Project Overview
The BCB commissioned a documentary following young artists on a week-long residency in Bolesławiec, Poland. As part of the Ceramic Cities Exchange, the aim was to capture the cultural and creative journey of the group. The final film premiered at the 2025 Biennial exhibition in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Approach
We adopted an ’embedded’ documentary style. To keep the footage authentic, we used small, unobtrusive cameras. The goal was to be present without disrupting the experience. We lived and travelled with the group, treating the project as an observational documentary rather than a corporate shoot.
Challenges & Solutions
Trust was the most critical factor. Being filmed all day can be exhausting for subjects. We spent time building a rapport with the artists so they felt comfortable ignoring the lens. This allowed us to capture genuine interactions and natural reactions to the new environment.
Logistically, it was an endurance test. We had to be ready to film at any moment – from travel to workshops – requiring a stripped-back, mobile kit that wouldn’t slow the group down.
Outcome
The resulting film offered a raw, honest look at the exchange. It brought the audience at the 2025 Biennial along on the journey, highlighting the human connection behind the international partnership.