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Creative Documentaries Based On Archives
By Béatrice De Pastre

Béatrice De Pastre, head of the  Archive Department and Cinematic Heritage in the National Cinematographic and animated image Centre (CNC) has run a number of workshops hosted by Dahshur Workshops:

  • Creating with Archives , 1st-6th November 2017
  • Creative Documentaries Based On Archives, 18th-23rd April 2016

Both of the these  workshops explored how participants could select and merge archival material, video, audio or visual, in order to enrich the narrative elements of their feature documentary or fiction project, while also maintaining a structured and coherent rendering. Concerns regarding copyrights were also addressed. The workshop focused on the utilisation of old footage (film archives, amateur films or photography) and how participants can find ways to recycle this footage and use it in new works.

Re-using Images from the Past: Adding Sound to Silent Films, 7th-9th October 2017

This three-day workshop took place at Dahshur Workshops’ office headquarters in downtown Cairo. The workshop gave participants the opportunity to explore and examine images, composition, and the relationship between sound and image. Participants explored a variety of subjects and exercises including listening exercises, analysing silent short films, montage, recording sound, adding sound to image and preparing soundtracks.

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    The Creative Documentaries Workshop

    By Blair McClendon & Marouan Omara
    Creative Documentaries Based On Archives

    The workshop aimed to empower participants in strengthening the narratives of their documentary projects. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors Marouan Omara and Blair McClendon, filmmakers delved into various aspects of their work. They explored the art of structuring film ideas, striking a balance between different storylines, and utilizing cinematography, sound design, and editing techniques to enhance the storytelling experience.

    Workshop Date:
    Aug 18-27, 2023

    The workshop aimed to empower participants in strengthening the narratives of their documentary projects. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors Marouan Omara and Blair McClendon, filmmakers delved into various aspects of their work. They explored the art of structuring film ideas, striking a balance between different storylines, and utilizing cinematography, sound design, and editing techniques to enhance the storytelling experience.

    The program was designed as a project-driven initiative, catering to filmmakers at different stages of their documentary journeys. From late development to early production, advanced editing, or rough cut stages, each participant had the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and guidance tailored to their specific project needs.

    The workshop fostered an environment of collaboration and open dialogue. During the first three days, filmmakers presented their rough cuts, sparking peer-to-peer discussions led by the mentors. Through these exchanges, invaluable insights were shared, addressing everything from conceptual elements to the intricacies of the editing process.

    One-on-one meetings provided filmmakers with dedicated time to engage individually with the mentors. These sessions allowed for deeper exploration of their projects, enabling filmmakers to gain a fresh perspective and refine their narratives.

    Amidst the intense creative work, there were moments for inspiration and reflection. Guest speakers, including Blair McClendon, Marouan Omara, and Michel Shafik, shared their own experiences and expertise, offering participants a glimpse into their artistic journeys. These talks sparked meaningful conversations and expanded the participants’ understanding of the documentary filmmaking landscape.

    Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop created space for informal group discussions. Participants engaged in conversations around ethics and filmmaking, fostering connections and a sense of community. Filmmakers also had the opportunity to screen their own movies, allowing for further dialogue and appreciation of each other’s work.

    As the workshop came to a close, participants had the chance to showcase the progress they made in editing their creative documentaries. This final event served as a celebration of their growth, while also providing a platform for feedback and further refinement.
    The Full-Length Creative Documentaries workshop left a lasting impact on the filmmakers who attended. It fostered a supportive environment and provided invaluable mentorship that will continue to shape their artistic journeys. Through the dedication and passion of the participants and the guidance of the mentors, the workshop contributed to the growth and development of documentary filmmaking in Egypt.

    Mentors
    Selected Projects

    The program was designed as a project-driven initiative, catering to filmmakers at different stages of their documentary journeys. From late development to early production, advanced editing, or rough cut stages, each participant had the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and guidance tailored to their specific project needs.

    The workshop fostered an environment of collaboration and open dialogue. During the first three days, filmmakers presented their rough cuts, sparking peer-to-peer discussions led by the mentors. Through these exchanges, invaluable insights were shared, addressing everything from conceptual elements to the intricacies of the editing process.

    One-on-one meetings provided filmmakers with dedicated time to engage individually with the mentors. These sessions allowed for deeper exploration of their projects, enabling filmmakers to gain a fresh perspective and refine their narratives.

    Amidst the intense creative work, there were moments for inspiration and reflection. Guest speakers, including Blair McClendon, Marouan Omara, and Michel Shafik, shared their own experiences and expertise, offering participants a glimpse into their artistic journeys. These talks sparked meaningful conversations and expanded the participants’ understanding of the documentary filmmaking landscape.

    Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop created space for informal group discussions. Participants engaged in conversations around ethics and filmmaking, fostering connections and a sense of community. Filmmakers also had the opportunity to screen their own movies, allowing for further dialogue and appreciation of each other’s work.

    As the workshop came to a close, participants had the chance to showcase the progress they made in editing their creative documentaries. This final event served as a celebration of their growth, while also providing a platform for feedback and further refinement.
    The Full-Length Creative Documentaries workshop left a lasting impact on the filmmakers who attended. It fostered a supportive environment and provided invaluable mentorship that will continue to shape their artistic journeys. Through the dedication and passion of the participants and the guidance of the mentors, the workshop contributed to the growth and development of documentary filmmaking in Egypt.

    Mentors:

    Blair McClendon 

    Marouan Omara 

    SELECTED PROJECTS

    Amira Mortada -Restore 

    Amir El Shenawy -American Dream 

    Asmaa Gamal -My Dream to Fly 

    Ahmed Fouad Ragab -Medjed 

    Nourhan Abdelsalam -Ser Hodhod Afandi 

    Ahmed Alkayal 

    Muhammad Salah -The Last Man 

    Dina El-Zeneiny -Embers of Love 

    Femony Okasha -The Memory of Dementia 

    Yomna Khattab -50 meters 

    Youhanna Nagy -Artificial Memories  

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