The film workshops within the international project Atelier Pelikula have begun, bringing together young people from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, including Istria, Trieste, and Rijeka.

The project, which started in September, is being implemented by Sonda, Filmaktiv from Rijeka, Primi Piani APS from Trieste, and the Municipality of Vižinada, and is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program.

The first meeting took place at the Sonda Creative Center, where a group of young people aged 16 to 25 gathered to start their film journey under the guidance of multimedia artist Davor Sanvincenti. His extensive experience includes exploring visual culture and human perception through film, photography, and sound.

During the first workshop, participants got to know each other and learned more about the project and activity plan. They watched two inspirational films, including “FILICE” – a film about an 87-year-old grandfather, husband, and farmer from an Istrian village that is slowly disappearing. This touching story speaks of willpower, perseverance, and dedication, depicting a man deeply connected to work, nature, land, and family. In addition to watching films, participants also engaged in their first practical exercise – analyzing their own photographs and discovering the hidden stories behind them.

To conclude, they were given their first task – to submit their own video materials. During the second meeting, held on Saturday, February 2nd, they analyzed those materials through discussion and constructive feedback, exploring different ways to interpret the language of film and the impact of visual and narrative elements on the story. For further inspiration, they watched the iconic film “Salaam Cinema” by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, known for its unconventional approach and interaction with the audience.

The workshops are simultaneously held in Monfalcone (Italy) and Rijeka, following the same curriculum but adapting to the specific contexts of each location.

Atelier Pelikula not only provides young people with an opportunity for creative expression but also promotes social inclusion and intercultural exchange. The workshops in Vižinada, Rijeka, and Monfalcone are led by experienced mentors: alongside Davor Sanvincenti, there are Maša Drndić, an artist and documentary filmmaker, and Massimo Mucchiut, a film artist specializing in documentary work and socially relevant topics.

The project gathers young people from diverse social groups, including members of the Bengali community in Monfalcone, immigrants from Ukraine and the Middle East in Rijeka, and youth from rural parts of Istria. The aim is to provide them with a platform for expression through film and to strengthen their creative potential in a supportive environment.

Atelier Pelikula represents a significant step towards strengthening the community and supporting young people, helping them express themselves through art and face the challenges of contemporary society. The project not only contributes to the development of filmmaking skills but also empowers participants through the creative process, allowing them to speak about issues that are important to them through film.

The project has received financial support in the small partnerships KA-210-YOU program from the Agency for Mobility and EU Programs, co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program.