Welcome to the conscious filmmaking lab!
This opportunity is connected to the Taskovski #DocsConnect training program, an international, tailor-made professional training and networking hub led by award-winning industry experts.
This module is a part of a year-long residential training program divided into three transformative modules. Participants can choose to join a Single Module Lab to focus on specific skills or commit to the Three-Module Lab across one year for a comprehensive transformation. Leadership development is integrated into each module, ensuring participants gain the tools to adapt, lead, and thrive in the rapidly changing audiovisual landscape.
#DocsConnect: Full Program Structure
Module 1: Artistic Growth & Leadership (When Development Meets Distribution)
Focus on unearthing authentic stories, refining your creative vision, and discovering your leadership style.
Module 2: Practical Know-How & Leadership (Co-Production, Financing & Packaging)
Master co-production, financing, and team management while strengthening your entrepreneurial capabilities.
Module 3: Industry networking, Strategic Success & Leadership (Meet-the-Experts)
Guided visit to the industry event, finding the partner for your film, putting your know-how into action, building long-term career growth.
MODULE 1: CONSCIOUS FILMMAKING LAB IN SITGES, SPAIN
This is a 5-day journey that will take place between the 16th and 20th of October 2025. The Lab includes industry lectures, practical workshops, and mindfulness sessions, all in a residential setting. 15 participants from Europe and the Mediterranean will live and work together, guided by the main mentor and an experienced professional Irena Taskovski and other mentors (to be confirmed).
You will gain valuable knowledge in the following topics:
- Innovation & AI
- Development & Pitching
- Producing
- PR & Marketing
- Distribution & Impact
- Conscious Leadership
- Well-being
- Green Practices & Sustainability
- Connecting with the film industry network at the MediMed market (optional – the accreditation is not included in the lab price)
We will be approaching this lab through a unique combination of four different layers:
1. AI AND INNOVATION:
Topics: I AI in filmmaking I New creative tools I Ethical AI and responsible innovation I
Methodology: Case studies, group sharing, and discussions.
Outcome: Gain insights into the changing landscape of innovation, explore AI’s transformative potential, and develop strategies to integrate AI responsibly and effectively.
2. PRACTICAL INDUSTRY KNOW-HOW:
Topics: I Development and looking for a core of the story I Pitching I Festivals and distribution strategies I Impact strategies I
Methodology: Coaching, case studies, group sharing, discussions.
Outcome: Learn how to pitch to attract finance for your project, and acquire practical skills to bring the projects from idea to screen, with a strong emphasis on distribution and impact.
3. WELL-BEING AND LEADERSHIP:
Topics: I Mindfulness in movement I Self-awareness I Establishing values and your leadership style I
Methodology: Talks, and Individual and group exercises.
Outcome: Gaining tools for stress relief, self-care, and creative recharging for everyday life. Participants will identify their values, refine their leadership style, and create plans to implement conscious leadership in producing and filmmaking.
4. GREEN PRACTICES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Topics: I Tools for change I Aligning actions with sustainability I Recognising impact I
Methodology: Talks, and individual and group exercises.
Outcome: Participants will learn about green practices in everyday life and transition to sustainable actions while recognizing the impact they have on the environment around them.
Conscious filmmaking requires a holistic approach that spans from the creation of the story to its impact on the audience. By considering each stage with intentionality, you can create a film that resonates deeply and makes a meaningful impact.
Please fill out the APPLICATION FORM. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we suggest to apply as soon as possible.
MORE DETAILS BELOW
Gallery
Our private home during the Lab will be at Séncies – Can Girona, a traditional Catalonian farmhouse, within walking distance (30min) from the center of Sitges. It’s surrounded by nature and filled with the essence of the beautiful Garraf National Park.
- 5 rooms x 2 people in single bed
- 1 room x 4 people in single bed
- 2 rooms x 2 people in double bed
*All rooms are equipped with heating, bedding, and towels.
4 shared bathrooms
3 terraces I Workshop venues I Gardens and forest
We will provide our own catering, where Laia, our cook, creates magic and wonders with food.
- Vegetarian
- Sustainable cooking
- Local suppliers
- Seasonal products
- Mindful eating
Head tutor – IRENA TASKOVSKI
Award winning producer and distributor, CEO & founder of Taskovski Films Ltd.
For 20 years Irena has been working as mentor, consultant / expert on marketing, sales, financing, and impact distribution for many film institutions e.g. HBO Europe, TRT world, Asian Cinema Fund, Dok.incubator CZ, Sources Germany, Head Tutor at Emerging Producers – at Ji.hlava IDFF CZ.
Head of Studies & Founder of the #DocsConnect training program for conscious filmmakers, producers and distributors.
Mindfulness & Embodied and conscious leadership coach: 5Rhythms mindfulness in motion & movement facilitator I Coach for personal and professional growth for film industry members I Passionate environmental, peace, and human unity activist I Mental health ambassador for film industry professionals I Mother of 10 year old son.
Selected filmography as producer & distributor: The Golden Thread, Ukrainian Sheriffs, Surire, Who Will Be a Gurkha, Czech Dream.
MORE MENTORS TO BE CONFIRMED SOON.
The price includes:
- 5 days of high case studies, masterclass, group discussions
- 1 to 1 mentorship
- hands-on work on your projects
- Industry Networking
- Mindfulness workshops
- Accommodation for 5 days/4nights in a private house
- 3 Meals + afternoon snack + Coffee breaks + drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Materials
- Technical equipment for lectures
TOTAL: 2.500€*
*This fee applies only if we have 15 participants.
*This fee doesn’t include insurance and travel costs to reach Sitges
Filmmakers are encouraged to seek financial aid from their National Film Funds. Taskovski Films will gladly provide any necessary support, including an official letter.
*We offer 2 scholarships for a tuition fee of 500€ for participants from low-income countries:
Group A: Czech Republic, Estonia, Romania, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Poland.
Group B: Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Cyprus, Malta.
Third countries considered as Group B, subject to the conditions being fulfilled for their participation in MEDIA: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, and Ukraine.
Filmmakers are encouraged to seek financial aid from their National Film Funds. Taskovski Films will gladly provide any necessary support, including an official letter.