How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

In the light of the upcoming Valletta Film Lab (VFL), a film development platform to be launched in November 2018 by the Film Grain Foundation open to 34 European, Middle Eastern and North African small countries as well as the new competition of the Valletta film festival (the fifth edition of which will take place between the 14th and the 23rd June) open to the same countries – the purpose of my travel to Lebanon was to meet filmmakers, producers, distributors, other festival organizers and key players from the region. During the week, I had the opportunity to discuss future collaborations and artistic exchange with other attending festival directors (Tripoli, Cyprus, Lebanon Film Festival, NDU, Batroun Mediterranean Film Festival, Film Femme Francophone Mediterranean) and to invite several talents from the regions to submit their works to Valletta Film Festival (VFF).

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

Our objective being to promote the cinema of small nations which often struggles to produce films single handily due to the lack of funding and/or infrastructure in their countries – hence relying on co-production – we feel it is crucial for small nations to build a solid network and learn from each others’ experience in the field as well as provide a platform which bridges the gap between small nations and larger players.

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

The one thing I will retain from Batroun Film Festival: is their capacity to engage with the local audience – the organizers were very creative in ‘bringing the festival home’ with a promotional video that involved the community and promoted local heritage and culture. This is definitely something we want to replicate at VFF. FFFM: as we are currently in the process of launching the VFL– is was valuable to share the experience of FFFM – in terms of getting the project funded – international promotion.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

https://www.vallettafilmfestival.com/

https://www.facebook.com/vallettafilmfestival