A new partnership is launched by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Mastercard and MIDPOINT Institute, offering the chance to a group of filmmakers from Greece to attend a specialized programme addressed to LGBTQI+-themed projects.
In particular, through this partnership, Mastercard, the official payment card of the Festival, will support the participation of a group of filmmakers at MIDPOINT Institute’s initiative titled “Focus Queer Intensive Workshop”. The workshop will be carried out in two stages: in March 3-9, 2025, in Prague, and in July 2-9, 2025, in Prague and Karlovy Vary, in collaboration with the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
The workshop offers the participants the unique chance to develop their projects and work alongside other film directors preparing a queer-themed fiction film, under the guidance of a script consultant, with experience on the narrative of queer stories. This program for script and project development for film industry professionals has been designed to encourage diversity in film narrative, while providing substantial support to filmmakers.
Mastercard, staying true to the development of initiatives that promote diversity and free expression, will cover travel and accommodation expenses, as well as the cost for the participation at the workshop for all participants from Greece.
Filmmakers can submit their proposals up until November 30, 2024. More info with regard to the terms and conditions for the submission of the projects can be found at MIDPOINT Institute’s website by clicking here.
Directors of live-action fiction films, in the early stages of development and featuring either LGBTQI+ characters or LGBTQI+ themes, are eligible to submit a proposal. An adequate command of the English language is required, as the workshop will be held in English.
The participants will also be given the possibility to present their project at the Karlovy Vary Festival’s Eastern Promises Industry Days, within the framework of the program Works in Development - Focus Queer showcase. Moreover, the project could be taken into consideration for the Eurimages Co-production Development Award, accompanied by a 20,000-euro cash prize.
During the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, participants will have the chance to meet in person with members of the MIDPOINT Institute team and receive more information on the program.
