The Canon Group, led for the fourth time by Mariusz Konopka – producer, filmmaker and audiovisual creator, will provide an intensive, hands-on environment for working with contemporary film forms that combine traditional filmmaking practice with the possibilities offered by new technologies.

The main project of this year’s edition will be a docudrama incorporating elements of artificial intelligence. The starting point will be reality – a true story, a real person or an actual event – which participants will attempt to tell using a combination of traditional filmmaking techniques, staged elements and AI tools.

The group will go through the entire filmmaking process: from finding a subject and developing the concept, through script development, production preparation and assigning roles within the crew, to shooting, editing and post-production. Particular emphasis will be placed on conscious narrative construction and on exploring the boundary between documentary, creative interpretation and the new possibilities offered by technology.

At the same time, smaller production teams will be formed to work on their own short film projects. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with image, narrative and different production approaches, making use of the broad capabilities of Canon filmmaking equipment.

The workshops will be based primarily on hands-on practice, collaboration and real on-set filmmaking experience. Participants will form crews, divide production roles among themselves and jointly make artistic and production decisions – just as they would during a professional film production.

The purpose of the Canon Group will not be simply to learn about technology, but above all to use technology as a tool for storytelling. Camera, lighting, sound, editing and artificial intelligence remain tools – what matters most is what we want to tell and how we choose to tell it.

The work carried out during the Film Spring Open Workshops 2026 will result in completed film projects created through collaboration, experimentation and the creative exchange between participants.

Links to projects from previous editions:

FSO 2023

“Woźnica” – documentary
https://youtu.be/MljGC1In5qQ

FSO 2024

Group 1 – Documentary “Achilles”
https://youtu.be/kxo6ylSx4CE

Group 2 – “Precel” – short fiction film
https://youtu.be/VVPRb_gkNws

Group 3 – “Szuflada” – short fiction film
https://youtu.be/i0qmMBm5UUo

FSO 2025

Feature-length docudrama “Dżinsowy świat”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWcNMICiwvk

Short film
https://youtu.be/zJHC1fDn8eQ

Photos from FSO 2023–2025:
https://mab.to/t/rxaY8EfkkEX/eu1

Organisational note: during the group sessions, selected AI tools will be used for demonstration purposes. Access to the tokens provided by the organiser will remain at the disposal of the Group Mentor and will be used exclusively for joint demonstrations.

Group Partner: