The 22nd edition of Cyprus Film Days International Festival 2024 puts the accent on training through a fascinating lineup of parallel events. In addition to special screenings programmed in supplement to the three main sections, the festival steps up a gear with a series of workshops and masterclasses as follows:
AI AND PHYSICAL MOVEMENT IN FILM DEVELOPMENT:
TRAINING SESSIONS FOR THE INQUISITIVE MINDS
A custom programme of audiovisual literacy –and then some– has been put together for scriptwriters, producers and anyone with an interest in movement for film.
This edition’s training platform includes a hands-on workshop by experts on how to use Artificial Intelligence in developing film projects and a masterclass exploring aspects of storytelling through physical movement in film.
More specifically, on Saturday 13 April, between 10:30-17:00, the training session “I’m Your Staff Writer -Developing Fiction Film & TV with AI” is led by professor Taç Romey, expert serial storyteller, and cross-media producer Markus Walsch. The workshop, supported by CYENS Centre of Excellence, will be held at “The Studio” in Nicosia.
On Sunday 14 April, between 15:00-17:00, the masterclass titled “The Artistry of Body Language: Storytelling through Movement” is led by Marie Scherzer, Berlin-based choreographer and movement director. The masterclass is open to actors, dancers, performers, and anyone with an interest in movement for film. It is supported by Dance House Lefkosia, Dance House Lemesos and Nea Kinisi Cyprus, and will be hosted at Dance House Lefkosia.
Both sessions will be held in English with limited capacity. Physical presence and the completion of an application form are required.
CINEMA TALKS FOR FILM PROFESSIONALS in the framework of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days
The festival’s developmental dimension is channeled into the 5th edition of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days, a co-production, training, and networking platform headed by director and producer Danae Stylianou. In the framework of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days, accredited professionals will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses and panel discussions by industry experts. Cinema Talks –the educational part of the event– will include a panel discussion by representatives of the SEE Cinema Network member-countries, an info session by a representative of Medienboard Berlin-Bradenburg on Germany’s public film funding opportunities, info sessions onthe Minority Co-Productions Scheme by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture, on Creative Europe’s funding programmes for film, and on Investment Incentives in Cyprus by the Cyprus Film Commission – CIPA – Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency. The full programme of events for Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
FILM WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Cyprus Film Days for Children and Youth is ready to dazzle young movie geeks with a series of workshops led by film professionals. Among other things, the Festival is hosting a masterclass on the use of the Screenlife technique–filmmaking set entirely on computer; a collaborative filmmaking workshop for children with autism; a hand-drawn animation workshop, and a dynamic, collaborative filmmaking workshop titled “Speed Filmmaking”. All the actions of the Children and Youth Section will be announced soon in a separate press release.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Workshop led by Taç Romey and Markus Walsch
The future of storytelling is here: this hands-on workshop titled “I’m Your Staff Writer- Developing Fiction Film & TV with AI” is designed to blend traditional craft with cutting-edge AI technology. In this training session, participants will learn how to use AI as a tool for developing fiction film and TV.
Perfect for screenwriters and creative producers, the workshop will delve into the fundamentals of dramaturgy, character, and world-building while exploring the latest trends in the industry.
Participants will learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance their creative writing and open new ways of creating fiction. They will explore the ways in which professionals use AI technology in their visual storytelling and discover how virtual target audiences can be incorporated into the development process.
The workshop will also include networking with professionals, personalized feedback, a handout, and daily work guide.
Saturday 13/04, 10:30-17:00, CYENS, Nicosia.
Limited capacity. Participants must be committed to attend in person. Please sign up in advance here. Candidates will be selected based on their professional/student profile, on a first-come first-served basis.
Masterclass with Marie Scherzer
Channel the unparalleled sincerity and authenticity found in the power of dance and movement in this masterclass titled “The artistry of body language: storytelling through movement”, led by Berlin-based choreographer & movement director Marie Scherzer. Since the beginning of film history, movement scenes have been unique energy carriers, often leaving a cathartic feeling due to their intensely expressive nature. In the digital and social media age of film marketing, powerful show scenes, impactful character movements, or intense club scenes often serve as flagship elements in trailers for films or series.
In this masterclass, Scherzer will break down some of the most legendary dance scenes in contemporary film, share practical movement techniques she has worked with, and discuss her career path from acting and dancing to choreography and movement coaching in the film industry. The masterclass will include a panel and audience Q&A, touching on such topics as casting dancers and performers, building classical choreographies and dance scenes, as well as creating authentic underground / club scenes for film.
Moderated by the Festival’s Artistic Co-director, Argyro Nicolaou.
Sunday 14/04, 15:00-17:00, Dance House Lefkosia.
Limited capacity. Please sign up in advance here.
Bios of workshop coaches:
Taç Romey was born in the US, has Turkish roots, and lives in Munich and Amsterdam. He studied acting, directing, and dramaturgy in the US and graduated from the prestigious Brown University. He is a freelance writer, professor, and CEO of Phantomfilm GmbH. He has pioneered AI-supported screenplay and series development. Currently, he advises authors, producers, agencies, selected production companies, broadcasters, and streamers on how they can use AI in a creative environment and handle it responsibly. Romey is also a member of the jury of the Blue Panther. Since 2016, he has been a professor of Serial Storytelling at the HFF Munich. His projects have received many nominations and awards, including the International Emmy, Golden Magnolia, Rose D’or, German Television Award.
Markus Walsch is a creative media professional with expertise in AI-aided storytelling and the development of films and TV series. With a background in journalism and digital media production, he has developed numerous TV, radio and online formats for public and private media. Markus has been nominated for the International Emmy Award and other awards. He also works as a coach and lecturer for content marketing and AI-storytelling. He is always at the AI-forefront with great passion, constantly exploring new developments in AI and finding ways to incorporate them into film and TV series development.
Marie Scherzer is a versatile Berlin-based artist who wears multiple hats as a choreographer, movement director, acting coach and creative director. She has choreographed and directed movement for German series and movies such as Eldorado KaDeWe by Julia von Heinz and 15 Jahre by Chris Kraus. She has also worked as a movement coach with award-winning actors like Albrecht Schuch and has been tasked with staging and choreographing shows for the tour of the German electropop duo “2raumwohnung”. She is a member of the European Film Academy and also serves as Creative Director of performing arts at the Garbicz Festival in Poland. As a child, Scherzer began her dance journey in Dancertheater Jena, where she stayed for 12 years. She moved to Berlin at eighteen to study acting. Alongside her studies in dance, theatre, and singing, she started working in various advertising, film, and TV productions, making a name for herself in the performing arts scene in Berlin. Scherzer also serves as a creative director, booker, and choreographer for performances in Berlin’s vibrant club culture scene. She was involved in the Karneval der Kulturen Berlin and choreographed live shows for events such as Berlin Christopher Street Day, Fusion Festival, Reeperbahn Festival, Melt Festival, Garbicz Festival, as well as various music videos and TV productions. She considers the sweaty dance floor of Berlin’s nightlife as the most significant teacher and a source of inspiration in terms of body language and physical expression.
General info about the festival:
- €5 per screening | €30 festival pass (for all screenings).
- Free for students upon display of student card.
- Free for children (Children and Youth Section).
- Free for holders of Disability Card.
- All films aside the Children and Youth Section are suitable for 18+.
- All films will be screened in their original language with English and Greek subtitles. Films of the National Competition Section will be screened with Turkish subtitles.
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