21 – 25 August 2026, Požega (Serbia)
Interaction: DocuConnect Balkans brings together emerging documentary filmmakers from the Western Balkans who are looking to develop their projects with the support of experienced film professionals. Over the course of the five-day programme, six project teams, each consisting of a director and a producer, develop their films through individual consultations with mentors.
The programme supports the development of creative documentary films, regardless of their length or current stage (development, production, or rough cut).
The Programme Includes:
- Online kick-off meeting with participants (mid-August) – The introductory online meeting will provide an opportunity for participants to meet one another and be introduced to the programme, schedule, and mentors. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any practical or programme-related matters before arriving in Požega.
- Project Presentations – Upon arrival on 21 August, participants will present their projects to the mentors and fellow participants. These presentations will provide a starting point for the mentoring process and discussions on the key areas to be addressed throughout the programme.
- Mentoring Sessions – From 22 to 24 August, the six selected projects, represented by director-producer teams, will be developed through parallel mentoring sessions focusing on directing and production.Through individual consultations with a team of mentors comprising documentary directors and filmmakers, the directors will work on developing the theme, structure, approach, and other creative elements that shape their films.At the same time, producers will work individually with a team of producer-mentors to develop their projects’ production strategies, financing plans, opportunities for regional and international co-production and distribution, and other key aspects of film production.The mentoring team consists of experienced filmmakers and producers from across the Western Balkans: Kumjana Novakova and Ilija Tiricovski from North Macedonia, Zoran Galić and Nevena Milašinović from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iris Elezi from Albania, and Iva Plemić Divjak and Ivan Marković from Serbia.The mentoring process is tailored to each individual project and focuses on both its creative development and key aspects of production, financing, co-production, and positioning within the regional and international film landscape.
- Lectures – The programme will include lectures by international experts Rada Šešić, Wouter Jansen, and Corina Schwingruber Ilić, addressing different aspects of creative documentary development – from artistic concept and working with protagonists to festival strategy and the regional and international positioning of projects.
- Panel Discussion – A public panel discussion dedicated to regional documentary co-production will bring together film professionals from across the region, programme participants, and audiences to discuss opportunities for collaboration within the region.
- Networking – Through organised 20-minute one-on-one Speed Meetings with experts, guests, and participants from other Interaction programmes, participants will exchange ideas and experiences, expand their professional networks, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
- Pitching – The programme concludes with a public presentation of the projects to film industry professionals and accredited Interaction guests. The most successful project will receive an award aimed at supporting its further development and production.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend short documentary film screenings as part of the Interaction Festival.
Participation in the programme is free of charge.
If you are interested in applying to the programme, please carefully read the Application Guidelines.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 27 July 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact us at marija@film-art.org