Films are an impactful form of visual storytelling that have the profound ability to inspire and propel change. Films, especially documentaries, are considered a medium through which filmmakers have conversations with reality via the lens, present them to an audience, induce critical thinking and finally advocate for much needed change.
Something like this is happening in Goa! A nonprofit project has been started by some world-renowned members of the documentary film fraternity to not only support filmmakers, but also address pressing environmental concerns.
Green Stories, a collaboration between Documentary Resource Initiative (DRI), Green Hub - Dusty Foot and Riverbank Studios, presents an interactive and engaging mentorship programme from the 5th to the 10th of this month.
This initiative fosters thought-provoking storytelling that deals with addressing environmental concerns and highlighting the need for natural conservation. The participating documentary filmmakers, rather storytellers, who are passionate about wildlife and the environment, receive a huge platform to tell and showcase their stories.
“Green Stories embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of wildlife and environmental filmmakers,” says Nilotpal Majumdar, the co-founder of Green Stories.
As the organisers say, it is Asia’s first ever mentoring and pitching platform, focused exclusively on wildlife and environmental documentaries. Hosted in association with Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, this initiative is supported by the National Geographic Society and Royal Enfield Social Mission.
“At the National Geographic Society, we believe in the power of stories to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Central to the power of our stories are the storytellers who dedicate their time, talent and creativity to telling them,” says Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer of the National Geographic Society, highlighting the importance of this collaboration.
“Green Stories is not just an event—it’s a platform for change,” adds Mike Pandey, the co-founder of Green Stories.
Goa being one of the biggest biodiverse states is the perfect place to have conversations about wildlife, forests and overall nature conservation.
The main aim of this initiative is to fill a critical gap in the global film industry by providing a space for mentorship and exposure to filmmakers across India and Southeast Asia.
For the very first edition of this programme, 16 outstanding projects have been selected out of the 55 submissions they received. At the four-day incubation lab, the selected participants will be mentored by global experts in documentary and filmmaking, including Emmy, Academy and Peabody Award-winning filmmakers.
Followed by a major pitch event where the final projects will be presented to a panel of international broadcasters, distributors and festival organisers, offering the filmmakers an opportunity to expand and connect with some of the most influential documentary filmmakers.
Participants will get helpful insights from top industry experts and gain exposure to global opportunities through the mentorship labs, panel discussions, one-on-one meetings and film screenings.
“Our goal is to build a sustainable, long-term platform that nurtures storytelling for environmental change. By creating a space for filmmakers to connect and collaborate, we hope to amplify stories that inspire empathy and action,” says Rita Banerji, the co-founder of Green Stories, summarising the core essence of the project.