EWA Network's Mentoring Programme for Emerging Female Producers wrapped up in Cluj
Amidst a heatwave, we had the pleasure to conclude the 5th edition of the EWA Network Mentoring Programme in a new place, with the Transilvania International Film Festival and RO Industry Days as a new partner, in Cluj, Romania.
The programme started in Thessaloniki in November and after months of online sessions, 1-to-1 meetings, online seminars and networking at major film festivals, we brought to an end another edition of the mentoring scheme for emerging female producers. It has been an exciting year where the programme has facilitated new business-to-business connections for the participants, improved their understanding of the European Audiovisual sector and we witnessed their professional growth.
The meeting in Cluj within the framework of RO Industry Days in the Transilvania Film Festival opened some opportunities to work with Eastern Europe and to dive into the possibilities of co-producing with Romania. We had the chance to attend the pitch stop and see EWA members pitching their film projects.
During our plenary session on the first day, the group shared their progress and advance followed by a networking session guided by Graziella Bildesheim, and a further discussion of the current situation and world market trends.
"This programme is an excellent opportunity to find deeper motivation to keep producing films in this changing audiovisual landscape we are experiencing right now in Europe. The support of my mentor throughout the year was absolutely priceless. I felt seen, guided and acknowledged for my efforts."
"If you understand that you need an honest and supportive partner for your creative brain-storm, EWA mentoring is a perfect opportunity to build a safe, supportive and long-term relation with a senior women-producer. Moreover, the program is packed with few workshops that provoke discussions based on both experience and wishes for the more sustainable, fair and bright future.."
On the next day, mentors and participants engaged in a full day workshop to improve Negotiation Skills with the expert Anja Henningsmeyer, certified negotiator of the Schranner Institute in Zurich, who helped the group to tune their communication instrument in order to achieve what they need.
Quoting Hennigsmeyer: "Studies such as those by Harvard professor Deborah Tannen (“Who Gets Heard And Why”) prove that women and men tend to communicate differently – the reason for this lies in socialisation. This often also affects negotiations, which is unfortunate because neither women nor men are aware of these differences–and they have not learnt how to deal with them. We all carry out small and large negotiations every day: for the recognition of our needs, for projects, for making money, etc. It is therefore worthwhile to know how to negotiate consciously and cleverly, because then we can achieve our goals more easily."
After an intense day of negotiations, the group relaxed in the Industry Days closing cocktail and group dinner.