Doc veteran Irena Taskovski will launch her 3-module #DocsConnect Conscious Filmmakers Training program, which seeks to “redefine success in film through wellbeing and conscious leadership,” during this year’s Sitges FF. The first module kicks off October 16, running to Oct 20. The second session will be held next year both online and in Amsterdam during Movies That Matter (March, subject: Impact). The third will be hosted at Sunny Side of the Doc (June, subject: business partnerships and innovation).
The program is a collaboration between Taskovski Films and Alba Sotorra Production, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Spain, along with CNC, Swiss Films, Croatian Film Fund, Slovenian Film Fund, Nordmedia and the Austrian Film Institute.
Created by a women-led team with over 25 years of international industry experience, the program responds to urgent needs within the film and creative sectors, namely “mental health, sustainability, and human-centered innovation,” Taskovski says. “The program is built on a simple but radical question: can we create award-winning, successful films while staying healthy, balanced, and connected—to ourselves, our collaborators, and the planet?”
The initiative brings together filmmakers, producers, and innovators from across Europe, Latin America, and Asia for an “immersive five-day residential experience.” Participants receive hands-on guidance in development, pitching, distribution, and impact strategy, alongside mindfulness and leadership sessions designed to help them build sustainable, purpose-driven careers.
This year’s edition received over 180 applications from around the world, from which 12 documentary, animation and immersive creative were selected, alongside 8 observers. See below for participants with projects.
The training is part of Taskovski Films’ broader mission “to connect, grow, and transform the global filmmaking community through conscious collaboration,” Taskovski underlines. “We are creating a space where creativity and wellbeing are not in conflict – but fuel each other…This is how we build lasting filmmaking sustainable careers and success.”
Tutors include Gaudí Award winner Lucija Stojević, Oscar-winning animation writer/producer Matiss Kaža, award-winning filmmaker & VR/AI expert Jorge Caballero, and Bård KJøge Rønning, co-founder of Antipode Films & co-producer of Oscar-winning No Other Land (2024).
Taskovski further explains why she believes her Conscious Filmmakers Training program matters. “The film industry faces rising mental health challenges, burnout, and instability; creative sectors lack programs integrating professional development with personal sustainability, and the program provides a replicable model for the future: uniting individual wellbeing, conscious collaboration, and impact-driven creation,” she says.
Speaking to Business Doc Europe when she was developing the program, Taskovski underlined the personal toll she regularly observes on film professionals: “Many of us industry people are losing our health and, because of the pace of today’s times have put on us, we constantly run after money and endless hours of work. I feel the craziness of what we do,” she explained. “We need to start taking better care of ourselves, we’re one global family. We can’t keep changing the world with our films if we are in good shape ourselves.”
“If we lose our health, nothing else matters,” she added. “Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress, increase focus, wellbeing and good mental health. It gives us more energy and creative practical solutions in our work.”
Participants (with a project) of the inaugural #DocsConnect Conscious Filmmakers Training are:
- Irene Muñoz Martin, Switzerland. Project: Kevine and Fortune (completed)
- Maja Doroteja Prelog, Slovenia. Project: Bernanda (development)
- Charlie Cauchi, Malta. Project: Stratum (development)
- Rebecca Blöcher, Germany. Project: Thick Skin (animation)
- Jean-Denis Borel, Switzerland. Project: Insights Out! (development)
- Ana Gurdis, Moldova. Project: Between Two Worlds (working title, rough cut)
- Nikos Megrelis, Greece. Project: Tell Me (rough cut)
- Parisa Gashemi, Austria. Project: My Real Me
- Bauthan Yalaz, Turkey. Project: Hunter of Self (Kendinin Avcısı)
- Nina Blažin, Slovenia. Project: Belonging
- Iva Tkalec, Croatia. Project: LISTEN (development)
- Nika Saravanja, Croatia. Project: LISTEN (development)
- Lucija Brkic, Croatia. Project: Tree of us (rough cut)
