"The Ex Oriente Film workshop was a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by inspiring filmmakers, mentors, and professionals from across Europe and beyond. It was not only a space for learning and sharing but also a powerful reminder of why we tell stories and who we tell them for. The workshop was a true wake-up call—challenging us to rethink our projects, question our approaches, and push our creative boundaries. Through honest feedback, engaging conversations, and collaborative spirit, the experience left me motivated, re-energized, and ready to move forward with new perspectives. It’s rare to find such an open, supportive, and thought-provoking environment. I am grateful to have been part of it and look forward to continuing this journey."
- Sami Mustafa, current participant (2025 – Symphony of Seasons)
"Ex Oriente workshop definitely helped me to become a member of the European documentary professional community, because since Ex Oriente's each session is connected to one of the major European documentary industry event, it puts the participants in the spotlight for a majority of European doc professionals. Also, the workshop was very practically useful for developing the project and taking it to the next level, both creative and production-wise. It is also a great way to build a relationship with the directors, because workshop sets important values of directors and producers being equally involved in creative processes, sharing mutual responsibility for all the project's aspects, creating understanding and respect to each others' inputs."
- Oleksandra Kravchenko, former participant (2022 – One Day I Wish To See You Happy, 2020 – Lagoons. A Battle for Paradise)
“Ex Oriente Film’s excellent mix of art and market puts it in Top 5. Its innovation and inventiveness puts it in Top 1. East and Central European documentary would not be where it is today without the Ex Oriente Film training programme. P.S. I forgot to mention the beer!”
- Mikael Opstrup, workshop tutor
"Ex Oriente Film workshop is a place to grow as a documentary professional, a place to tackle various uncertanties about your upcoming film and a place to find your community and a support structure that goes beyond the workshop timeline."
- Mariia Ponomarova, former participant (2020 – Nice Ladies, 2018 – Fragile Memory)
"I've faced many challenges while working on my documentary project. At Ex-Oriente, I met people who encountered similar struggles and fought through them. This gave me confidence that I can overcome these challenges as well. It encouraged me to keep going and continue my documentary career. I also found a producer for another very personal project, and we've developed it significantly together. Thank you so much the whole Ex-Oriente team and Filip!"
- Taisiia Kutuzova, former participant (2021 – Shut the Fuck Up!)
"The Ex Oriente Film workshop is an essential project incubator that allows producers to benefit from the guidance and expertise of industry professionals closely connected to the market. This process strengthens their proposals and paves the way for their films to reach international broadcasters and platforms."
- Nicolas Deschamps, workshop tutor
"As a first-time director, I often grappled with self-doubt and uncertainty about whether my project would succeed. The Ex Oriente Workshop provided invaluable guidance through its sessions with experienced tutors and fellow participants, helping me trust my instincts and find my voice. Professionally, it enabled me to elevate my project to an international level, ultimately building a three-country co-production."
- Maris Salumets, former participant (2022 – War on Women)
"Ex Oriente Film is a fantastic opportunity to develop projects, helping filmmakers find the right approach and protagonists. The workshop features great mentors who prepare participants to meet with the industry under tailored guidance, which is crucial. Fully utilizing this opportunity can lead to the success of the film. Additionally, the workshop is organized with a deep understanding of the industry context from which the participants come, providing significant help in navigating the filmmaking reality in this region."
- Hanka Kastelicová, workshop tutor
"It was a pleasant experience and I made lot of new connections and met lot of inspiring people. Don't hesitate to apply, you will make lot of new friends and gain fresh perspectives on your project."
- Martin Trabalík, former participant (2023 – What about Petey?)
"Ex Oriente is the place to be for demanding cinematic documentary filmmakers willing to go deeper in their research to acheve their film!"
- Alexandra Mélot, workshop tutor
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