“This year has been a particularly interesting one. Never before have I noticed during a Pustnik selection such a unitary authorial need of returning to places of origin. Even though the writers come from very different spaces and backgrounds, we’ve read stories that tackle similar questions: of underrepresented communities, lost fathers, worlds rarely seen on screen, either from far away islands or apparently invisible Eastern provinces. We got a strong feeling that filmmakers today have more than before a need to show their own very specific worlds, moving away from the mainstream narratives and locations, bringing their personal realities centrestage.“ says Pustnik co-founder Andreea Bortun.
Over eight days, residents will work on their feature-length screenplays while getting insight and guidance from four internationally acclaimed guest tutors. These include Bianca Oana, producer of Adina Pintilie’s 2018 Golden Bear winning film, “Touch Me Not”, and “Collective” by Alexander Nanau (Venice IFF 2019); and screenwriter Alex Baciu, known for his collaborations with Radu Muntean including “Tuesday, After Christmas” (Cannes, Un Certain Regard 2010) and “One Floor Below” (Cannes, Un Certain Regard 2015).
This year’s residency will be held entirely online due to the current global travel restrictions. In lieu of visiting Romania, the writers will each receive a writing grant so they can dedicate themselves to writing for the duration of the program.
“We do our best to create a diverse group from different backgrounds with differing sensibilities. Aside from the quality of a writer’s work, we try to gauge if their personality will blend with the other residents. We don’t always get it right but, so far, every residency has been an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Pustnik has become a yearly reminder that writers might be a reclusive bunch but they’re starving for community, and that’s probably the most important thing we offer. Our goal is to give our writers a boost by offering them a focused and encouraging environment in which they can work in the calm company of other writers they admire. For us it’s about slowing down, taking stock of your environment, and reconnecting with the pleasure of writing.”
(Bryn Chainey, co-founder of Pustnik)
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About Pustnik:
Pustnik is the first international screenwriters residency to take place in Romania. In 2020, given the current circumstances, it will be an online programme. The residency aims to create an environment dedicated to quality time and clarity of thought, away from modern pressures. Pustnik is also a growing network of film professionals and a community whose aim is to ease and encourage collaboration across the international cinema industry.
For more information:
Laura Mușat – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pustnik is organized by TETA
TETA is an NGO founded in June 2006 with the purpose of developing cultural activities and alternative education to stimulate cultural revival within overlooked communities. TETA also produces films and theatre performances.
A cultural project co-funded by the Administration of National Cultural Fund (AFCN), Romanian Filmmakers’ Union (UCIN), Embassy of Sweden in Bucharest, French Institute Romania
Media partners: Film New Europe, Films in Frame, AaRC, Observator Cultural
The project does not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project, nor for the manner in which the results of the project might be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the grant.
