Ikusmira Berriak Reveals Esteemed Tutors For Its 10th Edition At Tabakalera

The Ikusmira Berriak program, now in its tenth edition, is making significant strides in the audiovisual creation landscape from its base at the Tabakalera international contemporary arts center in San Sebastián. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the San Sebastián Festival, Tabakalera, and Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola (EQZE), has been fostering the development of unique audiovisual projects since March 4th. The current cohort of residents includes Maria Elorza, Marieke Elzerman, Felipe Gálvez, Lucy Kerr, Mikele Landa, and Cande Lázaro, who have been diligently working on their respective projects.

This week marked a pivotal moment for the residents as they engaged in face-to-face sessions with the Ikusmira Berriak committee of experts. The committee includes notable figures such as producer and consultant Flor Clérico, consultant Olimpia Pont Cháfer, and Javier Martín, a member of the San Sebastián Festival selection committee. The program's distinctive approach involves selecting professionals to guide the filmmakers based on specific needs and requests articulated by the latter.

Among the collaborations, filmmaker Isaki Lacuesta will mentor Chilean director Felipe Gálvez on his second film "Impunidad / Impunity." Argentine filmmaker and programmer Albertina Carri is set to assist Cande Lázaro with their non-binary film "La Pastora / The Shepherdess." Dutch filmmaker Marieke Elzerman will receive guidance from Elena López Riera for her debut feature film "Wash Over," while Catarina Vasconcelos will support American Lucy Kerr on "The Bow." Additionally, Jean-Gabriel Périot will mentor Basque director Maria Elorza on her second feature film "Caro Bastiano," and Laura Citarella will advise Basque director Mikele Landa on her debut feature film "Senda."

The residency program not only provides individual working time and expert sessions but also includes a presentation of a case study by Mikel Gurrea, a past Ikusmira Berriak resident. Furthermore, the residents will participate in a workshop focused on project editing with editors Ariadna Ribas and Ana Pfaff. During their initial stay, they have access to film sessions at Tabakalera, along with services and resources from Medialab and the Audiovisual Laboratory.

In June, each resident is set to receive development assistance of 10,000 euros to further their projects. Online individual supervision sessions are scheduled for July. In September, they will return to San Sebastián for the final two weeks of their residency, culminating in an opportunity to present their projects to film industry professionals and engage in personalized meetings with potential collaborators.

Ikusmira Berriak boasts a successful history since its inception in 2015, supporting the development of 44 audiovisual projects. Many of these projects have premiered at international festivals and garnered awards. Looking ahead to 2024, several projects by past participants such as Diego Céspedes, Eduardo Crespo, and Irati Gorostidi are slated for filming. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Ikusmira Berriak plans several initiatives including a film diary featuring filmmakers who have premiered their projects developed within the program.