Mentorat audiovisuel en coopération franco-portugaise

The program provided ten women filmmakers with concrete tools, key encounters, and personalized support tailored to their needs. It enabled them to access professional environments, notably at Les...

The program provided ten women filmmakers with concrete tools, key encounters, and personalized support tailored to their needs. It enabled them to access professional environments, notably at Les Arcs Film Festival, during a key stage in their careers where networking is essential. It also strengthened their artistic and transversal skills (soft skills), particularly in developing feature film projects, while offering them a better understanding of how the film industry operates in both France and Portugal. On a collective level, the program fostered mutual support, intercultural exchange, and sisterhood among the emerging filmmakers, thus contributing to the emergence of more inclusive storytelling. It also reinforced cooperation between the partner associations. Finally, the project enabled the dissemination of a methodology that other organizations can follow or adapt, thanks to the expertise report.

The first phase consisted of the co-design of the program and the co-selection of French and Portuguese participants by the two partner associations. The second phase revolved around two online webinars: one, led by French script consultant Anna Ciennik, focused on transversal skills (understanding the ecosystem of festivals and professional schemes, professional behavior, self-confidence); the other, led by Portuguese producer Hémi Fortes, focused on pitch preparation, a key skill for presenting one’s project. These sessions allowed the mentees to prepare concretely for the immersion while also fostering a group dynamic through shared tools and peer exchange. The third phase was the immersion at Les Arcs Film Festival, where the mentees had privileged access to professional spaces (market, masterclasses, conferences) and networking opportunities. They were able to pitch their projects in front of a jury, refine their approaches thanks to targeted feedback, and expand their professional network. Informal gatherings were also organized to encourage casual exchange and strengthen group cohesion.

Beyond the support provided to the mentee filmmakers, the project led to the creation of two main practical tools designed to extend its impact and share the acquired know-how. An expertise report was written to document each stage of the program and offer a transferable methodology for other organizations wishing to implement similar initiatives. It includes feedback from the mentees, strategic choices, and the tools used. To increase the visibility of the mentees' projects, project sheets were shared with European professionals and institutions, presenting each filmmaker's background and feature film project. A communication strategy was also implemented: posts on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, visibility on the associations’ websites, and outreach to institutional partners and the organizations' professional networks. These actions helped to promote the program and expand its reach within the film industry. Finally, post-program follow-up (questionnaires, one-on-one meetings) ensured the continuity of learning and helped maintain a strong connection with the mentees.