Mentorship & Workshops

I help filmmakers develop essay films, desktop documentaries, and personal cinematic projects through focused one-on-one mentorship.

My approach is built on momentum, feedback, and accountability—not angst.

What I Offer

One-on-One Mentorship

Personalized guidance for filmmakers at any stage of a project. We work together to:

Clarify the structure of your film
Get unstuck in editing
Turn raw material into essayistic form
Find and develop your voice
Prepare projects for festivals and labs
Overcome creative blocks

Format: Video calls, flexible scheduling, worldwide availability
Approach: Direct feedback focused on moving your project forward

Guest Talks & Panels

I participate in panel discussions, Q&As, and conversations at film festivals and cultural institutions. Topics include:

Essay film theory and practice
Chris Marker and the essayistic tradition
Desktop documentary and screen-based filmmaking
Experimental cinema and personal filmmaking

Past Venues: Film festival panels, retrospectives, and Q&A sessions

Custom Workshops

I design workshops on essay film and desktop documentary for film schools, festivals, and cultural institutions. Each workshop is tailored to your context and audience.

Topics:

Essay film: from Chris Marker to contemporary practice
Desktop documentary: making films on screens
Essayistic editing: structure, rhythm, voice
Finding your personal filmmaking voice

How We Work

For Filmmakers

Mentorship is ongoing and project-focused. We meet regularly via video call, review your work, and tackle specific challenges as they arise. Between sessions, you work on your film and I provide written feedback.

This is not therapy or vague encouragement. It's practical, focused work on your actual project.

For Institutions

Workshops and talks are designed collaboratively. We discuss your students or audience, your goals, and I create a program that fits. I can work with groups of any size, in-person or online.

Who It's For

Individual Filmmakers

Developing an essay film or desktop documentary
Working with experimental or personal material
Preparing a project for festivals or labs
Stuck in editing and need outside perspective
Want accountability and momentum

Institutions

Film schools looking for guest workshops
Festivals seeking panelists or workshop leaders
Universities offering courses on contemporary documentary
Cultural institutions exploring essay film

Experience & Background

Mentorship:
One-on-one guidance for emerging filmmakers via Preply and direct engagement

Panel Discussions:
Participant in film festival panels, Q&As, and retrospectives

Professional Development:
European Creators Lab (2021)
Reykjavík Talent Lab (2018)
Venice International University – Films in Venice (2018)

Education:
Tel Aviv University – B.A. in Film Studies

Get in Touch

For Individual Mentorship:
Book a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your project and see if we're a good fit.

For Institutions:
Contact me to discuss workshops, guest talks, or panel participation.
Email Me →

Matan Tal is a Berlin-based filmmaker and film essayist. His work includes The Invention of Chris Marker (2020), recognized among the 500 most important films of the 21st century.