Noka Ekoizpena: Empowering Women in Film Production in the Basque Country
In just its second edition, Noka Ekoizpena, a mentorship and production acceleration program focused on women, is making significant strides in supporting Basque and Navarrese female directors and producers to advance their late-stage film projects into production.
Backed by the Basque Government through Zineuskadi and Creative Europe Media, the program collaborates closely with various regional entities, including the San Sebastián Film Festival Industry Office and Ikusmira Berriak. This collaboration creates a roadmap for participants encompassing every stage from script development to financial backing. Each project benefits from an intensive support structure that includes five key modules: script doctoring, budgeting, legal frameworks, funding applications, and production planning. Additionally, each participant receives a stipend of €4,000 ($4,640), personal mentorship, and opportunities to present their work at Spain’s indie industry showcase, Abycine Lanza.
Promising Results from the Inaugural Edition
The early outcomes of Noka Ekoizpena are impressive. The inaugural project, “Canción Animal,” is on its way to production with CSC Films and an international co-producer. Meanwhile, “La Koreana” is attracting interest from a major Spanish company after successful screenings at prestigious venues such as Porto/Post/Doc, Berlinale Visitors, and the Ikusmira Berriak residency at the San Sebastián festival, where it gained the attention of 2023 winner Estíbaliz Urresola as a producer.
Directors Gain Creative Insights and Opportunities
For female directors, Noka has served not only as a creative reset but also as a substantial platform for entering the market. Director María Monreal shared her thoughts, stating, “I hadn’t planned on working so much on the script, but that turned out to be necessary and has helped me greatly to better understand the film and articulate my vision.” Monreal is now actively seeking a lead producer and international co-production partners, targeting meetings at this year’s San Sebastián Festival.
Laura Lizuma, Monreal’s producing partner and a veteran in the industry, emphasized that Noka has helped her re-establish connections within the local film sector. “Presenting at SSIFF will be a decisive moment, as we are searching for a majority producer to move forward,” she noted in her comments to Variety.
Joana Moya, the director behind “La Koreana,” described the program’s impact as transformative. “Noka was the springboard that launched and positioned the project, not only within Basque cinema but also on broader stages like Abycine Lanza,” she stated. The collaborative nature of the program facilitated strong relationships; some tutors, like Estíbaliz Urresola and Rocío Mesa, have become integral team members for various projects.
Building a Collaborative Environment
Fellow participant Zaira Zanguitu, director of “Pajarracos,” likened the experience to a bicycle ride, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “Writing is a solitary activity, but Noka has proven to be a supportive space for creators,” she remarked.
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in the program, with noteworthy figures in the industry, such as award-winning director Mar Coll and producer Valérie Delpierre, contributing their expertise alongside other talented professionals, fostering long-term collaborations.
Deepening Project Narratives and Solidarity Among Participants
For Nerea Castro, director of “Canción Animal,” the Noka initiative has been crucial. “Thanks to Noka, I undertook a deep rewrite that captured the essence of the film. My dossier has also improved significantly, enhancing both my vision and my storytelling abilities.” Her project is currently in the casting phase, with the production team actively searching for a lead actress and collaborating with Basque singer-composer Ana Arsuaga on original music.
Overall, there is a growing sense of camaraderie among participants. Monreal expressed pride in contributing to quality cinema in Spain: “I see a new generation of women directors playing a vital role in shaping the industry. While there is still work to be done, the progress we have made towards equality in the sector is commendable.”
As Noka Ekoizpena continues to move forward, with its initial projects progressing towards production and new titles entering financing rounds, it firmly establishes itself as a significant accelerator, designed not just to mentor but to bring women-led films to fruition.
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