Workshop: My First Script
CLOSED TO PUBLIC
The workshop is conceived as active individual work on a screenwriting project, mentored by expert script doctors. Based on the entries from all over the world submitted to our open call for participation, six screenwriting projects by filmmakers, authors, or co-authors currently working on their first feature film screenplay have been selected. The workshop has been organised in cooperation with the Croatian Film Directors’ Guild.
Script Doctors
Antonio Nuić
A writer and director. He graduated in film and TV directing from the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, where he has been working as a professor since 2013. He directed a segment of the anthology film Sex, Booze and Short Fuse (2004), after which he went on to write and direct All for Free (2005), Donkey (2009), Life Is a Trumpet (2015) and Mali (2018). He is an Artistic Advisor at Zagreb Film Festival and the Chairman of the Croatian Film Directors’ Guild.
Pjer Žalica
Director, writer, producer, and Dean of the Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo. Famous for Fuse and Days and Hours. Wrote a screenplay for The Frog (ZFF 2015). Directed several short and documentary films, as well as plays, TV programs, ads and music videos. One of the partners at production company Refresh.
David Pope
A script consultant, screenwriter and training provider working internationally. He has collaborated with Academy Award and BAFTA nominated producers and screenwriters, as well as national film funds. Recent credits include Truth And Justice (2019), Take It or Leave It (2018). A consultant/moderator for the Rotterdam Lab at CineMart and a co-founder of Stowe Story Labs. Script consultant on international programs for MIDPOINT Institute.
Spain
14th March, Alberto Gross Molo
Synopsis
It’s a big day for Hector (12) and his sister Gema (7). Their parent’s divorce is one day away from being finalised and they have to choose who they want to live with. They travel to Barcelona with their nanny, Romi, where the proceedings are and where their mother now lives with a new partner. As the final hours pass until the fateful decision, Hector wonders whether he and Gema will choose the same parent or face separation.
Project status
In development. Participated in Ekran+ training program.
Croatia
Indian Summer, Lana Kosovac
Synopsis
In an attempt to escape the pain and guilt over her husband’s death, 60-year-old Iris comes to the island to which she is bound by a childhood event that almost ended tragically. Although haunted by memories and wary, she meets Laura, a younger woman who teaches her to swim. Unexpected emotions will give both of them a new perspective on their lives and futures, which they can now choose for themselves.
Project status
In development. Supported for script development by HAVC, the Directors’ Guild Branko Bauer screenwriting program and SPID’s Zora Dirnbach screenwriting program.
Poland
The Wake, Michał Ciechomski
Synopsis
A story about the Krus family, their love for each other and their love of money. It is a story about people bound by memories and blood ties, who cannot get out of the family hell in which they find themselves.
Project status
In development.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
White as Snow, Dario Bevanda
Synopsis
After 10 years in Vienna, Riki returns to his native Hadžići. He was a bum when he left, and returns in a BMW, with a bag full of money. He buys the local restaurant and goes on a spending spree to impress his former friends Ana and Edvin. Ana left Riki to marry the promising Edvin, who is now running for the mayor of Hadžići. A merciless struggle for prestige ensues.
Project status
In development. Received support from the Sarajevo Cinema Fund to develop the script.
Croatia
The Passage, Dino Pešut
Synopsis
Dejan (30) wakes up in a psychiatric hospital as the world is about to end. His family has already paid for the family transfer package. Despite their objections, he decides to stay and go to a last big party with friends. A conflict ensues amidst the festive atmosphere of the apocalypse, and Dejan returns to the hospital to commit suicide. There he meets Dr Vjeran and the two go on a date, as the world around them disappears.
Project status
In development. Supported for script development by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.
Turkey
The Sun, the Moon and the Eleven Stars, Emir Külal Haznevi
Synopsis
Julie is an Arab Christian born in France. After the death of her beloved father, who was of Syrian descent, she goes to the city of Mardin in Turkey to fulfill his wish and scatter his ashes. There, she meets an aunt she did not know about, who suffered in the past because of something Julie’s father had done. Her last wish is to be buried in Syria and Julie is willing to do anything to make it happen.
Project status
In development. Funds secured from the Film Fund of the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Won TRT Pre-Buy Award at TRT 12 Punto Script Days and the Award for Sound Post-Production at PriFest Priforum.
