introduction
The 4th ECO Film Lab: International Film Residency is a unique, practice-based filmmaking residency organized by the International Academy of Film and Media (IAFM). Scheduled to be held from January 15 to 25, 2026, in thepristine landscapes of Bandarban, this program brings together emerging filmmakers, international mentors, and environmental thinkers to cultivate sustainable, responsible, and green filmmaking practices. This residency aligns with IAFM’s long-term commitment to nurturing new cinematic voices while promoting ecological consciousness in the film industry of Bangladesh and beyond.
“To promote cultural exchange and diversity, explore the
creative voices of filmmakers from around the world, and
raise awareness about climate change through
green filmmaking.
Key Features
a. Paperless Initiative
The entire program will be completely paperless. All production planning, scripts, and schedules will be managed digitally to reduce waste and model responsible practices for future filmmakers.
b. Natural Light Filmmaking (“Sun to Sun” Shooting)
Participants will shoot only in natural daylight (6 AM – 6 PM), emphasizing natural cinematography, real environmental tones, and energy-efficient shooting practices.
c. No Artificial Sets
All films will be shot using authentic natural locations in and around Bandarban. Participants will adapt to the existing
environment and architecture, embracing a minimalist, eco-centered approach.
d. Local Communities as Collaborators
Local residents will participate as actors and cultural consultants, encouraging collaboration, mutual respect, and representation of indigenous voices.
e. No Plastic Policy
No plastic materials will be used during the entire production process-covering catering, props, and packaging-to maintain a zero- plastic footprint.
Pedagogy
JPA module
Mentors & individuals or groups will have an interactive session every day to explore visual storytelling based on location.
LD module
Understanding Film Language as well as Film Literacy from Idea to Screen.
MM module
Ability to write something with film literacy (Logline, Synopsis, Treatment & Script) to use the material to make a film.
CC module
By facing challenges, navigate yourself for critical thinking to make your film more unique.
IC module
Must engage yourself in your group for instructional conversation to explore the maximum output.
our mentos
LAB TEAM
Bibesh Roy
Producer CEO, Eco Lab
Arifur Rahman Khan
EP, Eco Lab
Aktanin Khair Tanin
Green Manager
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
CINEMATOGRAPHY
editing
LAB ACHIVEMENT
LAB MEMORIES
LAB scholarship
module method
Phase 1: Online Preparation (5 Days)
- Introduction to Sustainable Filmmaking
- Story Development and Green Narratives
- Pre-production Planning in Remote Natural Environments
- Cross-cultural Collaboration
- Film Production from Idea to Screen
Phase 2: Onsite Residency (10 Days)
Day 1 & 2: Location observation and story outline
Day 3: Scripting & Pitching
Day 4: Pre-production for shooting
Day 5, 6 & 7: Shooting
Day 8: Footage evaluation
Day 9: Additional shooting
Day 10: Closing and Outing
PRODUCTION GUIDELINE
- Every fellow will create his or her content based on NATURE, HUMEN, and CLIMATE.
- The mentor will select ONE out of the six/nine contents based on the voting process.
- Every fellow should prepare a logline, synopsis, treatment, and script for the PITCH.
- All content should be in the English language.
- Everybody will write their script on the software (which IAFM will provide).
- In the pre-production stage, every group should present its pitch deck to the mentor(s).
- All groups will make one FEATURE and one short DOCU film based on location and available resources.
- The feature film duration will be around 90-100 minutes.
- Film dialogue (if) must be in the Bangla language. But the script will be in the English language.
- Everybody will get DIRECTOR credit in the title. But the script will be his or her name.
- All groups should present a project teaser during the closing.
LAB LOCATION
Bandarban
Bandarban is a scenic hilly district in southeastern Bangladesh known for its lush mountains, natural beauty, and rich indigenous culture. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- No plastic is allowed during residency.
- An eco-friendly approach all the time
- Everybody is on time in bad raises
- No DRUGS, no ALCOHOL, and no smoking in the camp area
- Everybody will stay in his or her selected room
- Room sharing is mandatory as part of the ECO approach.
- Everybody will maintain his or her everyday stuff
- Nobody will go into the tribal area without permission
- Always carry your NID or Passport copy
RESIDENCY GUIDELINE
sustainability commitment
The Green Flim Charter principles guide the ECO Flim Lab:
- Zero paper waste
- Zero plastic usage
- Renewable and natural lighting
- Renewable and natural lighting
- Respect for nature and indigenous culture
All waste will be minimized, and participants will be trained to practice responsible consumption and ethical fieldwork.
GENDER EQUITY
• We try to maintain gender equality in the selection process and participant engagement.
• In the mentorship selection process, we engage more female mentors.
• Female participants will get a 50% scholarship to join this program.
LOCAL CREW
We try to recruit local people as film crews
during the residency. We train them to explore their craftsmanship.
ECO APPROACH
- Paperless works from idea to screen
- Public transportation for any kind of travel
- Preference for Day-Light shooting
- Shooting sustainability with a minimalistic approach during production
- Making the most possible nearby natural resources in the production stage
- Conserve electricity and restrict the use of electronic gadgets
- Utilizing recycled resources while residing
- Preservation of animals
- Avert synthetic textiles and fabrics
- Eco-friendly production design
- No artificial film set for shooting
- No artificial film set for shooting
SUSTAINABILITY LOCAL TOURISAM
The ECO Film Lab not only promotes sustainable filmmaking but also contributes to eco-friendly tourism development and international creative networking. By bringing together mentors, students, and professionals from around the world, the program connects local and global film communities through shared environmental and artistic values.
Promotes Eco-Tourism: Encourages responsible and environmentally conscious travel that supports local culture and nature preservation.
Showcases Bandarban Globally: The short films produced during the residency will highlight the unique landscapes and traditions of Bandarban, promoting it as a sustainable cultural and film tourism destination.
Empowers Local Communities: Engages indigenous residents as collaborators, fostering cultural pride and generating local income.
Sustainable Economic Impact: Supports small local businesses, homestays, eco-lodges, and artisans.
Educational Tourism: Positions Bandarban as a creative hub for environmental education and artistic exchange.
FLIM NET WORKING PATHWAY
Global Exposure: Participants will gain access to international mentors, film educators, and industry professionals.
Networking Opportunities: Participants will gain access to international mentors, film educators, and industry professionals.
Career Development: Participants will receive mentorship that helps them navigate professional pathways in the international film industry.
Festival Visibility: Completed films will be submitted to selected international green film festivals and showcased on IAFM's digital platform.
Long-Term Collaboration: Builds a global community of filmmakers committed to sustainability and artistic innovation.
PARTICIPANT ACHIVEMENT
Eco-friendly environment to learn Hands-on filmmaking
Cultural diversity and cross-cultural experience with groups from locally & abroad
The idea to Screen experience under global mentorships
A free license and training for the screenwriting software to write your paperless script
Create your film portfolio with global brand names
Global film networking & collaboration
During Lab 24/15 with beneficial information and insights for your career
Access to amplify your skills in crafting cinema artistically with a sustainable approach
PARTICIPANT BENIFITS
Feature Development: The selected participant can develop his/her feature film under Sundance Collab's supervision.
Fellowship: The second-winning group will get a free fellowship for the IAFM Script Lab.
Internship: The third winning group will get the opportunity to intern on the selected IAFM projects.
Post-production: Selected group shorts will get total post-production support from international institutes and organizations.
Festival: Selected groups will get access to submit their films to the Oscar-qualified International Short Film Festival.
Feature Fund: One selected project (Developed by Sundance Collab) will get priority for the feature film fund under international co-production
Certificate: Every participant will get a certificate.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
The applicant should have at least one short film in his/her direction.
The film should be selected, nominated, or awarded at any International Film Festival.
The film should be selected, nominated, or awarded at any International Film Festival.
Age limit 25 – 45 only allowed.
Good in English in reading, writing, and speaking.
Everybody or every group should have their laptop and DSLR.
In the application, everybody should write artistic notes on his or her film journey.
The residency fee should be paid before the orientation class.
Every participant should maintain all roles and guidelines by authority.
Participants should havea teamwork mentality, spatial group work
LAB FEES
Bangladeshi participant: 750 USD (This fee will cover local transportation, accommodation, food, mentorship, film production, and certificate)
International participant: 1500 USD (This fee will cover local transportation, accommodation, food, mentorship, film production, and the certificate, but it will not cover international travel costs).
All Female Participants
GREEN SEAL
GREEN DISTRIBUTION
OVER 2400 ARTHOUSE CINEMAS WITH MORE THAN 4400 SCREENS, IN 45 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
GREEN NETWORKING
OUR honorable partner
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- +880 1731683677
- iafm.bd@gmail.com
- www.iafmedu.net
