Green Stories 2024: A Groundbreaking Wildlife and Environmental Film Lab Debuts in Goa

05 Nov 2024 to 10 Nov 2024

For the first time ever, filmmakers passionate about wildlife and the environment will converge in Goa from November 5-10, 2024, for the launch of Green Stories, Asia's first-ever mentoring and pitching platform focused exclusively on wildlife and environmental documentaries. This non-profit initiative, launched in April 2024, aims to fill a critical gap in the global film industry by providing a much-needed space for mentorship and exposure to filmmakers across India and Southeast Asia.

 

Supported by the National Geographic Society and Royal Enfield Social Mission, and hosted in association with Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Green Stories brings together filmmakers, mentors, and industry leaders in an effort to foster impactful storytelling that addresses pressing environmental challenges. With partners like SONY India, the Jackson Wild Film Festival, and NEWF, Green Stories is set to be a game-changer for filmmakers in the region.

 

Over 55 submissions were received for this first edition, and 16 outstanding projects have been selected to participate in an intensive, four-day incubation lab where they will be mentored by global experts, including Emmy, Academy, and Peabody Award-winning filmmakers. This hands-on guidance will culminate in a major pitch event, where participants will present their projects to a panel of 25+ international

broadcasters, distributors, and festival organisers, offering an unparalleled opportunity for global exposure and collaboration.

 

Addressing a Critical Need in Asia

Despite the increasing urgency of environmental and wildlife issues, filmmakers in Asia have long struggled to find the resources and mentorship necessary to bring their stories to a global audience. Green Stories was created to address this gap, providing filmmakers with the tools, networks, and knowledge to craft impactful narratives that can inspire change.

 

The mission of Green Stories is to equip filmmakers with the skills, networks, and guidance to create meaningful narratives. Through mentorship labs, panel discussions, one-on-one meetings, and film screenings, participants will learn from top industry experts and gain exposure to global opportunities.

 

Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: "At the National Geographic Society, we believe in the power of stories to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Central to the power of our stories are the storytellers who dedicate their time, talent, and creativity to telling them. For this reason, we are honoured to work with Green Stories to further support storytellers in India, South Asia, and Southeast Asia—those dedicated to bringing stories that inspire illumination and protection."

 

"We, at Royal Enfield, believe in the importance of the connections between communities and the natural world, and our aim is to support those who work to protect it. Green Stories aligns with our mission to promote meaningful change and knowledge sharing through storytelling. We are happy to come on board and support this platform that empowers storytellers to explore environmental narratives that inspire both action and reflection." - Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation

"Green Stories is not just an event—it's a platform for change. Our vision is for Green Stories to evolve into a nurturing mentorship safe space for filmmakers, while also creating crucial access to markets and resources—something we all stumble around for. This first edition is a testament to collaboration and community, and we are grateful for the incredible support from all our supporters.” — Mike Pandey, Founder, Green Stories

 

Isheta Salgaocar, Patron, Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, emphasised the importance of art in environmental advocacy: "At Sunaparanta, we believe that art is a powerful tool for change, and storytelling is its most compelling expression. Green Stories aligns with our vision of using art and creativity to spark conversations around critical environmental challenges. We are excited to host this platform and foster a community of storytellers dedicated to making a difference."

 

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India said, “We are excited to be a part of Green Stories, a powerful initiative that puts wildlife & conservation stories at the center stage. At Sony, we duly understand the power of filmmaking and grateful to provide all the technology support to help creators shape their vision.”

 

"Our goal is to build a sustainable, long-term platform that nurtures storytelling for environmental change. By creating a space for filmmakers to connect and collaborate, we hope to amplify stories that inspire empathy and action." - Rita Banerji, Founder, Green Stories.

 

"Green Stories embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of wildlife and environmental filmmakers. We believe that storytelling has the power to inspire change, and through this initiative, we aim to create a vibrant community that not only supports local talent but also amplifies crucial narratives around conservation and sustainability." — Nilotpal Majumdar, Founder, Green Stories

 

Pan-Continental Partnerships and Global Collaborations

Green Stories will welcome two observers from the NEWF Fellowship, a community of African storytellers, to reflect the importance of cross-border collaborations. This initiative highlights how regions can share strengths and address global environmental challenges together.

 

Global Collaborations for a Greater Impact

Green Stories is a truly pan-continental effort, welcoming two fellows from Africa’s NEWF community to participate in the lab, emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.

 

Event Highlights

  • Mentoring Labs: Four days of hands-on guidance from top industry professionals.
  • Pitching Sessions: Participants present their projects to a global panel of decision-makers.
  • One-on-One Industry Meetings: Selected projects connect directly with key broadcasters and distributors.

 

  • Film Screenings and sessions: Evening showcases of thought-provoking environmental films and sessions offering valuable insights into industry practices, including the evolving landscape of co-production and distribution in documentary filmmaking worldwide.

 

About Green Stories

Launched in April 2024, Green Stories is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to fostering impactful environmental storytelling in Asia and beyond. It offers a platform for filmmakers to develop and pitch ideas that address pressing ecological challenges and promote sustainable solutions through mentorship and collaboration. Green Stories is a collaboration between Documentary Resource Initiative (DRI), Green Hub – Dusty Foot and Riverbank Studios.

 

Mindful and Sustainable Practices

Green Stories is committed to sustainability. We are partnering with Zeroposro—Goan, Organic & Plastic-free Groceries to minimise waste and create zero-waste participant kits. Zeroposro products are sourced locally, stored traditionally and retailed sustainably.

 

The kit bags are made from upcycled waste material, and all gifts are locally sourced to support community producers. The notebooks are crafted from upcycled materials by Saahas Zero Waste: Sustainable Waste Management Services in India, reflecting our commitment to responsible consumption and reducing our environmental footprint.

 

Stay Connected

Visit our website: www.green-stories.in

Follow us on social media for event updates! @greenstoriespitch

 


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