10 talents, 10 films
We are ten young talents with different backgrounds and interests, united by a passion for exploring life through the art of documentary film. We are about to graduate from the BFM Documentary Film MA course. There is one final challenge standing in our way — the making of our thesis films. For that, we need your support.
Our focus is creative documentary directing (emphasis on "creative"). We approach documentary-making as an art form in its truest sense. With themes ranging from searching for and fighting to maintain one's identity, to going against the grain of society, to unwavering dedication to one's craft; and with styles ranging from character-based to self-reflexive, from observational to experimental; there will certainly be at least one among the ten films that speaks directly to your soul.
Now, please allow us to introduce these ten dedicated documentary-makers.
BARAN ISMAIL ULAS (TUR)
My thesis topic/question: a memory journey about vanishing relationships, fading memories, what has been lost, and the remembrance of what has never existed.
My main driving force: rediscovering and bringing together a fractured sense of self.
When not making films, you can find me: in the bar of a hostel, engaging in late-night conversations with travellers, listening to their stories.
BURHAN HATINOGLU (TUR)
My thesis topic/question: the mind of a talented young composer in search of pure inspiration in nature, despite the chaos, noise pollution and distraction created by modern city life.
My main driving force: creating visually strong, impactful stories, and shedding light on unexplored sides of life through documentary film art.
When not making films, you can find me: wandering around the city with my camera, observing, thinking, and looking for inspiration for the story of my next film.
JOHANNA MÄGIN (EST)
My thesis topic/question: a dialogue with my long gone great-grandfather, an unknown Estonian writer whose life was determined by the multiple regimes he witnessed.
My main driving force: the idea that stays stuck in me.
When not making films, you can find me: doing something simpler.
KATERYNA HANTSEVA (UKR)
My thesis topic/question: am I Ukrainian enough, if I speak Russian in everyday life?
My main driving force: the war in Ukraine, which pushed me to question my identity.
When not making films, you can find me: in the daydreams.
KSENIIA BUZHBETSKAYA (UKR)
My thesis topic/question: how art can serve as a powerful force for resilience, transformation, and community empowerment.
My main driving force: celebrating an artist's resilience, creativity, and transformative impact on the community, and inspiring audiences with the beauty of her sculptures and the stories behind them.
When not making films, you can find me: somewhere away getting inspired by new people, places and adventures!
MARGARET MÄSES (EST)
My thesis topic/question: the inherent human need to feel some sense of closeness to the rest of nature.
My main driving force: a mixture of environmental guilt and deep curiosity.
When not making films, you can find me: in the forest, having a chat with my favourite oak tree, or deep in my thoughts, daydreaming about being a cat.
MAROS PULSCAK (SVK)
My thesis topic/question: a tight knit group of anarchists, trying to fight against the capitalist regime and ongoing housing crisis in The Netherlands.
My main driving force: reflecting on different political ideologies that have rather negative social connotations, and showcasing them in a more positive and truthful light.
When not making films, you can find me: in the cinema, drawing inspiration and educating myself on the art of film, or with a book and a good cup of coffee, or strolling through an art gallery.
PRANAV NARAYAN MANANDHAR (NPL)
My thesis topic/question: where does the lifestyle of a recluse fit in a hyper fast paced modern society?
My main driving force: curiosity on alternative ways of living.
When not making films, you can find me: going for walks, taking photographs.
RALF TAFENAU (EST)
My thesis topic/question: a man whose life has been full of hardship and hurdles, from barely escaping death as a teenager to becoming a Special Olympian, is now facing an unknown future.
My main driving force: giving a voice to someone's story.
When not making films, you can find me: making my life miserable with old cars, cooking, and taking photos.
SELMA SIRIN (TUR)
My thesis topic/question: a Muslim, bisexual, LGBT and feminist activist, navigating the delicate terrain of self-discovery, the fluidity of visibility, activism, and cultural transitions.
My main driving force: exploring controversial topics through art.
When not making films, you can find me: at the seaside, at the cinema, reading a book at home with my cat, or in a discussion of social and personal issues with my friends over good food.
FINANCIAL GOALS
We have set two financial goals for our funding. The collected amount will be divided equally between the ten projects, which are due to be completed on 30 June 2024.
5 435 € This is the bare minimum we need to be able to make our stories come to life. This will help us cover our production costs and travel expenses.
10 870 € This is what we need to ensure proper quality in post-production, including editing, sound design, music, and colour grading.
We will make sure to express our infinite gratitude to all our supporters, no matter how big or small. We truly appreciate any help on this journey. If the project is successful, we will contact all supporters, and those who contributed €25 or more will have the opportunity to see the film or films of their choice in June.
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