CinEuro Film Lab - "Hidden Truths - Investigative Approaches for Documentary Filmmaking"
CinEuro Film Lab – “Hidden Truths – Investigative Approaches for Documentary Filmmaking”
Publié par Eda Uner le Monday 22 September 2025
The Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival, in cooperation with MFG Baden-Württemberg, is once again inviting screenwriters and directors to an exclusive Inspiration Session on 14 November 2025 as part of the CinEuro Film Lab, this time with a special focus on documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism approaches.
Documenting the invisible
In an exclusive workshop with Cem Bozdoğan from the investigative journalism centre CORRECTIV, participants will explore the visual challenge of making the invisible visible. How can you document places you don’t have access to? How can you talk to people who simply don’t want to talk? And how can we strike the right balance between journalistic duty, cinematic storytelling and legal boundaries?
Discover practical working methods, research techniques and narrative strategies used in investigative documentary filmmaking, and exchange ideas with other professionals on how to approach sensitive topics in filmmaking without crossing ethical or legal boundaries. In addition, the workshop will explore the tensions between society, media accountability and the role of the fourth estate.
This exclusive workshop is aimed at documentary filmmakers, directors and screenwriters who wish to further develop their projects or create new content at the crossroads of journalism and cinematic storytelling.
Be inspired by the convergence of research, narration and documentary film, and discover innovative stories and approaches that could spark new ideas for your projects and films. Take advantage of this opportunity to make new contacts.
Practical Information
The workshop is part of the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival (IFFMH) programme, which will also host the German Documentary Film Award this year.
The day will begin with a networking lunch, which will be an opportunity to meet the other participants. Then, the workshop focusing on investigative approaches for documentary projects will begin.
In the evening, another highlight awaits: an IFFMH masterclass with screenwriter Moritz Binder (‘September 5’). Binder will give an insight into his creative process, discussing in particular his feature film ‘September 5’, which tells the dramatic story of the terrorist attack at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich from a journalistic perspective. The film has received numerous awards, including the German Film Prize, and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
The day will end with the screenings of themed movies at Stadthaus N1 as part of the festival, followed by a CinEuro reception. At this gathering, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening and make new contacts with colleagues in the industry.
The working languages will be German, English and French. Simultaneous interpretation from German to English will be provided.
Programme
(14/11/2025 – starting around 12:45 p.m., subject to change)
- 1:00 p.m.: Welcome and networking lunch @ C-Hub Mannheim
- 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Workshop on investigative approaches
- 6:15pm – 7:15pm: IFFMH round table/masterclass with Moritz Binder (‘September 5’)
- 8:00pm – 9:45pm: Film screening ‚It Was Just an Accident‘ (IR/FR/LU 2025) by Jafar Panahi (Stadthaus N1, Mannheim), followed by a CinEuro meet-up
Participation
The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 20 professionals, so we encourage you to register quickly.
Participation is free for selected professionals.
For participants who do not live nearby, particularly international participants, the cost of one night’s accommodation may be covered if necessary and upon request.
Submitting an application does not guarantee participation. All applicants will be notified by email if they have been selected. Participants will be selected by the CinEuro project partners based on the number of places available, the motivation of the applicants, and a balance of geography as well as gender parity.
Deadline to submit applications: 28/10/2025
Limited number of places, apply now!
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Inspiration Session | European stories #2 – A tale of Europe and its scenes of power
Publié par Charlotte Monnier le Friday 18 October 2024
Preliminary Program
November 27th – Council of Europe & European Court of Human Rights
12:00 – 13:30: Welcome lunch at the Council of Europe
13:30 – 15:30: Visit to the Council of Europe and meetings with various stakeholders
15:30 – 17:30: Visit to the European Court of Human Rights and a meeting with a lawyer from the Registry about the role and functioning of the Court + Q&A
19:00: Dinner
November 28th – European Parliament
10:30 – 12:00: Immersive visit to the European Parliament in session. Exploration of the press area, meeting rooms, and bustling corridors.
12:00: Seating in the hemicycle to witness the voting moment
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch at the Parliament
14:00 – 16:00: Discussions and Q&A session with Members of Parliament and other speakers.
The detailed program and the list of speakers will be available at a later date.
What’s Next?
In addition to these inspiration-focused activities, screenwriters will later be supported in the development of their projects through writing workshops, before presenting them during public pitch sessions at a festival or film market.
Priority access to the writing workshops will be given to professionals who have previously participated in the inspiration visits.
How can I take part?
The visit is open to a maximum of 20 professionals from the film and audiovisual industry (scriptwriters, directors, producers, etc.) developing a project related to the theater of European institutions in a broad sense, or wishing to deepen their knowledge of this theme as part of a future project.
Candidates must meet the following 3 criteria:
- Be domiciled in Europe or the EEC
- Proof of previous experience in writing/directing/production (at least 1 project, including short films, supported by one of CinEuro’s partner funds or purchased and/or broadcast on at least one TV channel or Category A festival – even in the non-competitive section).
- Submit the completed application form by the deadline.
Application deadline: November 6, 2024
Participants will be selected by the CinEuro project partners on the basis of the number of places available, the motivation of the applicants and a balanced geographical and gender balance.
The languages used will be French, German and English, depending on the participants.
Participation Fees
Security
For security reasons, selected participants will be required to present their ID at the entrance of the institutions, pass through security checkpoints, and consent to a possible search. If necessary, the organizers may request a digital copy of the IDs prior to the event.
About the CinEuro project
CinEuro is a cross-border cooperation project in the film and audiovisual sector. Its partnership brings together the main organizations responsible for implementing film and audiovisual policies in the regions of Grand Est, northern Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Luxembourg, Brussels and Wallonia.
Since 2023, the project partners have launched the “CinEuro Film Lab”, a new program for the development of films or series dealing with stories, characters or settings that bear witness to the links between the partner territories in all their dimensions (economic, political, geographical, societal, cultural, …).
To achieve this, the CinEuro Film Lab is divided into 3 phases: an initial inspiration phase to identify new subjects likely to inspire filmmakers, a second writing phase, and a third phase to support the production of the projects developed through pitch sessions at film festivals and markets, networking sessions, professional meetings, etc.
Credits: © Dossmann / Région Grand Est
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Inspirational session Beyond Borders – Inspiration for cross borders stories
Publié par Eda Uner le Friday 20 September 2024
Experts and witnesses will share powerful experiences with you, offering inspiration and a wide range of perspectives on the rich theme of borders.
Meet interesting personalities and experts in an exclusive setting and Q&A. Gain valuable insights into the work of customs, historical contexts and geopolitical developments, among other things, and learn first-hand about personal fates in connection with escape and security.
Discover emotional stories and inspiring approaches that could provide new ideas for material and film projects and take the opportunity to network.
This inspirational session takes place within the framework of the cross-border CinEuro project, and offers the ideal starting point to develop screenplays on subjects that transcend borders and are just waiting to be told.
We look forward to your participation and to an exciting exchange!
Register now to reserve your place at this special event.
Borders – moving stories
As a boundary and place of exchange, the border and border regions are symbolically powerful places – and can be the setting for moving stories.
Provisional program
(start approx. 11:30 a.m., with evening reception)
- Arrival & Welcome (C-Hub Mannheim)
- Personal testimonials from women who have experienced escape, contributions from the book “No single stories”, a project of the International Rescue Committee Germany.
- Networking Lunch
- Insights into the work of customs from Alina Holm, Karlsruhe Main Customs Office
- Borders in the historical context and field of tension of geopolitical developments on the Rhine with Prof. Dr. Hiram Kümper, historian, University of Mannheim
Shuttle to Heidelberg (Karlstorbahnhof)
- Film screening La mer au loin (FR), feature film by Saïd Hamich
- Get-together
Shuttle back to Mannheim
Next steps
Other events on this topic will be organized in the frame of CinEuro Film Lab. Stay tuned!
After the inspirational phase, screenwriters will be supported in the development of their projects through writing workshops, before presenting them at public pitch sessions at a film festival or market.
Priority access to the writing workshops will be given to professionals who have already taken part in the inspiration session.
How can I take part?
The session is open to a maximum of 20 professionals from the film and audiovisual industry (scriptwriters, directors, producers, etc.) developing a project related to the theater of European institutions in a broad sense, or wishing to deepen their knowledge of this theme as part of a future project.
Candidates must meet the following 3 criteria:
- Be domiciled in Europe or the EEC
- Proof of previous experience in writing/directing/production (at least 1 project, including short films, supported by one of CinEuro’s partner funds or purchased and/or broadcast on at least one TV channel or Category A festival – even in the non-competitive section).
- Submit the completed application form by the deadline.
Application deadline: October 25, 2024
Participants will be selected by the CinEuro project partners on the basis of the number of places available, the motivation of the applicants and a balanced geographical and gender balance.
🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇬🇧 : Communication during the event is possible in German, English and French. Simultaneous English-German interpretation will be available.
Participation fees
Participation is free of charge for selected professionals.
Overnight accommodation may be provided for participants who do not reside on site.
The international film festival Mannheim – Heidelberg
This event is part of the Mannheim – Heidelberg International Film Festival.
Take advantage of the opportunity to discover the festival’s program and meet other international industry professionals.
About the CinEuro project
CinEuro is a cross-border cooperation project in the film and audiovisual sector. Its partnership brings together the main organizations responsible for implementing film and audiovisual policies in the regions of Grand Est, northern Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Luxembourg, Brussels and Wallonia.
Since 2023, the project partners have launched the “CinEuro Film Lab”, a new program for the development of films or series dealing with stories, characters or settings that bear witness to the links between the partner territories in all their dimensions (economic, political, geographical, societal, cultural, …).
To achieve this, the CinEuro Film Lab is divided into 3 phases: an initial inspiration phase to identify new subjects likely to inspire filmmakers, a second writing phase, and a third phase to support the production of the projects developed through pitch sessions at film festivals and markets, networking sessions, professional meetings, etc.
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INSPIRATIONAL VISIT IN BRUSSELS | EUROPEAN STORIES – A TALE OF EUROPE AND ITS SCENES OF POWER
Publié par Charlotte Monnier le Friday 26 July 2024
Programme preview
In the heart of Europe – Behind the Scenes of the Deals
Explore the official and unofficial places of power frequented by decision-makers, hear inspiring anecdotes from journalists and first-hand witnesses, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this strategic European city.
1pm-2pm: Networking lunch
2pm-4pm: Inspiring stories pitched by a panel of experts and journalists
4-5pm: One-to-One between speakers and scriptwriters
5 – 7 pm: Walk through the European district, departing from the Press Club, followed by a convivial moment on the Place du Luxembourg or another “after-work” venue appreciated by Eurocrats.
Any follow-up?
A second inspiration session will take place in Strasbourg in November 2024. Stay tuned!
In addition to these inspiration tours, screenwriters will be supported in the development of their projects through writing workshops, before presenting them at public pitch sessions at a film festival or market.
Priority access to the writing workshops will be given to professionals who have already taken part in the inspiration tours.
How can I take part?
The visit is open to a maximum of 20 professionals from the film and audiovisual industry (scriptwriters, directors, producers, etc.) developing a project related to the theater of European institutions in a broad sense, or wishing to deepen their knowledge of this theme as part of a future project.
Candidates must meet the following 3 criteria:
- Be domiciled in Europe or the EEC
- Proof of previous experience in writing/directing/production (at least 1 project, including short films, supported by one of CinEuro’s partner funds or purchased and/or broadcast on at least one TV channel or Category A festival – even in the non-competitive section).
- Submit the completed application form by the deadline.
Application deadline: September 10, 2024
Participants will be selected by the CinEuro project partners on the basis of the number of places available, the motivation of the applicants and a balanced geographical and gender balance.
The languages used will be French, German and English, depending on the participants. Simultaneous French-German interpretation will be available.
Participation fees
Participation is free of charge for selected professionals.
Overnight accommodation may be provided for participants who do not reside on site.
Speakers’ details
- Loreline Merelle
Loreline Merelle is a journalist with ten years’ experience covering European institutions. She was Brussels correspondent for Le Point and BFM. Arte presenter for the 2019 European elections, on arte.tv and social networks, she now works for the Franco-German channel, producing reports, particularly on frozen conflict zones. She also develops documentary projects.
- Juan Arcas
Juan Arcas is a renowned expert on European institutions. Since 1992, he has directed or accompanied most of the major European communications initiatives, including the changeover to the euro, Erasmus, and the CoFE or Conferences on the Future of Europe. His career is peppered with tasty anecdotes and memorable encounters.
- Arzu Mouchtar
Arzu Mouchtar has a Master‘s degree in Islamic Studies and German Philology from the University of Bonn. She has been working in the European Parliament for almost 20 years and has served 5 MEPs covering topics such as Transport, EU enlargement, Human Rights and Foreign Affairs. Currently she is covering the Committee on Culture and Education for the second youngest elected MEP.
Moderator: Christophe Leclercq
A French media entrepreneur, Christophe Leclercq founded EURACTIV Media Network, and now chairs the think-tank Europe MédiaLab. Christophe participated in the EU’s High-Level Expert Group on disinformation, and currently sits on the Advisory Board of EDMO (European Digital Media Observatory). Prior to his career in the media, Christophe Leclercq was a strategic consultant for McKinsey and worked at the European Commission (competition).
Other guests attending:
- Marta Barandiy – Promote Ukraine
- Georgi Gotev – Journalist and editor at Euractiv Bulgaria
- Paul Culley – Professor, CPDS Europe (TBD)
- Adam Mouchtar – Assistant to the European Parliament (TBD)
About the CinEuro project
CinEuro is a cross-border cooperation project in the film and audiovisual sector. Its partnership brings together the main organizations responsible for implementing film and audiovisual policies in the regions of Grand Est, northern Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Luxembourg, Brussels and Wallonia.
Since 2023, the project partners have launched the “CinEuro Film Lab”, a new program for the development of films or series dealing with stories, characters or settings that bear witness to the links between the partner territories in all their dimensions (economic, political, geographical, societal, cultural, …).
To achieve this, the CinEuro Film Lab is divided into 3 phases: an initial inspiration phase to identify new subjects likely to inspire filmmakers, a second writing phase, and a third phase to support the production of the projects developed through pitch sessions at film festivals and markets, networking sessions, professional meetings, etc.
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