Zagreb, Croatia – On June 23, 2023, the “Find Your Audience” Educational Film Workshop featured an impactful lecture by David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, highlighting the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in filmmaking. The workshop, funded by the United States Embassy in Zagreb and other supporters, aimed to expose young filmmakers to significant societal issues, fostering change in societal perceptions through their work.

The event was organised by 4FILM, a renowned Zagreb-based production company with an impressive portfolio of over 30 films and 20 European co-productions spanning various genres. Their movies have garnered global recognition, with successful distribution in theatres, video-on-demand platforms, and television across 190 countries. The workshop’s other main organiser, OPEN MEDIA GROUP, a non-profit NGO, merges visual arts and new media to promote human rights, cultural value, and democracy, and empower marginalised groups.

Croatia, despite its EU membership and creatively inclined society, still faces conservative attitudes towards homosexuality. Deeply rooted in Catholicism and characterised by patriarchal norms, the country poses challenges for filmmakers in addressing LGBTIQ+ inclusion. Pollard’s enlightening lecture delved into Workplace Pride’s mission and how numerous large businesses prioritise LGBTIQ+ inclusion—an entirely new concept for most participants.

The lecture sparked discussions on engaging with organisations sometimes perceived as societal adversaries and effectively portraying the ‘coming out’ experience. The young filmmakers exhibited eagerness to learn and incorporate LGBTIQ+ portrayals in their work. However, they also grappled with the limitations imposed by their current working environments. Nevertheless, they recognized their role as future change-makers and embraced their responsibility to authentically represent the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

The event concluded with resounding success, inspiring participants to champion the cause of LGBTIQ+ inclusion. By leveraging their creative talents and newfound knowledge, these aspiring filmmakers hold the potential to reshape societal perceptions through their work.

The “Find Your Audience” Educational Film Workshop, supported by the United States Embassy in Zagreb, showcased the commitment of 4FILM, OPEN MEDIA GROUP, and participants to foster a more inclusive and diverse society. As the workshop came to a close, the seeds of change were sown, poised to blossom within Croatia’s vibrant film industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/4-film/

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