Beyond the Frame: New Perspectives of Documentary and VR Film

Under the theme Still Human?, we will delve into how technology shapes the way stories are told and the ethical considerations that come with it. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the immersive world of VR through screenings of two thought-provoking films or participate in a panel discussion with industry professionals. The programme highlights how VR can challenge the boundaries of documentary filmmaking while raising important ethical questions about representation, truth, and audience engagement. Whether you're a filmmaker, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the evolving role of technology in storytelling, KineDok’s programme at East Doc Platform offers an insightful experience.

2-DAY SCREENING OF DARKENING & GOODBYE MR. OCTOPUS

Guest service (French Institute in Prague)

Monday and Tuesday, March 17-18, 15:00-19:00 both days

Experience the unique world of virtual reality through a screening of a VR film that will immerse you in a captivating story and offer an unforgettable experience. This innovative format combines technology with emotional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of cinematic art. Get ready for a completely new way of perceiving film, where you become part of the story and explore the possibilities of interaction within a virtual space. The screening is perfect for enthusiasts of modern technology and fans of audiovisual storytelling alike. You can look forward to 2 VR films:

Darkening (dir. Ondřej Moravec, 25 min, Czechia, Germany, 2022)

What goes on in the head of a young person who is experiencing depression? And is there a way to get out of these states? That's the story behind the autobiographical animated film Darkening, which uses virtual reality to portray authentic experiences.

Goodbye Mr. Octopus (dir. Amaury Campion, Lily Lambert, France, USA, 10 min, 2020)

Goodbye Mr. Octopus is an illuminating coming of age story about the questioning of identity, of what our loved ones represent, and the perception of those around us.

Behind the Lens: Case Study & Screening of FAMU Films with Expert Insights by Sebastian Brameshuber

Lažanský palác (FAMU)

Monday, March 17, 15:30-18:30

Join us for a screening of three short student films from FAMU International and FAMU Documentary and Production departments, followed by a discussion with expert Sebastian Brameshuber and FAMU faculty members. The program invites active participation from student filmmakers, including international film students from KineDok partner countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Romania), fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. While designed for students, the event is open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with emerging filmmakers and industry experts.

SCREENING: Movements of a Nearby Mountain and Q&A with the filmmaker Sebastian Brameshuber

Kino 35 (French Institute in Prague)

Monday, March 17, 19:00-21:00

In a remote, abandoned industrial site near a centuries-old ore mine in the Austrian Alps, a self-taught mechanic runs a business exporting used cars to his native Nigeria. As he pursues his lonely day-to-day activities with wondrous serenity, past, present and future begin to overlap, and memories of a lost friendship resurface against the backdrop of a mysterious promise of everlasting resources. The screening will be accompanied by a Q&A with the director Sebastian Brameshuber.

MASTERCLASS by Sebastian Brameshuber: Navigating Truth and Ethics in Documentary Filmmaking

Kino 35 (French Institute in Prague)

Tuesday, March 18, 16:00-17:30

Documentary films on social issues raise important global questions, but they also present filmmakers with challenges related to ethics, authorship, and staying true to real-life stories—along with key questions of production and distribution. How can you tell powerful and truthful stories while maintaining credibility? How do you navigate artistic vision with respect for your protagonists? And how do you create a film that makes a real impact? Join documentary filmmaker Sebastian Brameshuber (Movements of a Nearby Mountain, In, Over & Out) for an inspiring masterclass. As a documentary filmmaker he has placed an emphasis on human relations and sociopolitical questions while maintaining a strong interest in form. He continues to question the nature of the moving image in his work and to reflect on the difficulties of representation in a world dominated by images. His work has been presented at major film and media art festivals such as the Berlinale, Viennale, Art of the Real, Cinéma du Réel, FID Marseille, IDFA, BAFICI, Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, EMAF Osnabrueck, Impakt Utrecht, Media Art Friesland, etc. Sebastian offers a unique insight into the documentary filmmaking process. Through real-world examples, he will guide you through the essential aspects of documentary storytelling and reveal a set of key questions and tools to help you refine your approach to storytelling and sensitive topics—ensuring your documentary not only informs but leaves a lasting impact.

PANEL DISCUSSION: New Opportunities for VR Distribution

Kino 35 (French Institute in Prague)

Tuesday, March 18, 18:00-20:00

Virtual reality is transforming the way we tell stories, offering audiences unique and immersive experiences. What are the current trends in VR filmmaking? How is its distribution evolving, and how can new audiences be reached? What technological and creative innovations are shaping the future of this medium? Explore the rapidly developing landscape of VR distribution in this insightful discussion on new opportunities in the field. Leading experts Ondřej Moravec (Brainz Immersive), Sara Fatucci (Unframed Collection), and Gabriella Chihan Stanley (vrisch) will share their experiences and visions in this panel discussion. Together, we will explore successful projects and discover new ways to harness the potential of VR and push the boundaries of audiovisual storytelling.