In 2021, Academy Moving People and Images (AMPI) and Finnish Film Affair (FFA) started a collaboration for a new residency programme. As part of the residency, FFA provides an ‘industry residency scheme’ for a filmmaker from AMPI alums. This unique residency opportunity offers the participant a chance to develop industry-related skills, skills that a filmmaker needs once they start attending film markets and promoting their talent. The participant can follow FFA’s programme, showcase day, and network at the event.

The recipient of the third industry residency was AMPI alumna Sam Boateng. The filmmaker was selected by the Head of Finnish Film Affair & Nordic Flair Maria Pirkkalainen-Barber, the Founder & Artistic Director of AMPI Erol Mintaş, and AMPI advisory board members: Hamy Ramezan and Panos Balomenos.

https://hiff.fi/en/finnishfilmaffair/programme/filmmaker-in-residence/

AMPI FILMMAKER IN RESIDENCE: SAM BOATENG

Samuel Boateng (b. 1994) is a cinematographer-director of filmmaking/docufilmmaking, born and raised in Italy by Ghanaian parents. After moving to Finland in 2016, Boateng centred his work on telling stories that ‘are not talked about enough and deserved to be told’ – therefore changing mainstream narratives through storytelling.

During 2020, he focused on short films and music videos, collaborating with other videographers and filmmakers, and since the beginning of 2021, he has worked with different dancers, building and performing theatrical shows. He has created collaborations with different theatres, such as Aleksanterinteatteri, STOA, and Musiiikkitalo, amongst others.

He graduated from the Academy of Moving People and Images (AMPI) in November 2022, having his first short film The Road Not Taken projected at Helsinki’s Bio Rex Lasipalatsi Theatre.

Sam’s Reflections and Insights at his residency at Finnish Film Affair

The Finnish Film Affair (FFA) has become a beacon for emerging filmmakers, and I recently had the privilege to participate in the Moving People and Images Residency, a collaborative effort between the Academy of Moving People and Images (AMPI) and the FFA. As the third participant in this enriching program, I’d like to share some of my experiences and tips taken from the insightful journeys of my predecessors, AMPI alumni Mariangela Pluchino and Roxana Sadvokassova.

1. The Application Journey:
The residency journey begins with the application process. Meeting local filmmakers and engaging in conversations with the jury is an opportunity in itself, regardless of the outcome. The networking starts early, and the connections made during this phase can be invaluable.

2. Immersion in the Industry:
During the networking events, I felt like I was learning a new language. I learned that skills such as networking and pitching are just skills. They can be acquired and honed over time. Embracing the learning process and ensuring technical details are on point is crucial to navigating the industry landscape.

Initially, you may feel a bit lost, but over time, you’ll pick up the recurring vocabulary related to co-production, sales, distribution, and financing. This immersion serves as a fantastic foundation for anyone, be it a director, producer, or curious observer, planning to dive into other film festivals, markets, labs, and forums.

3. Confronting FOMO:
As a film enthusiast, being part of the Moving People and Images Residency may limit my film-watching time at FFA, but the experience is worth every moment. Embracing the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can be both challenging and motivational, and that is actually what pushed me to make the most of every opportunity. From the lunches to the dinners and the private events, I tried to learn and get to know as many people as I could.

4. Pitching and Saunas:
I anticipated the unique experience of pitching on stage as an opportunity to introduce myself to the industry. I was nervous—so nervous that before it, I went outside on the patio and went up and down for like 30 minutes. But after I was called to the stage, I forgot about everything else and felt like I was not even there; I was just focused on presenting “Silent Memory” as well as I could.

I got really good feedback after, and what seems to have impressed people the most was that I did not have any notes in my hands and still managed to deliver it that well.

And many of these people were directors and screenwriters like myself, and now we follow each other on social media, and who knows, maybe one day we will be working together.

The sauna networking event was an interesting one. Some people approached me to compliment me for the pitching and give me some little bits of advice on how I can present myself a bit better on stage. Because I presented myself a bit less and went too quickly to the film. To be sincere, I did not remember what I said on stage or how I was because I felt I was not even there. I just let my emotions guide me.

One of the things I did at the sauna event was try and read the situations. Some people are just there to enjoy the moment, drink, and eat, not to network, so it is up to you to know who to approach and who not to approach, or just have fun as many others are there.

As Roxana (the first person from AMPI to get into the residency) said in (she/her/they) own article that can be found on the Academy of Moving and People website, “Networking doesn’t have to be aggressive; it’s about being present, observing, and learning to inhabit your space in these new settings. Genuine conversations and laughter can be as valuable as formal pitches.”

I tried to remember these words the whole time, and it helped me a lot.

5. The Value of a Supportive Team:
Let’s highlight the importance of the supportive team at FFA. Surrounding oneself with experienced and passionate individuals behind the scenes can make the entire residency more enriching and enjoyable.

They were amazing with me. I felt well accepted, and many of them made me feel welcomed and accepted, which you should not take for granted in this industry of ours, especially here in Finland.

6. Advice and criticism:

For the future, I think it would be really good to have match-making for the residents too, because especially after the pitching day, everyone is going around to meet the people whom they have been matched to, and as it happened to me, it was difficult to get hold of the people that you would like to talk too if it was not through email.
I do not know if this is possible, but will still share it to maybe find a way to include the people who are selected for short films in the festival screenings or competitions.
One criticism I would maybe give, which probably is not connected to the FFA itself but to the industry, is the lack of diversity in the industry. The pitching itself included me; we were only four people of color presenting projects; one was from Sweden, and we were all males.

Somehow, you could feel the lack, and that is something that needs to be improved to bring more diversity to this industry.

I do not know if we need to improve and step up our game, or if the opportunities are not given. Maybe both, but something needs to change. In closing, I thank the Academy of Moving People and Images (AMPI) and the Finnish Film Affair for providing this incredible opportunity. As I stepped into this journey, I was inspired by the experiences of my predecessors, and I hope more of my colleagues will have a chance to have their own experiences.