Basque Women’s Films Fast-Tracked Toward Production Via Noka Ekoizpena
Noka Ekoizpena: Empowering Female Filmmakers in the Basque Country
Noka Ekoizpena is a groundbreaking mentorship and production-acceleration program focused on supporting female directors and producers in the Basque and Navarrese regions. With funding from the Basque Government and support from Creative Europe Media, this program is making waves in the film industry by helping women push their late-stage projects into production.
Structured as a five-module program, Noka Ekoizpena offers intensive support in areas such as script development, budgeting, legal frameworks, funding applications, and production planning. Participants also receive a €4,000 stipend, one-on-one mentorship, and the opportunity to showcase their work at industry events like Abycine Lanza.
The results of the program are already impressive. Projects from the inaugural edition, such as “Canción Animal” and “La Koreana,” are moving forward with production deals and international co-productions. Directors and producers involved in the program have found it to be a valuable creative reset and a launchpad for their projects.
For example, director María Monreal shared how the program helped her better understand her film and refine her vision. Her producing partner, Laura Lizuma, emphasized the importance of presenting their project at the San Sebastián Festival to attract potential producers.
Joana Moya, director of “La Koreana,” described Noka Ekoizpena as a transformative experience that positioned her project on a broader stage. The collaborative nature of the program has led to partnerships with industry professionals who originally served as tutors.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the program, with experienced industry professionals like award-winning director Mar Coll and producer Valérie Delpierre providing valuable guidance. Participants like Nerea Castro, director of “Canción Animal,” credit Noka Ekoizpena for helping them sharpen their vision and improve their storytelling.
Overall, there is a sense of solidarity among participants, with a shared belief in the quality of cinema being produced in Spain by a new generation of female filmmakers. As projects from the first edition move towards production and new titles enter financing rounds, Noka Ekoizpena is establishing itself as a key accelerator for women-led films in the region.
In conclusion, Noka Ekoizpena is not just a mentorship program; it is a force driving gender equality in the film industry and delivering impactful stories to the screen. With its innovative approach and commitment to empowering female filmmakers, Noka Ekoizpena is shaping the future of cinema in the Basque Country.
