Participatory Storytelling: Collaborative Approaches

29 May, 2026, 12.30 PM @ Festival Center: Lounge 19

Event language: English

What does it mean to tell stories with others, rather than about them? This practice-driven session explores collaborative approaches to documentary filmmaking, addressing key questions of authorship, power, and responsibility. Building deep, trusting relationships with protagonists often requires long-term engagement and a continuous negotiation of roles and expectations. Through case studies and group discussions, the session examines the ethical challenges of representing lived experiences, particularly when working with vulnerable individuals, children, and communities whose knowledge systems and perspectives have been historically marginalized or misrepresented. It also explores how documentary practice can evolve beyond extractive models, moving toward more reciprocal and participatory forms of storytelling.

Following an opening conversation, we invite participants to join breakout sessions to exchange insights on working methods, decision-making processes, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in collaborative filmmaking. The focus will be on fostering long-term relationships, responsibility, and representation.