Katerina Cizek on Co-Creation: Participatory and Alternative Strategies in Documentary
The masterclass with Katerina Cizek focused on participatory, collaborative, and subversive strategies in documentary filmmaking that break traditional institutional constraints and bring neglected topics to the public sphere. Cizek shared her experiences on how co-creation transforms media production with an emphasis on justice, equity, and ethics. She demonstrated how collaboration with communities can lead to a deeper understanding of the social impacts of audiovisual storytelling. Participants gained practical and theoretical insights into pushing the boundaries of traditional documentary.
Apolena Rychlíková and Saša Uhlová on Challenges and Conditions in Creating Social Documentaries: The Borders of Europe
This case study of The Borders of Europe explored the creation process from the perspective of director Apolena Rychlíková and journalist Saša Uhlová. The discussion addressed the complexities of handling challenging themes, the obstacles encountered, and how these influenced the final work, created alongside a book of reports. The conversation also examined the institutional support required for creators, including legal, psychological, and other expert assistance necessary for producing socially impactful works.
Creative Vision and Accountability: A Central European Perspective on Freedom, Censorship, and Filmmaking Dilemmas
Panelists Tomáš Hlaváček (CZ), Marek Kozakiewicz (POL), Maia Martiniak (SK), Anna Rubi (HUN), and moderator Andrea Slováková (SK) discussed the creative responsibility of Central European filmmakers toward the public and institutions. The discussion included practical examples of dilemmas in topic selection and promotion, creative freedom, accountability, and the influence of state or market censorship on creative work.
An Academic Perspective: Accountability and Theme Setting in Documentary Filmmaking
Academics explored accountability in topic choice from the perspective of creators and the film industry. The session focused on editorial decisions in public media, creating safe spaces for collaborative methods during production, personal accountability for subject matter, and gatekeeping in international production. Speakers, including Lucie Česálková, Andrea Hanáčková, Mário Homolka, Hana Muchová, and Veronika Kováč, examined the factors influencing the creation and perception of documentaries.
Robert Sinnerbrink on Ethics and Accountability in Documentary Film: Creation, Argumentation, and Influence on Public Debate
In his keynote, Robert Sinnerbrink examined the ethical dimensions of documentary film and the accountability of filmmakers. He introduced the concept of “cinematic ethics” as a form of ethical understanding and political persuasion and discussed ethical accountability in creating documentaries that address sensitive topics.
Ivo Bystřičan on the Tension Between Creative Freedom and Institutional Accountability in Documentary Filmmaking: Czechia on Drugs
Ivo Bystřičan offered insights into the creation of the Czechia on Drugs documentary series for Czech Television, highlighting the relationship between creative freedom and institutional accountability. This case study examined how the subject shaped the final work and offered reflections on ethical challenges and accountability to audiences and co-producers.
Who Decides What We Film: The Dynamics of Film Production
Panelists Peter Badač, Lucie Králová, Radovan Síbrt, Veronika Slámová, and moderator Marek Hovorka discussed who and what shapes the themes of contemporary audiovisual production. They explored questions of topic selection, anticipating audience needs, and ethical accountability in today’s film industry, highlighting how institutions and creators tackle current social challenges.
The conference is organized by the Ji.hlava IDFF in conjunction with the Center for Media Ethics and Dialogue (CEMETIK) at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, Faculty of Social Studies of Masaryk University with the support of the Czech Film Fund.
The event is part of the Visegrad Accelerator.
