Calling all industry professionals! We’re excited to announce the return of industry events to GSFF23.
In addition to our jam-packed lineup of films, we’re thrilled to offer a variety of talks, masterclasses and screenings. These will be held throughout the festival in our flagship venues – CCA, GFT and Civic House.
Our talks and panels will feature experts, covering topics from the future of film festivals to filmmaker experiences. Industry guests will also enjoy exclusive screenings that showcase new and exciting talent from emerging filmmakers on the Scottish scene.
Looking to hone your craft? Join one of our masterclasses and learn from the best of the best.
Don’t worry! There’s still time to register for accreditation! Sign up here before Wednesday 8th March to gain exclusive access to these unmissable events.
Talks
Benjamin de Burca | Saturday 25 March, 1.30pm at CCA Creative Lab (Duration: 75mins)
Join filmmaker Benjamin de Burca live in conversation! One half of artist duo Wagner and de Burca, Benjamin is returning to Glasgow for the first time since studying at the Glasgow School of Art two decades ago. The duo create films whose hybrid musical documentary collaborations with diverse subcultural groups cross continents and span a decade. De Burca will be hosting a panel alongside their two retrospective programmes.
Festival Models in Times of Crisis | Saturday 25 March, 11.45am at Civic House (Duration: 75mins)
Why do festivals find themselves stuck in certain structures? What measures can we take to make them more sustainable? How can those in different economic, cultural and industry contexts respond to crises? Join us for this open platform conversation where we think about the future of film festivals in this time of unpredictability and urgency. Led by GSFF’S Sanne Jehoul, Alchemy Film and Arts’ Rachael Disbury, and Beirut Shorts’ Nicolas Khabbaz, we will pursue questions with no clear answers, inviting contributions from all.
Masterclasses
Meet the Industry | Friday 24 March, 1.30pm at Civic House (Duration: 90mins)
A rare opportunity to catch several international festival programmers in one room! You’ll get the unique chance to hear from multiple international festival programmers, get knowledge on their selection process and to pitch your own projects to industry professionals. Come along to gain insight on how to get your work to the audience it deserves.
Panellists will include: Anne Gaschütz (Locarno, Filmfest Dresden), Julie Rousson & Calmin Borel (Clermont-Ferrand), Nicolas Khabbaz (Beirut Shorts), Christoffer Ode (Uppsala Short Film Festival), Līga Požarska (Riga International Film Festival), Oana Ghera (Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival), Michal Matuszewski (Short Waves Festival)
Daniel Bdeir (Director of Warsha)| Friday 24 March, 4pm at Civic House (Duration: 90mins)
Join us for a masterclass in filmmaking by Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker Dania Bdeir. Bdeir has a thing or two to teach about films; her recent short Warsha was one of the most successful shorts on the global circuit this past year, winning Best International Short Fiction at Sundance 2022, and a run of 260+ festival selections. Come and hear a discussion of her work and career path to date.
In The Unseen: Representing Violence and Conflict | Saturday 25 March, 3pm (Duration 60 mins)
Following the screening of Spatial Hunger: In The Unseen, Scottish Documentary Institute hosts an open conversation about ethics and alternative approaches in documenting violence, conflict and war, by focusing on the power of evading voyeurism and exploitative or traumatic imagery.
They are joined by Pavel Mozhar, director of Handbook (winner of the GSFF22 Bill Douglas Award) and Laura Wadha, director of Born in Damascus (winner of the Berlinale Crystal Bear for Best Short Film in Generation 14+) who will discuss how they approach such subject matter in their work.
This session is open to anyone. Filmmakers and general audience will be invited to contribute about the topics discussed, whether it be about their own practice or about their reception as a viewer.
We recommend attending the screening ahead of the session to fully benefit from this conversation.
This is a free event, presented in collaboration with Scottish Documentary Institute.
Screenings
Delegate passholders have access to industry-only screenings of our Bill Douglas Award and Scottish competition selections, as well as to an industry-exclusive showcase screening of GMAC Film’s Little Pictures scheme, which supports emerging talent in fiction, documentary, animation and experimental forms. The program helps them to develop their unique perspective, take creative risks and jumpstart their careers in the Scottish film industry.
Little Pictures screens for passholders only on Thursday 23 March, 4pm at Civic House.
Social
We’re a friendly bunch at GSFF23 so expect drink receptions and plenty of opportunities to kick back with fellow industry guests in our lovely venues across the festival. Every year, we welcome home-grown talent and exceptional professionals from around the world to our festival so don’t miss out on the chance to meet some of the most exciting talent on the shorts circuit.
Those looking to “go into the wee hours” can also enjoy sensational DJ Sets from Khansa (Friday night @ CCA) and Round Earth Theory (Saturday night) as well as the infamous GSFF Closing Party (Sunday night!)…
View our full schedule for more info
Tempted by our selection? It’s still not too late to sign up for accreditation!
See you soon…
Team GSFF x