B2B Doc arranged a workshop for Filmmakers at Risk during WATCH DOCS International Film Festival in Warsaw in December.

Documentary filmmakers from Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan spent 3 days together sharing their stories and material with each other. The two B2B Doc board members Monika Franczak and Viktor Nordenskiöld were invited as tutors, bringing case studies and examples to the table to raise thoughts and create discussion.

Max Tuula provided the participants with practical information how filmmakers must be prepared to work with security protocols in dangerous zones of wars and conflicts.

Maciek Hamela shared his experienced on the kind of paper work that
 must be done and how to communicate with the local authorities but at the same time keep the needed level of independence for the projects.

Adam Paplinski and Katarzyna Szarecka from Pitch the Doc presented digital possibilities to promote sensitive film projects while keeping the needed level of security.



The filmmakers also met with Aleksandra Iwanowska, Krzysztof Bartczak, Marta Gorczynska who helped them find legal solutions. This part of the meeting was important for our attendees' safety. The team of human rights activists and lawyers from Poland shared specific knowledge on defending the documentary filmmakers’ rights. We discussed the methods of navigating the European Union visa system and the topic of the fast track of help-seeking while staying in the country of permanent residence if the situation for our filmmakers would become too risky or life-threatening

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B2B Doc's Alex Shiriaieff and Ilja Stenberg were there to facilitate the workshop that was arranged with support from the Nordic Council of Ministers.