AI IN FILM & TV INDUSTRIES: CREATIVE MODULE WORKSHOP WITH MARTIN PERCY London 17-18 January
INTIMACY COORDINATION FOR FILM TV WORKSHOP WITH DAVID THACKERAY Berlin 21-22 Fenruary
21/22.03.2026Lisbon | Portugal
LONE SCHERFIG IMPROVING WRITING & DIRECTING TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP
ABOUT LONE SCHERFIG
Lone Scherfig is an Academy Award–nominated, Silver Bear–winning writer and director whose films have been celebrated at the Berlin International Film Festival, Sundance, Cannes, TIFF, and by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With a career spanning more than four decades, her work has earned Oscar and BAFTA nominations, major international jury prizes, and sustained global audiences, establishing her as one of the most influential European filmmakers of her generation.
Scherfig first emerged as a significant cinematic voice with her debut feature The Birthday Trip, which was selected for Panorama at the Berlinale. Scherfig’s global breakthrough came with Italian for Beginners (2000), the fifth official film of the Dogme 95 movement. A landmark of Scandinavian cinema, the film became one of the most commercially successful Nordic films ever made, while also achieving critical acclaim. It won the Silver Bear – Jury Grand Prix and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, alongside numerous international awards. Notably, Scherfig redefined the Dogme aesthetic by creating a film of warmth, humour, and emotional accessibility, expanding the movement’s artistic possibilities.
Her first English-language feature, Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, toured major festivals worldwide and received awards across Europe, North America, and Asia. Praised for its tonal courage and emotional nuance, the film further demonstrated Scherfig’s mastery of character-driven storytelling and her rare ability to handle difficult themes with empathy and restraint.
In 2009, Scherfig directed An Education. The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, received three Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, and garnered eight BAFTA nominations. It also launched Carey Mulligan’s international career, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, a testament to Scherfig’s exceptional work with actors and her sensitivity to performance. An Education remains a reference point for literary adaptation, tone control, and emotionally precise direction.
Following this success, Scherfig directed a series of high-profile British productions, including One Day, a global box-office hit adapted from David Nicholls’ bestselling novel; The Riot Club, a sharp examination of power and privilege; and Their Finest, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and screened at Sundance and the London Film Festival, earning praise for its ensemble performances and tonal sophistication.
In 2019, The Kindness of Strangers opened and competed at the Berlin International Film Festival, reaffirming her continued engagement with socially resonant storytelling.
Alongside her feature film work, Lone Scherfig has played a major role in television, directing and shaping series such as Taxa, Quiet Waters, Better Times, and serving as creator and conceptual force behind The Astronaut Wives Club (2015). More recently, she created and directed The Shift (2022), further expanding her work in long-form narrative storytelling.
Across her career, Scherfig’s films have been honoured by the Academy Awards, BAFTA, Berlinale juries, international critics’ associations, and festivals worldwide. Her work is widely recognised for its clarity of intention, deep respect for actors, and its ability to transform intimate human stories into universally resonant cinema.
For FEST FILM LAB, Lone Scherfig offers participants a great opportunity to engage with a filmmaker whose career exemplifies artistic integrity, international success, and sustained creative relevance. Her workshop draws directly on decades of award-winning practice, offering filmmakers insight into storytelling, directing actors, and shaping films that connect powerfully with audiences across cultures.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
This intensive two-day FEST FILM LAB workshop with writer and director Lone Scherfig is designed for filmmakers who want to deepen and refine their work as writers and/or directors.
The workshop focuses on the craft of storytelling for the screen, with particular attention to scene work, character, and the relationship between writing and directing. Participants will be encouraged to rethink how they approach scenes, actors, dramatic structure, and cinematic imagination.
Rather than prescribing rules or formulas, the workshop invites participants to explore how stories actually come alive: how intention translates into action, how scenes gain emotional weight, and how directing choices reshape what is written on the page. Lone Scherfig will draw on her own experience across film and television to illuminate the creative decisions behind the work, while remaining closely engaged with the participants’ questions and material.
Across the two days, the workshop will explore topics such as:
Finding a concept where story, aesthetics, and budget meet
Strengthening scenes through structure and dramatic devices
Understanding actors’ processes and how to direct performance
Developing dramatic instinct and cinematic thinking
Working intuitively while maintaining strong narrative focus
Participants are encouraged to submit a short description of the project(s) they are currently working on, along with a brief note outlining any specific areas they would like Lone Scherfig to address. This material will help shape the focus of discussions and exercises, allowing the workshop to respond directly to the group’s interests and needs.
The workshop is intended for writers and/or directors with prior experience, typically those who have completed several short films, television episodes, or feature projects, and who are looking to refine their craft rather than learn introductory principles. The group will be limited in size to ensure an in-depth exchange and a meaningful working atmosphere.
The workshop will be conducted in English and follows the FEST FILM LAB philosophy: an intensive, experience-driven format focused on creative process, reflection, and practical insight, led by a filmmaker actively engaged with the realities of contemporary filmmaking.
PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT
The workshop is intended for writers and/or directors with prior experience, as well as filmmakers interested in deepening their understanding of storytelling, scene work, performance, and the relationship between writing and directing.
WORKSHOP LOCATION
Lisbon, Portugal
16 hours
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 21st - 22nd of March 2026
Location: Lisbon Portugal
Price: 599EUR, (399EUR discount of 30% until 2nd of March)
Maximum number of participants: 25
By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions
REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
24/27.03.2026Online
INSIDE THE PRODUCER’S MIND: DECISION-MAKING, COLLABORATION & LEADERSHIP IN MODERN FILMMAKING WORKSHOP WITH IAIN SMITH
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION In the complex world of modern filmmaking, the producer stands at the centre of every creative, financial, and logistical decision. But what truly defines the work of a great producer? How are decisive choices made in moments of uncertainty? How do you build teams, guide directors, navigate studios, manage risk, and protect the creative vision while ensuring the project is delivered? In this immersive FEST FILM LAB workshop, producer Iain Smith invites participants into the inner workings of his process, how he thinks, how he collaborates, and how he leads at every stage of a film’s life. Through open conversation, real-world examples, and Iain’s direct reflections on his own methods, the sessions will examine: Key Themes How a producer thinks: shaping decisions under pressure, developing good judgement, and balancing instinct with experience. Leadership in filmmaking: managing teams, setting the tone on a production, and creating the conditions for great creative work. Creative collaboration: working with directors, writers, actors, studio executives and financiers in a way that supports the project’s vision. Managing scale: what changes—and what doesn’t—when producing large, complex films versus independent projects. Problem-solving as an art: navigating crises, conflicts, and unexpected challenges, and turning them into opportunities. Building trust: establishing credibility, maintaining transparent communication, and fostering long-term creative relationships. Protecting the film: understanding when to push, when to compromise, and how to keep the project on course from development to final delivery.l. Whether you are already producing films or transitioning into a more leadership-oriented role within your projects, this workshop offers a great opportunity to step inside the mind of an internationally respected producer and understand the craft from the inside out, how decisions are made, how challenges are solved, and how films are shaped through the intelligence, sensitivity, and judgement of the producer. Four-Session Structure: SESSION 1 — The Producer’s Mindset: Judgement, Vision & Early Decision-Making Core focus: How a producer thinks, makes decisions, and identifies a project’s potential. Topics What a producer really does: from creative architect to strategic diplomat Developing instinct and judgement: how producers read people, material, and situations Understanding the DNA of a project Packaging creatively: talent, genre, scope, ambition Navigating uncertainty: risk, opportunity, momentum Choosing collaborators and identifying strengths in early development Common early-stage pitfalls and how to avoid them Case Studies The Fifth Element (1997): How early creative decisions shaped visual ambition and production scale. Children of Men (2006): Assessing the risk and reward of a bold creative vision and how the decision to support that vision influenced every department. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Understanding long-term commitment and project resilience even before production begins. SESSION 2 — Creative Collaboration: Directors, Writers, Actors & Key Departments Core focus: The producer as a collaborator, bridge-builder, and mediator. Topics Building trust with directors and writers Guiding the story without overstepping Supporting performances: the subtle producer–actor relationship Harmonising creative perspectives among departments Reading creative conflict and turning it into momentum The producer as the guardian of tone and intention Communication frameworks that keep teams aligned Case Studies Children of Men — collaboration with Alfonso Cuarón: aligning creative clarity across cinematography, production design, and long-take choreography. Wanted (2008): Navigating director, cast, and studio expectations on a stylised action film. Actor-led challenges: anonymised or general examples of how producers support actors through demanding material, scheduling pressure, or preparation needs. SESSION 3 — Leadership in Action: Managing Scale, Teams & Crises Core focus: Leadership under pressure, real-world problem solving, and navigating complexity. Topics Leadership styles in filmmaking Protecting morale and communication on set Scaling production: indie vs. blockbuster Making decisions under pressure: clarity, timing, responsibility Crisis management: weather, budget, safety, studio politics Working with international partners and multi-country shoots Maintaining control while empowering teams Case Studies The Fifth Element — managing an ambitious production with complex sets and visual effects. Mad Max: Fury Road — extreme-location filmmaking: environmental challenges, stamina, and production resilience. International Co-Productions: logistical, cultural, and financial lessons learned across continents. Participant reflection exercise “What was the hardest day you ever had on a shoot?” followed by group analysis. SESSION 4 — Protecting the Film: From Development to Delivery & Sustaining a Caree Core focus: How producers safeguard projects, shape outcomes, and navigate industry realities. Topics Keeping the film’s core vision alive from prep to post When to compromise, when to stand firm Balancing creative demands and commercial realities Working with distributors, studios, and festival strategies The afterlife of a film: marketing, awards, audience positioning Long-term career sustainability: reputation, collaborators, and reinvention Understanding your value as a producer Case Studies Festival & awards trajectories from Iain’s films: how strategy influences visibility and longevity. Creative recovery stories: moments when a film could have gone wrong, and how producing choices changed the outcome. Lessons learned across decades: how the industry evolves and how producers evolve with it. ABOUT IAIN SMITH Iain Smith OBE is one of the most distinguished and influential film producers working in international cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades. His work has been recognised with a BAFTA Scotland Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and with appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to film. Films produced by Smith have received Academy Award nominations, won major international prizes, and achieved worldwide box-office success. Among the most celebrated films he has produced are Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Children of Men (2006), The Fifth Element (1997), Cold Mountain (2003), The Fountain (2006), Seven Years in Tibet (1997), Entrapment (1999), Alexander (2004), and Wanted (2008). These productions, often realised on a large international scale, are widely studied for their creative ambition, logistical complexity, and bold artistic vision. Iain Smith began his career working across multiple departments, before returning to Scotland to contribute to My Childhood, the first film in Bill Douglas’s landmark BFI-backed trilogy. In the late 1970s, Smith formed his first production company and quickly established himself. He production-managed Bertrand Tavernier’s Death Watch (starring Romy Schneider and Harvey Keitel) and soon after joined David Puttnam and Hugh Hudson on Chariots of Fire, one of the most celebrated British films ever made. Smith went on to line-produce and associate-produce several key films of the 1980s, including Local Hero (dir. Bill Forsyth), The Killing Fields and The Mission (dir. Roland Joffé), working with filmmakers and performers such as Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Sam Waterston, and Haing Ngor. These films cemented his reputation as a producer capable of handling politically complex material and large-scale international shoots. In 1987, Smith founded Applecross Productions, from which he went on to produce and co-produce a wide range of major studio and independent films. His collaborations during this period included Stephen Frears (Mary Reilly), Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), Jean-Jacques Annaud (Seven Years in Tibet), Tony Scott (Spy Game), Anthony Minghella (Cold Mountain), Oliver Stone (Alexander), Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain), Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men), and George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road). Particularly notable is Children of Men, now regarded as a modern classic, and Mad Max: Fury Road, which went on to win six Academy Awards and is widely considered one of the greatest action films ever made. Smith served as executive producer on Mad Max: Fury Road, helping bring George Miller’s vision to the screen under extraordinary production conditions. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT This workshop is designed for producers, directors, line producers, production managers, and advanced film students seeking deeper insight into leadership, decision-making, and collaboration in contemporary film production. 16 hours Duration: 4 days Dates: 24th to the 27th of March 2026 1PM - 5PM (London) 2AM - 6PM (Brussels) 5PM - 9PM (Dubai) 9AM - 1PM (New York) 9PM - 1AM (Beijing) 6:30PM - 10:30PM (New Delhi) 10AM - 2PM (Rio de Janeiro) 12AM - 4AM (Sydney) 6AM - 10AM (Los Angeles) Location: Online Price: 599EUR (349EUR with 40% Discount until the 10th of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
21/24.04.2026Online
FILM DIRECTING WORKSHOP WITH PETER WEBBER
ABOUT PETER WEBBER Peter Webber has had a diverse career as a director of film, television and documentaries including the critically renowned ˜Girl with a Pearl Earring™ and the HBO series "Six Feet Under". Peter is perhaps best known for his film directorial debut ˜Girl With a Pearl Earring", the film adaptation of Tracey Chevalier's bestselling novel. The film tells the story of the creation of the famous painting by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer of the same name. The film saw Peter directing Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth as the films leads. Released in 2004 the film went on to be nominated for no less than 3 Academy Awards, 10 BAFTA nominations as well as numerous other honours. Webber was then tapped by Dino de Laurentis to direct "Hannibal Rising". Based on Thomas Harris upcoming new book of the same name, and starring Gaspard Ulliel, Li Gong and Anthony Hopkins, In 2012 Peter directed the Feature Film "Emperor", Starring Tommy Lee Jones, and Mathew Fox. Peter has also directed the Netflix Original Pickpockets (2018). His documentary work includes the award-winning environmental feature documentary Ten Billion (2015) and Earth: One Amazing Day (2017), narrated by Robert Redford and Jackie Chan. Webber's most recent productions include the "Kingdoms of Fire" (2019), television series, which takes viewers back to the past as the Ottoman Empire seeks to conquer Cairo, as well as the documentary "Inna de Yard" (2019), a portrait of the pioneers of reggae music in Jamaica Peter Weber's experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION Pete Webber's workshop will focus on a diversity of topics relating to the art of directing for film. You will have the chance to not only receive this knowledge from a very revered professional, but also to interact strongly, as the group will have up to 25 participants, making it extremely practical and interactive. You will also have the opportunity to assess the issues you encountered on your films, and receive the feedback to unblock situations in the future. The workshop will also cover the following: - THE ESSENCE OF THE CRAFT - Film History is your friend; Developing a hinterland; Auteur versus Industry – the realities of the business; DIY - low budget approaches; The writer/director conundrum; The genius myth; Understanding your abilities. - GETTING THERE - Looking at the steps before you go into production; The development process; Raising finance; Producers and writers; Hollywood versus Europe; Agents/managers/lawyers; The One Hour Meeting. - PREPPING - Aesthetic overview – the look and the story; Crewing up; Casting and auditioning; Location hunting; Rehearsing/working with actors before the shoot; Storyboarding; How to work with: Art department; Costume; Camera; Assistant directors; Planning for Digital VFX. - SHOOTING - The politics – picking your battles; The fear; Planning your day; Blocking the scene; Shotlists; Storyboards on set; Shooting strategy; Blocking the scene; The Master shot trap; The second unit. - POST PRODUCTION - Working with an editor; Digital VFX in post; Guide music; Working with a composer; Test screenings; ADR; Sound Design; Grading; The final sound mix; Test screenings. - INTO THE WORLD - Film Festivals; The Press; The Internet and Social Media. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for Directors, Film Students, and filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Film and TV Directing. WORKSHOP LOCATION The workshop will take place online, FEST FILM LAB has always been a project of high level knowledge sharing and networking. -The workshop group will have a limited number of 25 participants. - We will maintain the tailor made aspects, with the possibility of troubleshooting projects you have been involved or challenges you are facing. We will introduce new tools to enhance the interactivity between participants. - We have rearranged the session of the workshop that will take place on 4 days instead of the typical 2 days, so that the workshop is less overwhelming, as the typical two full days online would impact the capacities of the participants to retain the learning outcomes. 16 hours Duration: 4 days Dates: 21st to the 24th of April 2026 1PM - 5PM (London) 2AM - 6PM (Brussels) 5PM - 9PM (Dubai) 8AM - 12PM (New York) 9PM - 1AM (Beijing) 6:30PM - 10:30PM (New Delhi) 10AM - 2PM (Rio de Janeiro) 11PM - 3AM (Sydney) Location: Online Price: 599EUR (374EUR with 40% Discount until the 12th of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
21/22.02.2026Berlin, Germany
INTIMACY COORDINATION FOR FILM TV WORKSHOP WITH DAVID THACKERAY
WORKSHOP FULL , FOR WAIYLING LIST PLEASE EMAIL filmlab@fest.pt ABOUT DAVID THACKERAY David Thackeray is an experienced Intimacy Coordinator. After training as an actor for five years and graduating from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, David transitioned into directing for stage, with one of his productions receiving critical acclaim and a transfer to London’s West End. His passion for storytelling soon led him into film and television, where he directed and produced an episode of Amazon Prime's Silent Eye. In 2017, David became one of the pioneering Intimacy Coordinators, a field that was still emerging at the time. He quickly established himself in the industry, working on a diverse range of high-profile productions across major platforms including Netflix, Disney, HBO, BBC, and Sky. His expertise has been integral to ensuring safe and respectful environments during the filming of intimate scenes, making him a sought-after professional in this area. David’s notable projects include the acclaimed TV series Sex Education (2020–2023), where he worked as an Intimacy Coordinator across 24 episodes, helping to navigate the show’s complex and sensitive themes. He also contributed to the global phenomenon Heartstopper (2022–2023), ensuring the portrayal of intimacy was both authentic and considerate across 16 episodes. His work on The Crown (2022) further cemented his reputation, bringing his expertise to one of the most watched and critically acclaimed series of the decade. David's recent projects include high-profile productions like The White Lotus (2022), Adolescence (2025), The Continental (2023), and Kaos (2024). He has also worked on upcoming titles like The Radleys (2024) and 3 Body Problem (2024), demonstrating his ongoing commitment to elevating the standards of intimacy coordination in the industry. His work is a testament to the importance of safety, respect, and collaboration in film and television, making him an invaluable asset to any production. David Thackeray experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION This intensive 2-day workshop on Intimacy Coordination for Film and TV offers a thorough exploration of the essential practices and techniques required to effectively manage intimate scenes on set. The workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety, comfort, and creative freedom of all involved, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Throughout the workshop there will be practical exercises for us to explore best practice of intimacy coordinating. Day 1: Understanding Intimacy Coordination Morning Session: Fundamentals of Intimacy Coordination Introduction to Intimacy Coordination: Learn about the role and responsibilities of an intimacy coordinator and why this position is crucial in today’s film and television industry. Creating a Safe Environment: Techniques and best practices for establishing a secure and respectful environment for actors during intimate scenes. Pre-Production Planning: How to integrate intimacy coordination into your pre production processes, including script analysis, casting, and rehearsals. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with intimate scenes, including legal and ethical considerations. Working with Actors: Techniques for building trust and ensuring actors feel safe and respected. Afternoon Session: Analysis of case studies Communication Strategies: Exploring effective communication strategies to ensure clear consent and comfort levels among actors and crew. Tools and Methodologies: Introduction to the various tools and methodologies used to ensure realistic yet safe portrayals of intimacy. Case Study : "Sex Education" Analysis of Intimate Scenes: An in-depth look at how intimacy coordination was crucial in the production of "Sex Education," examining the processes and challenges faced in choreographing intimate scenes. Lessons Learned: Discuss the outcomes and feedback from both the cast and crew on the implemented intimacy protocols. Case Study 2: "Industry HBO" Behind-the-Scenes: A breakdown of the intimacy coordination for "Industry," focusing on specific scenes and the strategies employed to address challenges. Impact Assessment: Evaluating the positive impact of intimacy coordination on the actors' performances and the overall production quality. Case Study 3: "3 Body Problem" Scene Analysis: Analyzing the intimate scene in "3 body problem" and the meticulous planning and coordination that ensured their success. Coordinator’s Perspective: Insights from the intimacy coordinator on the set about the complexities and solutions implemented. Day 2: Implementing Intimacy Coordination Morning Session: Practical Implementation Choreographing Intimate Scenes Detailed insights into choreographing intimate scenes, including the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects to consider. Live Demonstrations: Practical demonstrations of choreographing intimate scenes, allowing participants to observe and understand the coordinator's role in real-time. Interactive Exercises: Hands-on exercises where participants will develop and present their intimacy coordination plans for hypothetical scenes. Afternoon Session: Review Feedback and Discussion: Group discussions and feedback sessions to refine participants’ plans and address any questions or concerns. Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence Integrating Practices: Strategies for integrating intimacy coordination into your future projects to enhance actor safety and production quality. This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for producers and directors to deepen their understanding of intimacy coordination, ensuring that their projects are conducted with the highest levels of professionalism and respect for all involved. Participating in this workshop does not automatically qualify you to begin working as an intimacy coordinator. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for, Directors, Producers, Actors, Intimacy coordinators, Movement coordinators or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Industry on the area of Intimacy coordination WORKSHOP LOCATION Berlin, Germany Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 21st - 22nd of February 2026 Location: Berlin, Germany Price: 599EUR (429EUR Until 9th of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW
21/22.02.2026Berlin
BARRY ALEXANDER BROWN EDITING WORKSHOP
ABOUT BARRY ALEXANDER BROWN
Academy Award–Nominated Film Editor Barry Alexander Brown is one of the most celebrated film editors of his generation and a key creative force behind some of the most defining works in contemporary cinema. Brown has forged a remarkable career spanning over four decades, marked by a distinctive sense of rhythm, social awareness, and storytelling precision. Best known for his long-standing collaboration with Spike Lee, Barry’s editing has shaped the visual and emotional language of many of Lee’s most iconic films — including Do the Right Thing (1989), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), 25th Hour (2002), Inside Man (2006), and BlacKkKlansman (2018), the latter earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing at the 91st Oscars. His editing on BlacKkKlansman was praised for its masterful pacing and political clarity, helping the film win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Barry continued this celebrated partnership through Da 5 Bloods (2020), American Utopia (2020). Beyond narrative cinema, Brown’s influence extends to the world of music and documentary. He has edited landmark music videos for Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Public Enemy, and Arrested Development, helping define the political and stylistic edge of 1980s and 1990s pop culture. As a director, his debut The War at Home (1979) — co-directed at just 18 years old — earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, making him one of the youngest nominees in the category’s history. More recently, he directed Son of the South (2020), produced by Spike Lee, a film praised for its historical depth and humanist vision. With his work honoured by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Cannes Film Festival, the BAFTAs, and numerous critics’ associations worldwide, Barry Alexander Brown stands as one of cinema’s most accomplished and respected editors. His FEST FILM LAB workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master craftsman whose career combines artistic innovation, technical brilliance, and deep political engagement, a filmmaker who continues to shape the art of editing for a new generation. Barry is one of the most accomplished and sought of editors in activity, and will surely deliver a wonderful workshop based on his extensive knowledge of the subject. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Academy Award–nominated editor Barry Alexander Brown (BlacKkKlansman, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing) returns to FEST FILM LAB to lead a two-day workshop designed for filmmakers seeking to deepen their understanding of the editor’s craft, its creative influence, and its collaborative power within the filmmaking process. This intensive workshop offers a great opportunity to explore how editing shapes the emotional and narrative architecture of a film, how rhythm, pacing, structure, and tone are discovered rather than imposed. Barry will focus on the instincts, judgment, and storytelling intelligence that define great editing. Drawing on more than four decades of collaboration with directors such as Spike Lee, Barry will share insight into the creative and practical challenges faced in the cutting room, from shaping performance to navigating studio pressures, from reimagining structure during post-production to managing the balance between artistic intuition and external demands. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in open discussion and critical viewing. Each participant is invited to bring short excerpts (up to three minutes each) from their own work, which will be used as material for group analysis and dialogue. The sessions will emphasize process over perfection, exploring how choices are made, how meaning evolves, and how to recognize the moment when a scene finally “breathes.” Topics to be covered include: The editor’s narrative intelligence — rhythm, pacing, and structure as storytelling tools. Collaboration: building a creative dialogue with directors, cinematographers, and producers. Shaping performance — emotional continuity and the invisible craft of character. Editing across genres — drama, comedy, documentary, and hybrid forms. The relationship between image and sound — rhythm, silence, and the role of music. Finding solutions under production and time constraints. The editor’s role as a co-author of the film. Industry realities: agents, contracts, credits, and career sustainability. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for Editors, Directors, Sound Editors, Film Students, or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Editing WORKSHOP LOCATION Berlin, Germany Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 21-22 February 2026 Location: Berlin, Germany Price: 599EUR (399EUR with 35% discount until the 18th of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
