We shoot.

Our primary focus is on documentary filmmaking that engages with people, getting as close to them, their perspectives and feelings as possible.

That said, we are opposed to TV reportage disguised as documentary cinema, as it provides the audience with a banal, superficial and often dangerously oversimplified treatment of highly complex subjects. We see our role in strenghtening that ‘school’ of documentary filmmaking which is characterised by an anthropological, long-term investigative approach, reflecting the complexities of the lives portrayed and the issues addressed. By working closely together on film projects we aim to develop an independent documentary cinema production that would help change the landscape of film and television in Serbia and the region by introducing fresh subjects and a strong ethos.

We edit.

All of our projects so far have been realised in a workshop environment, where more films are made at the same time, thus benefiting from each other in artistic terms, as well as reducing the overall amount of production management needed. This idea of the director as sound engineer as producer as PR seems to fit the technical possibilities to make documentary film today, and creates only a minimal division of labor. Practiced by Ateliers Varan for more than 20 years now, the filmmaking workshops create an intensive but safe environment, where prospective filmmakers can share ideas while searching for their own expression in cinema.

We plan to replicate this method by organising workshops in Serbia and the region. In 2006 we will have our first attempt at regional collaboration. Read the blog to find out more about our current activities and plans.

We screen.

We are now making our first attempts at independent production of feature documentaries outside the workshop process. Having to cover running costs and dedicate serious time to production and marketing isn’t going to be easy, so keep your fingers crossed for us.

See also the history section for more context.