Two renowned film experts will hold their lectures at the Sonda Creative Center in Vižinada as part of the international project Atelier Pelikula. A week later, an informational event for young people will take place at the polyvalent production complex in Vižinada, with the aim of introducing the project and engaging youth in further activities. Both events are free of charge, but registration is required.

As part of the international project Atelier Pelikula, which is a collaboration between Sonda, Filmaktiv, the Municipality of Vižinada (Croatia), and Primi Piani APS (Italy), Vižinada will soon host two major figures from the film industry – Samir Ljuma and Veton Nurkollari. Samir Ljuma, a cinematographer and producer, stands out especially. His documentary film Honeyland became the first film from North Macedonia in the past 25 years to be nominated for two Academy Awards in 2020 – for Best Documentary and Best International Film. The film also won the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Alongside him, the audience will also meet Veton Nurkollari, the Artistic Director of DokuFest, the largest cultural event in Kosovo and one of the most important documentary and short film festivals in Southeast Europe. Known for his extensive experience in promoting documentary films and developing numerous cultural initiatives, Veton is also a member of the Cinema Eye Honors selection committee, a New York-based organization that recognizes and celebrates outstanding craftsmanship in documentary filmmaking.

Through their lectures Honeyland Case Study and City as Film Stage, they will share their vast experience in using film as a tool for raising awareness about important social issues. Although the lectures are primarily aimed at mentors and organizations involved in the Atelier Pelikula project, they are open to the interested public – especially those who work with young people, artists, film enthusiasts, and activists. The lectures provide a unique opportunity for inspiration, practical advice, and gaining key knowledge applicable in everyday work with youth, with a special focus on environmental protection, the integration of marginalized groups, and how film art can contribute to these goals. After the lectures, there will be film screenings.

The lectures will take place on Monday, December 9th, and Tuesday, December 10th, starting at 6:00 PM. They are free of charge, but registration is required. You can find the registration form and the program here: Registration Form.

A week later, on December 16th, starting at 6:00 PM, an informational event for young people from the local community and surrounding rural areas will be held at the Sonda Creative Center in Vižinada. The goal is to introduce the project to young people in more detail and motivate them to get involved in project activities, which include a series of film workshops. Regardless of the event, all interested youth from Istria, aged 16 to 25, who would like to participate in the film workshops can get more information and register by emailing you@sonda.hr.

The Atelier Pelikula project is an international initiative for young people from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, including Istria, Trieste, and Rijeka. It is funded through the Erasmus+ program and focuses on encouraging creative expression among young people and providing support to vulnerable groups through film art. The project includes workshops that will educate young people about film production, and the resulting video works will address topics such as the environment, human rights, and social inclusion.

More information about the project can be found here, and more information about the Erasmus+ program can be found on the website of the national agency AMPEU and the European Commission.