On March 13–15, the third BarCamp+ took place in Warsaw — a gathering of independent Belarusian filmmakers.

This time, we came together to rebuild ourselves as a community and as a future professional organization. Four years ago, it all started from a simple need: to help one another — with projects, documents, visas, filming, and sometimes even basic human survival, and to shape an industry that we simply didn’t have. That’s how BFN emerged — out of real, living solidarity.

Over the years, much has changed around us. Wars, migration, broken connections, closed borders. Around ten people were unable to come to Warsaw for precisely these reasons. And yet, more than forty participants ultimately gathered.

BarCamp has always been a space for open conversations and collaboration. But this time, the focus shifted deeper — toward ourselves. We talked not only about cinema, but also about how to make our community sustainable and professional. Through working groups and discussions, the outlines of the future gradually took shape: new areas of activity, including women’s cinema, reorganization of internal structure, and preparation for the official registration of BFN as a legal entity.

A special highlight was the masterclass by Sergei Laznitsa. The conversation went far beyond craft — it touched on the path of the author, the responsibility of the director, and how to remain true to oneself in difficult times.

Perhaps the most valuable moments happened between sessions. In the pauses, over coffee, during long evening conversations at the open microphone, new connections, ideas, and projects were born. It was that density of real human interaction that cannot be replaced by online chats.

BFN has existed entirely on a volunteer basis for four years now. For initiatives like this, that is a significant period. Many fade away over time — but we continue. And now it feels like a new chapter is beginning. The question is no longer whether or when we will gather again. The question is: what will our BFN community grow into next?

You can find answers to this question, along with more interesting details and insights about how our BarCamp+ went, in the special BFN:Live 10 sream on our YouTube channel.

Join our network of Belarusian filmmakers by filling out the application form!

With respect,
The BFN & BarCamp+ Team

The project is supported by ArtPower Belarus and funded by the European Union.

Belarusian Filmmakers’ Network is an initiative aimed at developing independent Belarusian cinema, promoting it nationally and internationally, and integrating Belarusian filmmakers into the global film industry.

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