European Workshop for New Curators #2

The European Network for Film Discourse (The END) and short film magazine Talking Shorts are organising the 2nd edition of the European Workshop for New Curators: two week-long workshop sessions for aspiring film programmers and curators set during film festivals in Lago, Italy (Lago Film Fest, July 2025) and Bucharest, Romania (Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival, September 2025).

How does one become a programmer or curator? Is there a difference between “programming” and “curating”? This workshop is aimed at those interested in exhibiting film in the festival or repertory context. Together we will discuss research methods using the examples of different archives and distributors, address practical concerns, and debate more fraught and ethical issues surrounding film festivals and the act of curation.

We will pay particular attention to the history of the short form, including how it has been mobilised for radical ends and by minority communities. We will look at narrative, nonfiction, and experimental films, with a focus on formally challenging work. This will also be the occasion to think critically about the film festival ecosystem in the context of global conflict and crisis.

The workshop will be held in English and will include theoretical sessions, group discussions, guest lectures, small writing tasks, and hands-on curatorial work.

By the end of the second festival, participants will have curated their own short film programme from scratch under an umbrella theme determined by the group. The programmes will be exhibited online on the streaming platform This Is Short, and presented to industry professionals within the Talking Shorts community for further booking and distribution.

Tutor
This workshop’s tutor is Daniella Shreir, the founder-editor of Another Gaze and its streaming platform (Another Screen) and small press (Another Gaze Editions). She has programmed for the Directors’ Fortnight and Locarno Film Festival and is the translator of titles, including Chantal Akerman’s My Mother Laughs (Silver Press).

Application
The workshop is aimed at anyone over 18 who is interested in curatorial work for films and can participate in both units of the tandem workshop.

21.07—27.07.2025
Workshop at Lago Film Fest (Italy)

23.09—29.09.2025
Workshop at Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival (Romania)

The application is available for European residents who:

• are over the age of 18;
• have a strong interest and motivation to gain insight into film curatorial practices;
• are eager to learn/be mentored by industry professionals;
• are proficient in English (speaking and writing);
• can attend the programme entirely, i.e. participate in both units of the tandem workshop in Lago and Bucharest.

Please read the regulations carefully!

The call is NOW CLOSED.
The results will be communicated by April 25, 2025.