22/06/2023 - The Hungarian offshoot of the platform will see the introduction of a new co-production forum

The dok.incubator workshop, known for incubating documentaries in progress, will descend upon Budapest from 25 June-2 July. International film-industry professionals will have the opportunity to explore documentary content intended for international competitions, including festivals such as Sundance, Toronto and Hot Docs, during the event. Indeed, a project from previous sessions, The Gullspång Miracle [+see also:
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“dok.incubator is a rare opportunity for programmers because we are able to give detailed feedback on projects and talk to the filmmakers about what is working and what is not,” states Basil Tsiokos from Sundance. Other influential professionals joining the workshop include figures such as Thom Powers from the Toronto International Film Festival, Heather Haynes from Hot Docs and Aurélien Marsais from Visions du Réel. Together, they will share insights into the state of the documentary industry, discussing topics ranging from the use of artificial intelligence in documentary filmmaking to effective distribution strategies in 2023, and exploring the latest developments in impact and marketing campaigns for film.

The gathering in Budapest will also see sales agents from Cinephil, Square Eyes, Dogwoof and CAT&Docs, plus representatives of ARTE, HBO and Viaplay, attending. They will collectively observe and evaluate nine films participating in the open programme and meet filmmakers from film teams selected for the international, Czech, Slovak (see the news) and Hungarian dok.incubator workshops in 2023. The workshop's new co-production forum aims to connect 11 projects with producers, production houses and funds, sparking potential collaborations and partnerships.

The Hungarian projects in the selection include Papa by Attila Ponczók, which focuses on a 79-year-old man, Zoltán Ponczók, navigating life and loss, showcasing his search for a social and spiritual home after the death of his wife. In Dreams at Sunset by Ibolya Simó, the audience explores the lives and dreams of the elderly residents of impoverished villages in Transylvania, inspired by Isu, a social worker who encourages the community to believe it's never too late to start living. Sari Haragonics' Don't Worry, Sari! presents a personal exploration of a family's emotional journey after losing their mother, as captured over a five-year period, and also features archive footage from the 1980s. Finally, 2158 Stories by Ida Marie Gedbjerg Sorensen dives into the world of cinema, inspired by a notebook documenting 2,158 cinema trips by a Hungarian worker and how his descendants carry on the film legacy in contemporary Hungary.

The programme for the Hungarian gathering encompasses sessions aimed at equipping attendees with an array of knowledge and skills in various aspects of the film industry. On 27 June, a session led by Peter Jaeger will cover smart marketing techniques, with a focus on creating essential marketing tools and understanding the structure of the film industry. The following day will delve into how documentary filmmakers can enact change through their films with a session by Liisa Karpo and will also explore the potential benefits and ethical boundaries of using artificial intelligence in documentary filmmaking, at an event hosted by Christine Le Goff. 29 June, labelled “Distribution Day”, is an intensive day with multiple sessions covering distribution processes, the role of producers in creative film distribution, and analyses of successful and unsuccessful distribution strategies, among other topics. The day also includes an in-depth look at the festival circuit and how to plan for it effectively. The programme concludes on 2 July, with a session on how to navigate relationships with prestigious sales agents, presented by industry experts.

The workshop is being organised in collaboration with MADOKE, the Hungarian Documentary Association, and receives support from the National Film Institute Hungary.

The full list of Hungarian projects taking part in this session is as follows:

Papa - Attila Ponczók (Hungary)
Editor: Wanda Kiss
Producer: Ábel Kocsó
Co-producer: Peter Stern
Production company: Queenside Pictures
Co-producer: Good Vibes Only

Dreams at Sunset - Ibolya Simó (Hungary/Romania)
Editor: Szabolcs Kővári
Producers: Genovéva Petrovits, Adrienn Bács
Production company: Kino Alfa Kft

Don't Worry, Sari! - Sari Haragonics (Hungary)
Editor: Flóra Erdélyi
Producers: Sára László, Inez Mátis
Production company: Campfilm Kft
Co-producer: Arthouse Blockbusters

2158 Stories - Ida Marie Gedbjerg Sorensen (Denmark/Hungary)
Editor: Marianna Rudas
Producers: Krisztina Meggyes, Rikke Tambo Andersen
Production company: Little Bus Production