The 27th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival is set to kick off in just a month (24 – 29 October), offering an expansive industry programme and a specially curated selection of eight new U.S. documentary projects. Renowned as one of the major platforms for documentary cinema, the festival will not only showcase talent but also facilitate high-level industry discussions.
The industry events begin on October 25 at the Ji.hlava Industry Hub with an Open Doors session, providing a welcoming atmosphere for attendees to meet and network. This is followed by Czech Joy in the Spotlight, where authors will introduce new Czech documentary films, offering a sneak peek into the festival’s main competition.
Central to the festival on October 26 and 27, the Ji.hlava New Visions Forum will be a stage for filmmakers to pitch both European and U.S. documentary projects to a broad range of industry professionals. The Visegrad Accelerator is slated to host a panel discussion about the reality and potential of virtual and augmented reality in the V4 countries. Running parallel to these activities is a comprehensive conference focusing on ethics in documentary filmmaking.
Numerous networking opportunities are planned, including industry drinks sessions in collaboration with institutions like Nikon and the Audiovisual Producers’ Association. There’s also a special industry drink hosted by the French Institute, to celebrate the French focus at the festival.
Turning to the U.S. documentaries selected for the third Ji.hlava New Visions Forum, the lineup offers a compelling range:
- Barbara Hammer Project: Directed by Brydie O’Connor, this documentary explores the life and artistry of feminist icon Barbara Hammer.
- In Excess: An experimental documentary by Melissa Langer, diving into the complexities of excess in society.
- Revolution 3.0: Directed by Reza Bird and featuring co-producers from the United States and the Czech Republic, the film investigates the intersection of technology and activism.
- The Cave Without a Name: Directed by Jessica Bardsley, the film explores both literal and metaphorical undisclosed terrains.
- Valley of the Night: A genre-defying film by Lynne Siefert that incorporates experimental elements in storytelling.
- Vestibule: Navigating the spaces in between—from waiting rooms to emotional states—this documentary is directed by Riley Hooper.
- Without Arrows: Focusing on Native American life, this film is co-directed by Jonathan Olshefski and Elizabeth Day.
- You Have The Floor: Directed by Adina Luo, the documentary revolves around the dynamics of conversation and how they shape our realities.
For those interested in learning more about the festival and its programme, further information is available on the Ji.hlava IDFF website.
