The Documentary!
Portrait Srbija is a
unique documentary exploring modern Serbian identity. Follow Maja and Tash, a
German and a British first generation Serb, as they travel Serbia together
without their families for the first time. These two strangers who have been
brought together by their shared Serbian heritage embark on a journey of
discovery, posing the question ‘What makes you Serbian?’
‘Film acts as a valuable means for exposing the prejudices which
circulate between Serbia and the West’ – Jolan Bogdan
Accompanied by the film savvy
duo, William and Danny, the team take off on 11th June to Serbia for
a month of on location filming. They will travel by car to the corners of the
country and put into focus the myriad of faces which make up the quilt of
Serbian society today. Breaking from the traditional reportage of Serbia by the
Western media, the team aim to provide a new
frame for a new portrait of Serbia,a
portrait painted by the words and worlds of Serbs today.
By supporting this campaign, you will become a part of the first ever
English-speaking documentary which does not limit Serbs to the paradigms of
violence and nationalism, but gives Serbs the autonomy and authority to define
themselves. Fund this project and let us introduce you to Serbia.
THE GOALS
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To discover how Serbs define themselves today by providing Serbs with the opportunity to present a Western audience
with a different portrait of Serbia from that previously formed in mainstream
media.
To use an artistic visual approach through film and ethnographically informed commentary in order to emotionally and intellectually engage a Western audience, asking them to question their perspectives of Serbia.
To highlight issues of identity for first/second generation Serbs living in the West, i.e. Serbs living in Diaspora.
To raise general
awareness of Serbia in the West.
To motivate creative
collaborations across European borders, and build bridges notably
between Norwich, Hamburg and Serbia.
To use this documentary as a basis of
reflection on Western society’s relationship to Eastern Europe and vice versa.
Where your money goes...
Travel: The majority of the funds raised will
to used to ensure that all four of us can safely and independently travel the
country by hiring a car. This will ensure we have the freedom to choose our
locations and not be tied to bus schedules/routes: it is important for us to
discover new sides of Serbia rather than just wander down the tourist tracks.
Travel expenses include: car rental plus insurance, flights, parking and tolls.
Accommodation: Having a basic roof over our heads and/or being able
to safely sleep at a campsite is important so as to ensure we are as protected
as possible from the dangers of theft.
Other expenses include: daily living costs (food), entry to cultural
events/exhibitions, insurance for our equipment and 10% contingency.
Risks & Challenges
Filming and travelling by car
across Serbia puts the team at risk of not only being unable to predict or
prepare for who or what they will encounter and have to confront, but also the
possibility of car break downs/theft. It is vital for us to be able to travel safely through Serbia and to be prepared and insured for
contingencies.
Another challenge for half of the team will be language, especially when
filming in very rural areas. Luckily Maja and Tash understand and speak the language, and
Maja is fluent to the extent that all Serbs
interviewed will 100% understand the purpose of the film and be given release
forms written in Serbian.
The support of the
Norfolk and Norwich Novi Sad Association (NNNSA) will enable us to reach out to
Serbian organisations/ groups and individuals for interviewing, as well as
ensuring that we have a translator and a safe base
to store valuable equipment/footage when filming in Novi Sad: e.g. Novi Sad.
Being in association with the respected NNNSA also assists us in
motivating creative collaborations and building cultural bridges between
Western Europe and Serbia.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that not everyone can contribute to
the project, but you can still be involved!
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We would love to hear from Serbians or
organisations who feel this project speaks to them and would like to be interviewed/
part of the documentary.
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Accommodation is a big part of our
budget, so those who can offer a place for a night or two as we make our way
through the country would be a great help.
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We are also looking for individuals/organisations
who feel they have resources which can benefit this project. For example, they
may like to donate
music, footage or photographs royalty free, which of course will be
accredited.
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Portrait Srbija needs everyone to make some noise
online and offline about the project. Share this campaign via
Indigogo, Facebook, Twitter, email and Instagram (#portraitsrbija).
Support this campaign & help
create the frame for Portrait Srbija.
Like and keep updated with us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portrait.srbija
Official website: http://portraitsrbija.wix.com/portraitsrbija
Email:
portrait.srbija@gmail.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/portrait.srbija