Filmwerkstatt member Antonia Ermeling took part in the Screen Talent Europe (STE) programme in Tromsø in September 2026, alongside filmmakers from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany.
As well as plenty of opportunities for networking and taking part in informative panel discussions, the up-and-coming filmmakers were challenged on Shooting Day to shoot a short film together in small groups within 24 hours – the script and actors were provided. At the Scenetekstivalen film festival screening the following day, the film by Antonia’s group – a one-taker entitled ‘I Told You Not to Touch That’ – won the Best Film Award.
All photos: Antonia Ermeling
The Screen Talent Europe programme in Tromsø
A report by Antonia Ermeling
I arrived in Tromsø on Thursday evening. After checking into the hotel, I headed straight to the programme’s meeting point: Tvibit, a Norwegian cultural and youth centre which, amongst other things, provides young creative people with spaces, support and networking opportunities.
There, I immediately got to know the other participants in the Screen Talent Europe (STE) programme. We quickly struck up a conversation over a meal together. Talents from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany had come together. We introduced ourselves, talked about our experiences so far and spent our first evening together. It didn’t go on for too long, though, as many of us were exhausted from the journey and wanted to be fresh and ready for the next morning.
The next day began with some free time. Together with other international participants, I explored Tromsø city centre, discovered little shops and, in the process, gained more and more insight into the different life and career paths of the other filmmakers. It was fascinating to learn just how different our paths into the film industry had been so far, whilst at the same time realising how much we had in common despite coming from different countries.
Afterwards, we all met up for lunch together. At 2 pm, a panel discussion took place, which focused on the situation of the Sámi people in Norway and, in particular, on their visibility – or lack thereof – within the film industry.
I found the topic particularly interesting, as I had previously known very little about it. This made it all the more valuable to hear the local perspectives and experiences and to learn more about the history and current situation of the Sami people.
That evening, we were finally given the details for the upcoming filming day. We had around 24 hours to plan, shoot, edit and complete a short film in our groups. The scripts for our films were allocated by lot. These had previously been developed by other international talents during a workshop.
Our script was titled *I Told You Not to Touch That* and told the story of a complicated yet entertaining sibling dynamic that ultimately escalated into a bar brawl. The actors were also provided for us. They were all from Norway, but were willing to perform in English. We were able to assign the roles within our film crew ourselves.
I took on the role of editor whilst also supporting Karim, the cameraman from Ireland, and Freya, the director from Denmark, in developing ideas for camera movement, framing and timing. Timing, in particular, played a crucial role in our film, as we had decided as a group to shoot a ‘one-taker’ – that is, a film in a single continuous take. Every movement and every line therefore had to be spot on.
We spent a whole day shooting our film. As we worked on set, it became increasingly exciting to see how those initial ideas actually turned into a finished short film. The work continued into the evening: whilst I took care of the editing, Robin from the Netherlands finalised the sound design.
On Sunday, the last day of the programme, we had to hand in our finished film by 12 noon. After that, I took a few hours to myself to explore the island’s natural surroundings and was able to visit ‘Bukta Beach’ and Lake ‘Prestvennet’. Unique places that really took my breath away.
In the evening, the Scenetekstivalen Film Festival finally took place. All the films made during the programme were screened there. A jury had previously decided which films should receive awards in the various categories.
We were all the more delighted when our short film *I Told You Not to Touch That* won the Best Film Award. Afterwards, we headed back to the pub, where we celebrated the end of a successful and eventful programme together with all the participants.
The Screen Talent Europe programme has opened many new doors for me and significantly broadened my understanding of the international film industry. I found the encounters with the other filmmakers particularly valuable. Within just a few days, a group of people who barely knew one another at the start had formed friendships, forged creative connections and developed ideas for future projects.
I already know that I’ll be travelling to Ireland next year to see some of the people from the programme again. We’ve also already discussed future film projects that we’d like to give an international flavour to and carry out together. I’m keen to see which of these ideas will actually come to fruition and where the new contacts I’ve made will take me next.
My time in Tromsø was a unique experience for me. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many open-minded, warm-hearted and creative people from different countries, to work alongside them, and to learn so much – not only about filmmaking but also on a personal level. The Screen Talent Europe programme has shown me how film can bring people together, transcending national borders, languages and cultural differences.
