ITPR - Institute for Innovation, Translation and Policy Research @HKBU’s Post

Proud to be connected to this important work! As documentary films have grown in popularity, with seemingly every streamer now producing nonfiction content, ethical concerns about their production have also increased. A galvanizing question for the field today is: How do filmmakers balance the benefits and risks of sharing participants' personal experiences or perspectives?  In light of the challenges, ITVS conducted a large-scale study—tapping 678 U.S.-based documentary filmmakers and 195 participants—to learn from both documentary filmmakers and film participants to zero in on what works and what can be improved as the nonfiction field evolves. This study hits at a time when documentaries are at the heart of national conversations that aim to deepen understanding and drive social change.

This is an incredible looking workshop for First Nations, Metis and Inuit filmmakers: "Sustainable Film Making & Best Practices from an Indigenous Lens The current state of the film industry is not sustainable for the planet or people. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are vital and need to be incorporated into Indigenous film making especially in pre-production and during production." https://lnkd.in/gura5v4f

UK Asian Film Festival 2025 dates and theme announced! WHEN: 1 -11 May 2025 THEME: Longing and Belonging We invite filmmakers from around the globe to submit their works to the "Longing and Belonging" theme of the annual UK Asian Film Festival, a celebration of films that explore one of the most profound human experiences—the search for connection, identity, and purpose. In every corner of the world, people wrestle with feelings of longing—yearning for love, home, acceptance, or meaning—and the deep desire to find a place where they truly belong. Whether it’s a story of a displaced immigrant, a journey of self-discovery, a quest for love, or the tension between tradition and modernity, we are seeking films that creatively and thoughtfully delve into these emotional landscapes. Your film could explore: • Personal longing: The internal struggles for identity, self-acceptance, or reconciliation with the past. • Cultural displacement: The experience of being torn between two worlds or searching for a new home. • Relationships: The complex dynamics of belonging to or yearning for a family, community, or a lover. • Existential search: Films that probe deeper questions about the meaning of life, home, and place in the world. We encourage bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and artistic experimentation. Whether your work is a quiet meditation on identity, a visually arresting experimental piece, or a character-driven narrative of migration or self-acceptance, we are eager to see how you interpret this timeless theme. To avail Early Bird Discount, submit now: https://lnkd.in/duzMGcxj #UKAFF2025 #longingandbelonging #personallonging #culturaldisplacement #relationships #FilmFestival #StorytellingMagic #transformativecinema

Attending the Virtual Cannes Film Festival has been an incredibly enriching experience. Here are some of the key takeaways... Networking is Key: Cannes is a hub for filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals from all over the world. I’ve learned the importance of building connections, sharing ideas, and collaborating with like-minded individuals to bring creative visions to life. Diverse Storytelling: The festival showcases a wide range of films from different cultures and backgrounds. This has reinforced the value of diverse storytelling and the power of cinema to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding. Innovation in Filmmaking: Cannes highlights the latest trends and innovations in the industry. From advancements in technology to new narrative techniques, it’s clear that staying updated with industry trends is crucial for staying relevant and pushing creative boundaries. The Importance of Passion: Watching so many passionate filmmakers present their work has been inspiring. It’s a reminder that dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for the craft are essential ingredients for success in the film industry. Global Market Insights: Understanding the global market for films, including distribution channels and audience preferences, is essential for planning successful releases and maximizing the reach of our projects. #arykasandybots #panthertrailfilms #militaryveterans #filmmaking #hollywood #films #cannes Celebrating Achievements: Finally, Cannes is a celebration of the art of filmmaking. It’s important to take a moment to appreciate the hard work, creativity, and dedication that goes into each project and to celebrate the achievements of fellow filmmakers. This experience has been a reminder of why I love this industry and has provided me with fresh inspiration and valuable knowledge to take forward in my journey as a filmmaker. I’m excited to apply these lessons to future projects and continue to grow and evolve in this ever-changing landscape.

Box Office Analysis: African/Diaspora Films on the International Stage and Lessons from PARASITE Last week, I analyzed the global box office performance of a selection of 10 African and diaspora films released between 2000 and early 2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic disruption), focusing on their financial success in various markets and the factors affecting their performance. I made key observations of several trends, some should be obvious; others not so much: the majority of the films had limited theatrical releases beyond film festivals, primarily in art house circuits; a noticeable difference in performance between the USA and international markets; European markets, especially France, were more receptive to African films; language and cultural specificity meant challenges in reaching broader markets; recognition at film festivals was crucial for initial exposure, even as digital distribution platforms emerge; a few outlying, unique scenarios; and much more. Additionally, the analyses included comparisons to the breakout success of the South Korean film "Parasite," to draw contextualized lessons for the African filmmaking landscape. [Akoroko Premium subscribers received the comprehensive report last week: https://lnkd.in/gevT2uY7]

✨ 🎞 4 AFDA alumni films at Durban FilmMart 2024 Official Project Selection 📽 ✨ The Durban FilmMart SA Institute introduced the selected projects for the Pitch and Finance Forum of the 2024 Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s leading co-production and finance market. Scheduled for 19 – 22 July 2024, the 15th edition of DFM, under the banner “African Visions Unleashed: From Disruption to Accountability,” will host a dynamic four-day event in Durban, South Africa. 📽 4 AFDA alumni film projects were selected were selected: Fiction Features: Acts of Man – Director: Sheetal Magan and The Moon Can’t Run – Producer: Shveta Naidoo and Director: Naishe Nyamubaya. 🎞 Documentary Features: A Girl and a Gun – Director: Arya Lalloo and The One Who Sings – Producers: Chelsea Art and Cameron Lawry and Director: Chelsea Art. 🎬 This year, 30 compelling projects in development will participate in the Pitch and Finance Forum, a pivotal platform where filmmakers convene to network with global broadcasters, financiers, streamers, sales agents, festival programmers, and producers. This interaction is crucial for acquiring the necessary support to transition projects from development to production, ultimately bringing diverse African narratives to both regional and international audiences. 🌍 Magdalene Reddy, Director of the DFMI, commented on the selection of projects: “This year’s diverse array of narratives showcases the creativity, adaptability, and inquisitiveness of filmmakers throughout the continent. Our filmmakers are tackling complex subjects and presenting fresh perspectives to worldwide audiences. The chosen projects weave through the intricacies of identity, tradition, and modernity, among other themes. They not only explore historical legacies and their lasting effects but also highlight the vibrant interaction between cultural preservation and innovation. These ideas are vital for deepening our understanding of the social, environmental, and ethical contexts that influence contemporary African societies and their filmic representations.” 💬 #AFDA #AFDAalumni #AFDAforEveryone #IloveAFDA #FamousforLife #WorldClassEducation #TertiaryEducation #Varsity #StudyGoals #CILECT #No1School #CreativeEconomy #Creatives #SouthAfrica

Film Festival Mastery: How To Get Into Top-Tier Fests & Advance Your Career! Tuesday, August 6, 1-2PM CST Register: https://lnkd.in/gWHb9bzp or in bio. Slamdance co-founder Jon Fitzgerald & festival-winning filmmaker Justin Giddings have teamed up to break down the insider secrets to maximizing your film festival experience - on a budget AND in the context of this industry-shifting pandemic. THIS FREE LIVE ONLINE MASTERCLASS WILL TEACH YOU: *How to get into top-tier film festivals (and determine which ones are the actual "top-tier" fests for your specific film...)! *One simple trick to saving $1000+ on submission fees - without begging programmers for freebies & handouts! *How to ensure your film has the highest chance of being seen by the ACTUAL festival decision-makers! No more wondering if your film was even watched! *How to leverage your festival experience to secure distribution & push your career forward! So when you do get in, you make the most of it.Film Festival Mastery: How To Get Into Top-Tier Fests & Advance Your Career!

Film Festival Mastery: How To Get Into Top-Tier Fests & Advance Your Career! Tuesday, August 6, 1-2PM CST Register: https://lnkd.in/gWHb9bzp or in bio. Slamdance co-founder Jon Fitzgerald & festival-winning filmmaker Justin Giddings have teamed up to break down the insider secrets to maximizing your film festival experience - on a budget AND in the context of this industry-shifting pandemic. THIS FREE LIVE ONLINE MASTERCLASS WILL TEACH YOU: *How to get into top-tier film festivals (and determine which ones are the actual "top-tier" fests for your specific film...)! *One simple trick to saving $1000+ on submission fees - without begging programmers for freebies & handouts! *How to ensure your film has the highest chance of being seen by the ACTUAL festival decision-makers! No more wondering if your film was even watched! *How to leverage your festival experience to secure distribution & push your career forward! So when you do get in, you make the most of it.Film Festival Mastery: How To Get Into Top-Tier Fests & Advance Your Career!

Down the Rabbit Hole: Research through Documentary Film Explore how research and documentary filmmaking intersect to deepen our understanding of the world. 📽️ 🔍 Documentaries turn data into engaging stories, making complex concepts accessible. Researchers like Rona Sela and Joshua Oppenheimer have uncovered hidden histories and powerful truths, transforming their findings into compelling films. ✨ Discover how documentaries inspire new research and bring academic insights to life, engaging scholars and the public. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dt3JChdf #DocumentaryFilm #Research #Storytelling

[Student Perspectives: My Journey in Nigerian Film School] This blog post will explore Student Journey in Nigerian Film School. In Nigeria, film schools serve as incubators for . . . https://lnkd.in/dYMEBVT3