PRESS RELEASE Feb, 26th 2024
The No Nation Films Fellowship.
For the 10th anniversary of establishing No Nation Films, the filmmaker-duo and founders Diana & Orwa announce the next phase of their company, as it transforms from a traditional film production company to a film atelier by launching the No Nation Films Fellowship.
“We pride ourselves for being highly motivated and committed filmmakers. As we worked under fire, were prosecuted, stood to power, dealt with anxieties, personal complexities, experienced exile, hide-outs, but still invested, both personally and professionally, to bring forth ambitious and socially committed films. This was only possible thanks to the friendship, mentorship, and consultancy we received unconditionally from our friends in the documentary film world. Today, after moving to Berlin and setting up No Nation Films, we have an anniversary to celebrate and it’s time to pay forward” Diana comments.
The No Nation Films Atelier kicks off in 2024 by awarding Fellowships to ten film-teams from around the world. The Fellowship is granted based on the merits of the film project, the film team, and the circumstances in which they operate.
Coined as the No Nation Films Fellowship, this form of investment into the film-community values as a six month mentorship and consultancy program, where film experts accompany each of the Fellows as they develop their film narratives, shape their teamwork, as well as plan a mindful production trajectory for their projects.
“There is always a special place in our heart for filmmakers who are in exile, under occupation, under persecution or threat, for women, LGBTQIA+, and the lower-impact audiovisual communities in Germany and worldwide. We want to reach out to film communities who often face barriers to entry. For this our team, in collaboration with a number of esteemed and highly experienced filmmakers, is committing to giving away ten Fellowships to ten film teams from Germany and from around the globe.” Diana shares.
So far, five Fellowships have been awarded in workshops and festivals presentations internationally to the following film teams: Nupur Agrawal and Shivajee Biswanath (India), Catherine Chan and Wong Siu-pong (Hong Kong), Mina Keshavarz (Iran/Germany), Joud Hasan (Palestine/Germany), and Noora Said and Yousef Hammad (Palestine).
Earlier in January this year, applications were opened. Film teams with a documentary film project in advanced stage development or mid production can apply for the Fellowship. A basic list of FAQs is available on No Nation Films’ website, and for an exhaustive overview of eligibility, selection process, and terms of the Fellowship, interested filmmakers can go directly to the FilmFreeway application page.
The application is open until March 8, 2024.
After the initial cohort completes the Fellowship Program in 2024, No Nation Films will evaluate the form and frequency and consider an extension of the Fellowship in the years to come.