What happens when you bring together young people from different countries, add some Proto- Slavic myths, a film camera, costumes, a green screen and ten days in Kraków? The result is “Devana” – a youth exchange during which participants not only talked about creating art, but actually made their own films from scratch.
From 20 to 29 August, participants worked in international teams producing short films. They went through the entire filmmaking process: from the initial idea and script to the costumes, shooting location and the finished movie.
“Devana” was built around a rather unusual idea – to adapt Proto-Slavic mythology into the short film format.
The participants immersed themselves in the real process of film production: they developed storylines, wrote scripts, created character designs, worked on costumes made from non-toxic waste, interacted with professional actors and prepared for filming.
Everyone had the chance to try their hand at different roles. Some worked in front of the camera, some created costumes, while others were responsible for the script, directing or the technical aspects of filming.
It was exactly this hands-on approach that became one of the project’s highlights. Participants didn’t just learn how movie-making works; they went through the whole process themselves – from the initial idea to the final result.
Filmmaking is a team effort. Every few minutes of finished footage require the work of screenwriters, actors, directors, cinematographers, designers and a whole team of people who have to ensure that all these pieces finally come together to form a single story.
Ten days in Krakow gave the participants the chance to get to know the city, its culture and history.
“It was interesting to work on such a project as part of an international team. We grew to know Krakow very well and felt the spirit of the city.”
But the cultural programme didn’t just end there.
Among the most memorable moments outside the programme, participants recall a trip to the Salt Mine and Energylandia.
So, like it often happens on good exchange programmes, some of the best stories didn’t happen during the scheduled activities, but somewhere along the way between an excursion, a stroll through the city and a cultural evening.
For the participants, “Devana” became not only an opportunity to acquire new skills, but also a space for renewal, socialising and finding inspiration.
In times of constant anxiety and worry, international projects offer the chance to change one’s surroundings, meet people with similar values and reflect on one’s own ideas with renewed energy.
“Devana” provided an opportunity to try our hand at film production, work in an international team and see how Proto-Slavic myths can be brought to life on screen.
Participants wrote scripts, designed costumes and made films, worked with professional actors, appeared on camera, explored Kraków and got to know people from different countries.
But the main outcome was not limited to videos and photos.
The participants carried away new skills, creative ideas, international connections and, perhaps most precious of all, memories of people and moments not covered by the programme.
Because, after all, the “Devana” exchange is not just about turning a myth into a film. It’s a story you’ll want to look back on for a long time to come.
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