Call for Applications: Biodiversity & Cinema Project (Lebanon)

The “Biodiversity & Cinema” project aims to bring together Filmmakers and Environmentalists, allowing them to deepen their mutual understanding of biodiversity issues in Lebanon and collaboratively produce short documentary films.

The ultimate goal is to showcase Lebanon’s exceptional biodiversity through cinema and raise awareness among the public about the importance of preserving it. The project also trains the selected filmmakers through this call for applications in the unique ecological challenges of Lebanon. Their short films will contribute to enriching the cultural and cinematic landscape on these topics.

Categories

• This call for applications is open to two categories of applicants:
  • Filmmakers
  • Environmentalists, including researchers, activists, ecological advocates, members of environmental organizations, mountain guides, and others.
• A maximum of 20 participants will be selected, with up to 10 candidates chosen from each category.

Phases

• The “Biodiversity & Cinema” project revolves around three main phases.
  • “Biodiversity Residency” from December 11 to 17, 2023
    • This is the project’s initial stage, and it aims to introduce selected candidates to Lebanon’s natural ecosystem while raising awareness about the richness of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
    • The residency program includes lectures and workshops conducted by biodiversity experts in fields such as forests, marine life, animals, mycology, geology, and flora. It also features screenings of inspiring and socially engaged films, as well as field visits and nature walks to enhance participants’ understanding and observation of biodiversity.
    • This full-time, 7-day residency will take place from December 11th to 17th, 2023, at Hammana Artist House.
    • Transportation and accommodation expenses will be covered by the organizers. Candidates will be staying at the residency location.
  • Short Films on Biodiversity
    • Following the residency, the selected duos will be tasked with developing and proposing individual documentary short film projects, each lasting between 7 to 10 minutes, focusing on an aspect of Lebanese biodiversity.
    • The initial project presentation session is scheduled for January 25, 2024, followed by personalized workshops facilitated by cinema professionals. That will enable teams to refine their projects and present them in pitch format on February 9th to a jury composed of biodiversity experts and cinema professionals, who will select 5 short films on the same day.
    • The selected teams will receive a modest grant to compensate for their work and cover filming expenses.
    • Throughout the various phases of the project, a dedicated producer will be assigned to oversee and facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
    • The filming of the 5 selected films will be organized within the period from February 20 to April 5, 2024. The final delivery of the short films is set for no later than April 15, 2024.
  • Dissemination of Short Films to the General Public
    • The documentary short films will be presented on April 27, 2023, during a public event open to both the general audience and the press at Hammana Artist House. The presence of the film-making duos will be required. This phase also marks the launch of dissemination efforts in the various regions where these films were shot.
    • The collection of short films will be featured as part of the summer program at Hammana Artist House and the REEF 2024 festival in regions where it is organized. Film teams may be invited to engage with the audiences during these events, subject to their availability.

Expected Profiles and Selection Criteria

• “Filmmakers” must have a prior experience in film direction to be eligible. The selection committee will prioritize applicants with a background in environmental and nature issues, especially those with previous work in documentary films.
• As for “environmentalists” it is expected that they have already contributed to ecological issues in one or more of the following forms: academic publications on the subject, journalistic articles, on-the-ground activism, creation of environmental awareness campaigns and tools, or any form of public engagement aimed at raising awareness about natural heritage.
• For both targeted profiles, candidates of all ages are welcome to apply. They should primarily reside in Lebanon and possess a proficient command of spoken and written Arabic. Additionally, competence in English and French is advantageous, but not conditional, as it facilitates a more comprehensive engagement with various stages of the project, as certain interventions may be conducted in either of these two languages.

For more information, visit REEF.