The HDI/NYFA Program for Russian Filmmakers

Please use the link below to apply to the program.

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Open Competition for Russian Filmmakers

The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) , in cooperation with U.S. Embassy Moscow , is pleased to announce an open competition for Russian filmmakers ages 21 to 50. Applicants from all areas of filmmaking are welcome to apply. This includes writers, directors, editors, producers, cinematographers, etc. Twelve Russian filmmakers will be selected for this program. Applicants must be Russian citizens currently residing in Russia and are expected to return to Russia to complete this program. The program will be primarily part-time in the virtual (online) format and will last from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, including an intensive in-person two-week training and industry immersion program in Los Angeles, California at the LA Campus of the New York Film Academy (NYFA) located in the heart of the Hollywood movie industry. All expenses are paid; there are no charges to the participants. HDI will coordinate and cover all aspects of the virtual elements of the program as well as the round-trip travel (ground and air transportation) to/from the U.S., all accommodations, meals and transportation in Los Angeles, visas, and necessary Covid-19 vaccinations.

Dates
Announcement Date: October 17, 2022
Closing Date : November 15, 2022
Requirements
- English will be the language of instruction. Each applicant will need to have a working knowledge.
- The participants must return to Russia directly after the two week U.S. program.
Program Description
Program will begin in January 2023 with virtual trainings by award-winning filmmaker Bill Megalos. Mr. Megalos will prepare participants for the U.S. portion of the program. The participants will travel to Los Angeles in March 2023 for the two-week training and industry immersion program. The NYFA intensive course consists of five disciplines focused on the basic premise of storytelling relevant to global markets. The curriculum is challenging. Participants will attend classes at least six hours a day and will have access to NYFA facilities and campus-wide scheduled events such as motion-picture industry guest speakers and film screenings. There will be assignments and work outside of the classroom to expand the participants' course of study. Areas to be covered include Directing/Storytelling, Camera & Lighting, Production & Post-Production Sound, Editing & Visual Effects, Music Research & Licensing. At the end of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion from NYFA. During the 2nd week, Mr. Megalos will oversee five days of activities that will further the participants' filmmaking technical training and broaden the participants' experience in the concentrated film community in Los Angeles. Activities include meetings at Hollywood studios and production companies. The students, working together, will plan, shoot, and edit a short film while in Los Angeles. Participants will return to Russia and complete short documentaries which will be focused on music and the environment. There will be virtual consultations with Mr. Megalos and other U.S. film mentors. The program participants will produce and edit a rough-cut of their short documentary film to present to the class. In virtual sessions, Mr. Megalos will guide the filmmakers through the final processes to finish their films. He will also oversee the films' distribution plans drawn up jointly by the twelve participants. NYFA instructors will join to check on the program's progress and provide further mentorship and guidance. Included will be a NYFA workshop on navigating the global film festival market.

About The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI)

The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) works around the world to inform and foster dialogue amongst critical stakeholders on key global issues. We do this through our programs with the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, engaging young people, supporting cultural diplomacy, and working on humanitarian programs. HDI is committed to supporting cultural diplomacy to promote dialogue. We collaborate with U.S. Embassies and Consulates to bring American culture to countries worldwide. HDI has a training program for filmmakers. Past participants made films during the program which have been well received at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival.

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Please Note:

You will need to be available for a three day trip to Yerevan in January 2023 to apply for a U.S. visa and receive a WHO approved vaccination. You will also need to be free to travel to Los Angeles in March 2023 for two weeks and will need a passport valid through December 31, 2023.