Positionality Deep Dive – september 2023

Be inspired by the power of multiple perspectives!

Are you a film professional looking to delve deeper into topics such as representation, diversity and inclusion? Would you like to explore how your own positionality plays a role in creating space for different voices and experiences? Then we invite you to participate in the two-day Positionality Deep Dive training. This training takes place in Amsterdam and gives you the opportunity to experience the power of multi-voiced perspectives.

This two-day training offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the world of polyphony, using your own position as a starting point. Under the guidance of Winnie Roseval, diversity and inclusion consultant, you will explore in a safe environment with experts and colleagues how to tell stories that resonate with diverse perspectives. You will also explore how to deal with important issues of inclusion and representation with integrity. The training will not only deepen your understanding but also sharpen your skills. In addition, you can bring in your own case study and reflect on it with your peers.

FilmForward is developing the training ‘Positionality Deep Dive’ in collaboration with Winnie Roseval, especially for film professionals; anyone involved in making and designing films and audiovisual projects. We strive to break the one-sided perception and to be more inclusive and diverse. We believe that in this way we can together future-proof the film and audiovisual industry.

Read Winnie Roseval’s explanation of the Positionality concept here.

Curious about experiences of previous participants? Read them here or watch a video!  Note to the video: the title is still the old naming ‘Multiple Voices – Inclusivity in Storytelling’

Setup Workshop

We will explore the different perspectives from which stories are told.  We will do this through inspiring examples and case studies, including a conversation with filmmaker Sia Hermanides.

And we also look for your positionality, the lens through which you look at the world. We will explore how your story relates to the dominant narratives and why certain perspectives determine which films and stories we consider valuable and which characters we want to identify with. And we pay specific attention to your own project. This could be a project under development or an existing production in which you have faced these issues.

Who is it for?

For screenwriters, directors, producers, script coaches, production designers, cameramen, distributors, screeners and everyone involved in telling, making and shaping film and audiovisual productions.

Partners and coaches

The workshop will be led by Winnie Roseval, researcher, sociologist and anthropologist. Winnie is a consultant in the field of diversity and inclusion, and researcher with the lectorate of Inclusive Education at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Guest speaker at the training is Sia Hermanides, director of, among others, the feature film White Berry (2022), the short film Afua (2019) and the television series Pappadag (2017) and Voetbalmeisjes (2016),

Practical information

Are you interested?

• Register via the application form (see button at the top of the page) and include a letter briefly introducing yourself (who are you, what do you do and what are your ambitions) and your motivation to participate in the workshop. If you have a specific case/story you would like to bring, please let us know that as well.
• 2-day workshop on location in Amsterdam (private sessions for participants)
• Language: Dutch and/or English
• Application deadline: September 1, 2023. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. You will receive more information in mid-August 2023.

Cancellation policy for this training is as follows:

• If you cancel between 14 and 7 days prior to the workshop, you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid.
• If you cancel within 7 days before the workshop, there is no right to a refund.
• Please email your cancellation request to info@filmforward.nl. If you have any further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For the cost of this workshop, you can apply for a contribution from Werktuig Permanent Professional Development (PPO). PPO funds development plans for anyone working in the creative or cultural sector, both employees and self-employed. PPO will fund 1/3 of your application, for a workshop or training, for example. The remaining amount must be funded by your employer, client and/or yourself.

Positionality Deep Dive is funded in part by the Film Fund. Therefore, unfortunately, you are not eligible for a contribution in the area of training activities from the Film Fund.