Kundura DocLab is a project and capacity-building program where various methodologies and perspectives intertwine, conducting experiments using ideas and creative elements. Inviting artists to explore the boundaries of documentary, this international program brought together cinema and theater documentary directors for the first time in May 2023. Organized annually with different invited instructors, the program creates a space for the convergence of diverse stories and creative minds from different countries.
It serves as an open platform for all filmmakers and theatermakers engaged in research-oriented work. Believing in the power of the connection between cinema and theater, Kundura DocLab aims to bridge the gap between these two disciplines by discovering similarities in storytelling and exploring overlapping innovative aspects in the creative process. By providing a meeting point for documentary creators, the program establishes a structure where they can share collaborative artistic processes and enrich their artistic identities.
Throughout this process, Kundura DocLab not only questions and discusses current definitions but also explores the possibilities of creating 'another world' by discovering the essence of non-fiction storytelling. Focused on developing artistic collaboration and research methodologies in non-fiction storytelling, the program highlights the importance of the research process in film and theater practice. It encourages each participant to delve into their inner world, discover creative sources, follow questions that guide them towards a specific dramaturgical flow and aesthetic research, and alleviate some of the resistance in their creative processes.
In addition to the in-depth development of methodologies in the production process of documentary, Kundura DocLab focuses on seeing sources in storytelling art on different levels.
2nd Kundura DocLab will be held at Beykoz Kundura from April 22 to 27, 2024.
Category: Documentary Film / Documentary Theater / Project Development
Level: Intermediate Level and Above
Location: Beykoz Kundura İstanbul, Turkey (Accommodation and training on the site)
Important Dates:
Application: January 8 - March 1, 2024, until 18:00 (Turkey time)
Announcement of Selected Projects: March 11, 2024
Pre-presentation Day: March 21, 2024 (Online)
Residential Development Program: April 22-27, 2024 (On the site Beykoz Kundura)
*Successful applicants must attend “Pre-presentation Day”
What do we offer?
Kundura DocLab offers a capacity-building program; gathering with inspiring workshops, lectures, and international exchange programs held for the second time in Istanbul in April 2024 to generate this creative and collaborative space. We will investigate harmoniously for a cutting-edge cross-disciplinary approach and offer an exchange for building up a curious ecosystem in artistic production.
Who can join?
Kundura DocLab is open to every research-based filmmaker and theatermaker who is practicing documentary, keen on improving methodologies in-depth, and also looking for self-development as a creative practitioner. DocLab is not limited to local makers in Turkey, it is an international platform that believes the transcultural aspect of the art of documentary is crucial for innovative approaches in shaping the material of reality. We care about selecting participants who can clearly state their research interests and skills along with a strong aesthetic approach. We would like our participants to keep a strong openness to self-development and aim to improve their analytical, and critical skills in their creative practice.
Conditions of Participation
Applicants must be 30 years of age or older.
Participants must be proficient in English, with an advanced Upper-Intermediate or Advanced Level knowledge.
Participants must attend the entire program, successful applicants will be required to sign a memorandum of agreement
Artists can apply with their film or performance/theater projects at the early stage of development. They must present an idea to work on throughout the lab for the application.
For Filmmakers
We expect you to have either 1 feature-length documentary film or 2 medium-length documentary films that have participated in an international festival program.
For Theatermakers
We expect you to have 1 original production performed at either a national festival or an international fringe festival.
We value participants who, alongside a strong aesthetic approach, can enhance their analytical skills in their creative practices, express themselves effectively, and prioritize openness to sharing and collaborative production in their research.
The applicants can enroll from the following regions;
Balkans, South Caucasus, Middle East
Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait
Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
Artists or directors can apply with their film or performance/theater projects at the early stage of development. They must present an idea to work on throughout the lab for the application.
Advısors
Jury
Instructors
Frequently Asked Questions