021), in collaboration with Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and Drama International Short Film Festival.
The newly established Agora Short Film Lab, taking place from 9 to 11 November, will welcome the three directors bestowed with the most prestigious awards in the National Competition of the 44th Drama Festival (Golden Dionysus for Best Film, Best Direction “Tonia Marketaki” Award, Best Script Award), as well as the three recipients of the most prominent awards of this year’s Clermont-Ferrand Festival (International Competition Grand Prize, Lab Competition Grand Prize, National Competition Grand Prize).
The attendees will have the opportunity to get in contact with top-notch professionals, receiving priceless practical advice for their future steps in the field of cinema, and more specifically for the transition to long-length films. The tutors of the Agora Short Film Lab will share their invaluable experiences and knowledge pertaining to several stages of the filmmaking process, such as screenwriting, production, marketing and the pivotal role of sales agents. In addition, they will provide guidance in the areas of pitching and networking, as well as usual information on European training programs. The participants will be given the chance to attend the Festival and Agora’s industry events, and exchange experiences and views with colleagues and distinguished professionals from Greece and abroad.
