05/03/2024 - The French lab expands to the German region and awaits a total of 10 projects to be featured in the inaugural edition of Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine Hessen

The launch of Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine Hessen

After three successful editions, Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine is undergoing transformation this year through a collaboration with the region of Hessen in Germany. This partnership, under the banner of Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine Hessen, aims to strengthen the cinematic ecosystem across both regions by offering tailored support to projects closely connected to Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Hessen, nurturing their feasibility and international potential. Applications for this inaugural joint edition are now being accepted, with a submission deadline set for 8 April.

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Developed by Tatino Films, Full Circle Lab is dedicated to nurturing film talents and their projects from development to post-production. The lab strives to enrich creative visions and enhance international opportunities. Matthieu Darras, CEO of Tatino Films, stated: “We are delighted to announce this cooperation with Hessen Film & Medien, which proves a most suitable partner to expand the scope of the Full Circle Lab programme in Europe. Hessen Film & Medien and Nouvelle Aquitaine’s ALCA are like-minded regional film agencies that put at the core of their activities a strong and genuine commitment to cinema as an art form, to new talents, and to diversity. These are values we share at Tatino Films, and it proves that regions of Europe have a major role to play when it comes to inventing innovative forms of cooperation."

The pedagogical team of the program, led by producer Myriam Sassine (Diaries from Lebanon [+see also:
film review
interview: Myriam El Hajj
film profile]) and comprised of scriptwriter and script consultant Philippe Barrière, scriptwriting tutor Britta Krause, and producer and head of acquisitions at BAC Films Alexis Hoffman, will provide tailored guidance to 10 feature films associated with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region in France and the Hessen Region in Germany. The lab caters to both emerging and experienced filmmakers, encompassing French, German, and international projects. It leverages the local cinema ecosystem, including festival initiatives and residencies such as the clos-FIFIB and the Biarritz Bal Lab, as well as the Poitiers Film Festival, while also promoting collaborations with filmmakers and producers active in the region.

Anna Schoeppe, CEO of Hessen Film & Medien, stated: “I am delighted about this new cooperation with our French partner region and the opportunities it opens up for Hessian producers. Based on cultural dialogue and exchange, the participants develop international projects together and receive further training in workshops and with the help of tailor-made mentoring offers. International co-productions and the associated experience are enormously important for local filmmakers and give them and Hesse as a film location greater visibility.”

In its inaugural edition, Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine Hessen will choose 6 feature film projects in the scriptwriting stage and 4 films in the editing phase, involving both scriptwriters and producers. The development lab will host two residential workshops, scheduled for June and September 2024, in Monbalen and Wiesbaden respectively. The programme will culminate in an Industry Day during the Poitiers Film Festival in December, where participants will pitch their projects to sales agents and distributors. Additionally, the First Cut Lab will offer workshops for the 4 films in the editing phase, previously supported by the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Hessen, following its established format.

Previous installments of Full Circle Lab Aquitaine showcased notable projects such as Summer Scars [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Simon Rieth
film profile], Simon Rieth's debut feature, which garnered attention at Cannes Critics’ Week 2022. Similarly, Power Alley [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Lillah Halla
film profile], Lilla Halla's first feature, premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week in 2023. The lab facilitated the progression of projects from development to production, aiding talents like Aurélien Vernhes-Lermusiaux, Guillaume Massart, and Borbala Nagy. Currently, Vernhes-Lermusiaux is preparing La Couleuvre Noire in Colombia (see the news), Massart secured funding for La Détention (see the news), and Nagy is wrapping up The Origin of the World (see the news). These achievements highlight the impact of the lab in nurturing emerging filmmakers and fostering international collaborations.

This year, Full Circle Lab Nouvelle-Aquitaine receives financial backing from Hessen Film & Medien, alongside the founding supporters, which include the Agency Alca Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Lot-et-Garonne Department. For more information and applications you can check the lab’s website.