Introduction to Science Filmmaking

Since 2014, the International Science Council has collaborated with Ethnografilm, an annual festival of nonfiction films held each April in Paris. In 2024, the festival will introduce a one-day workshop on science filmmaking. This workshop will take place on 1 April, immediately following the festival. The objective is to empower scientists to create short films highlighting their own research.

All ISC Members are invited to nominate participants. There are no registration fees, and scientists will not be charged for attending.

Key details

• Transportation, lodging, and meals are not funded and should be covered by the nominating ISC Member organization or else another institution or by the nominee.
• Participants are expected to attend the film festival from March 28th to 31st before the workshop.
• The workshop will be led by a team of experienced ethnographic filmmakers, including the directors of the Ethnografilm festival. Topics covered will include conceptualizing, shooting, editing, and completing a movie. Following the workshop, scientists will work on creating a short film about their research throughout 2024. Workshop instructors will offer support and remote assistance during the filming and editing process.

The films created by participating scientists will be screened at the 2025 Ethnografilm festival and will also be featured on the International Science Council’s website.

Location

Le Club de L’Etoile, a classic Parisian theater located just across the Arc de Triomphe, at a short distance from the International Science Council.

Application

Apply by emailing your name, contact information, and a brief paragraph describing your primary research area(s) to Wesley Shrum, Executive-Director of the Ethnografilm festival, at shrum@lsu.edu. The deadline for participation in the workshop has passed, but if you would like to know more, please write to Wesley Shrum. Please note the workshop is free of charge, but travel, accommodation and other associated travel costs must be borne by the participant.