The sixth edition of the International Youth Film Camp Beach Film Camp took place from 14 to 21 September 2024 in Pretor, Prespa. The project was organized as an intensive film workshop for young students from North Macedonia, Albania and Greece, with the aim of enabling creative exchange of ideas, gaining practical knowledge and developing short film projects. The call for applications was published on the organization’s social media, targeting film students from North Macedonia, Albania and Serbia. Candidates had to be in their early years of studies at film academies. Out of a total of 20 applicants, 8 participants were selected, divided into two groups of 4 members each, with special attention to ensuring diversity in terms of their university departments. Among those selected were 2 female students from Tirana, Albania, one student from Thessaloniki, and 5 from North Macedonia. The participants, the team and the mentors were accommodated in a hotel in Pretor, where the needs for accessibility to work rooms, a screening room and lectures were met. The first day was intended for an introductory introduction of the participants to each other and to the film camp team. The initial introduction of the participants served as an opportunity for each of them to share their professional backgrounds, previous projects and aspirations for the future. This interactive session was further enriched by a projection of their previous film achievements, as well as a screening of films by directors whose working style they find close or inspiring. This task was assigned to them before the official start of the camp. This part was key to setting the foundation for a productive working atmosphere and further distribution of tasks. The participants were guided through a defined program for each day, which included idea generation and script development, research and location scouting.
This phase was followed by a production process in the following days, while a meeting was held every day within defined time frames to discuss the development and what had been achieved, as well as to provide guidance for the next activities. The evenings were reserved for masterclasses, while the final days were for audio and video editing and screening. The program was structured to cover all phases of film production, but at the same time allowed enough space for creative freedom.
Each group independently organized the internal distribution of tasks, which led to effective work where each participant took on the role for which he was most competent. Several masterclasses were held within the camp by experienced professionals from Macedonia, Serbia and England:
• Film direction and screenplay with Ana Opačić
• Film camera and editing with John Kraine (England) • Independent cinematography with David Doljanica (Serbia)
• Film music with Andrej Tatarčevski
• Archival materials with Aleksandar Trajkovski
These masterclasses were held in an interactive format, which allowed the participants not only to listen to the lectures, but also to actively ask questions and participate in discussions. The main topics covered a wide range, including direction, camerawork, aesthetics, editing and music in film, with a special emphasis on the practice of independent production. During the course, the groups worked on developing scripts and shooting their short films, following a program for shooting, editing and preparing the final products. The periods of location scouting, idea development and practical realization were productive and enabled the successful creation of two short films. The film camp ended with the screening of the two final short films, which was the key objective of the project. The screening was well received by all participants, who were fully involved in all stages of the film creation. The students not only gained practical film knowledge, but also created new professional and personal connections, which will have a long-lasting impact on their further development.
Andrej Tatarchevski and Monika Jovchevska, coordinators
