On July 6, the Dublin Smartphone Film Festival is proud to present an exclusive Documentary Filmmaking workshop hosted by the internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning filmmaker SJ Van Breda. This event offers aspiring filmmakers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.

 

Meet Your Tutor – SJ Van Breda

 

SJ Van Breda, from Durban, South Africa, has established herself as a prominent documentary filmmaker. Her films have been screened at prestigious festivals such as the Whistler Film Festival, Oxford International Film Festival, and Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.

 

Filmmaking Awards:

  • Best Cinematography and Best Editing with her documentary Freeflow, the 2023 SMart Fone Flick Fest (SF3)

  • Top Prize, Mini-Docs category, 2022 Zhiyun-Tech Mobile Film Challenge

  • Mini-documentary prize at the Moment Invitational Film Fest 2021

  • Documentary Prize at SMart: The London International Smartphone Film Fest 2021

  • Documentary Category Winner, Filmic Fest 2019

Professional Roles:

  • Head of Post-Production, MiPix Media

  • Director and Editor, FBDF Production Company

  • Worked with: WWF, UNFPA, UNICEF, FairTrade Africa, Mercedes Benz, Xiaomi Studios

 

Additionally, SJ has served as a festival selection judge for Blackbird Film Festival and OXIFF and as an instructor and jury member for the inaugural MMOCA Film Festival in Cape Town. She was a speaker on mobile filmmaking at the FilmicPro Creator Summit 2020.

 
 
 
 

Documentary Filmmaking – What will you learn

 

Participants of the documentary filmmaking workshop will gain invaluable insights and practical skills, including:

 

Writing, Shooting, and Editing:

Essential techniques for creating documentaries using a smartphone.

 

Organising Documentary Shoots:

Best practices for planning and executing your shoot.

 

Filming Techniques:

Tips for getting the most out of your equipment, including using a gimbal to add drama to your footage.

 

Camera Placement and Framing:

Strategies for reinforcing your story through visual composition.

 

Capturing Audio:

Techniques for recording high-quality audio on set and in various locations.

 

Insights from Current Projects:

An inside look at SJ’s current projects and her approach to shaping stories.

 
 

 

Book Now

 

This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from SJ Van Breda, who is in Dublin for a limited time. Take advantage of this chance to enhance your filmmaking skills and gain inspiration from a celebrated professional.

 

Places limited. For more information and to book visit Eventbrite