By Alice La
When my internship with the Institute of Documentary Film was first confirmed in October, I had no idea what to expect. Communication had started even before I left New York, and everything I knew about the organization was drawn from their carefully curated website and the enthusiastic emails I exchanged with my supervisor, Veronika. After I arrived in Prague, covid unexpectedly postponed our meeting in person, forcing us to both quarantine for a week.
When I finally visited the IDF office I was surprised by the laid back atmosphere. The space was cozy and airy, with high ceilings and a little bathroom. Although the entrance was covered in cardboard because of construction, the finished decorations on the walls depicted beautiful marble embellishments reminiscent of skillful Czech craftsmanship.
Everyone had their own space decorated to their liking, and I could gain a glimpse into my coordinator’s personality through the collection of seashells and sticky notes she had surrounding her computer. While the other offices I had worked at in New York City felt restrictive, the IDF office seemed like a productive place complete with a little corner dedicated to the staff’s pet dogs.
Veronika asked me if I wanted a cup of coffee as soon as I walked through the door, and when I declined she got me a glass of water and sat down with an eclectic little espresso cup for herself. She repeatedly told me to let her know if I had any questions, and apologized for being better at talking online than in person.
As I grew familiarized with the Institute I began editing interview summaries with filmmakers and writing podcast episodes. The workload was manageable, and Veronika told me it was because everyone was focused on planning for the East Doc Platform.
EDP is a yearly event running from March 25th to April 1st. It allows filmmakers to showcase both complete and incomplete films in hopes of gaining funding and support from decision makers. Complete with a monetary prize at the end, EDP incorporates more than 400 documentary professionals, giving them a chance to demonstrate their works. Before I knew it, I was assigned to help out with EDP related tasks.
As the East Doc Platform drew closer, a frantic energy began to fill the office. Huge posters were printed for distribution and a large, colorful master schedule was shared, detailing everyone’s specific roles and responsibilities. I was tasked with attending the Platform every day in order to watch and film as many screenings and masterclasses as possible. “It’s going to be really interesting.” Veronika told me.
EDP was held at the French Institute, and the first thing I noticed when I walked in were the careful decorations arranged throughout the location. LED “Kino” signs, plants tastefully lining the walls, huge cardboard constructions. IDF had even printed signs on burlap oven mitts and put them on bird-like, standing figures. The sleek interior coupled with their cozy cafe created the perfect environment for exchanging new ideas.
As people slowly filled the space and checked in for their accreditations, my supervisor would often whisper to me. “Do you see that lady over there? She’s a famous director- you’re going to see her film today.” “That man that just came in? I really like his work.” My anxiety grew when I realized that I was surrounded by people who had staked their entire careers in the documentary filmmaking industry.
Interacting with all these professionals was inspiring in itself, but also seeing the behind the scenes efforts of all the IDF staff members to successfully pull off a valuable experience for the attendees was inspiring. As the days progressed they seemed to grow more and more weary, but managed to present their best selves for each showing. Traveling from panel to panel I began to personally understand a quote I read from a Rada Šešić interview I edited. “Everyday there is such a high temperature in society that every fictional story is just not [as] interesting.”
You can read about my day to day experiences here! → https://dokweb.net/articles/detail/1319/east-doc-platform-2022