¡CORTE!
JIIFF’s Film Lab
¡Corte! is a film workshop for children and teens aged 8 to 18. Over the course of one week, and running in parallel with the 16th edition of JIIFF, students learn to make a short film that is later screened at the festival.
The goal of the Film Lab is to foster teamwork while learning different filmmaking techniques. Throughout the process, each participant takes on a creative role suited to their age and interests. In a playful, hands-on environment, students explore the various stages of filmmaking: research, ideation, development, scriptwriting, shooting, editing, post-production, and screening.
Students are guided through the entire process by dedicated instructors specially selected by JIIFF for their experience and teaching abilities. In addition to the core teaching team, ¡Corte! invites guest workshop leaders for specific sessions in areas such as production, cinematography, sound, special effects, and more.
The workshop is divided into three groups:
Kids - For children ages 8 to 11
Film Lab - For teens ages 11 to 14
Film Lab +15 - For pre-university students ages 15 to 18
The three groups work separately but simultaneously. Each has its own instructors and a tailored approach adapted to the students’ age and level.
This edition of ¡Corte! places a special emphasis on directing actors and body training, understanding the body as a starting point for building meaning, rhythm, and presence within a scene.
The program blends physical exploration sessions, theatrical exercises, and on-camera work with reflective spaces centered on the relationship between performer and director. The aim is to strengthen the dialogue between both languages, the language of the body and the language of the camera, and to nurture a more organic perspective on the body’s creative process.
To conclude the workshop, the students’ short films premiere on the same screen where the José Ignacio International Film Festival presents its films and shorts. This special event allows participants to enjoy the experience alongside their families and invited guests.
January 23 al 29*
Registration open. Limited spots.
CONTACT corte@joseignaciofilmfestival.com
Lab dates may be subject to slight changes.
* Film Lab and Film Lab +15 include two virtual Zoom sessions prior to the in-person meetings.
INSTRUCTORS
Fernando Besozzi
Fernando Besozzi holds a degree in Communication with a specialization in Audiovisual Production (ORT University) and completed four years of Fine Arts studies (UDELAR). He has participated in independent audiovisual projects as a director, stop-motion animation director, art director, assistant director, among other roles.
For more than 15 years, he worked in puppet theater in major venues across the country, while also creating models, characters, and sets for both advertising and theater. He has also worked as an actor–puppeteer in several TV series and commercials featuring muppets (Crónica Animal, Loog Guitar Show, etc.)..
Cecilia Moreria Pagés
Cecilia Moreira Pagés, born in Colonia Suiza in 1992, studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Languages and Media (UdelaR). She writes, directs, and produces her own projects, and has received both public and private support. Carlota is her latest fiction short film (winner of the JIIFF 2025 Short Film Competition).
She has worked on national and international productions in the camera and casting departments, later focusing her work on continuity and editing. She is currently developing the animated short Las novias and the fiction feature film El cardal.
Sebastián Contrera
Sebastián Contrera Tassano (Maldonado, Uruguay, 1980) is a filmmaker who graduated from the Film School of Uruguay and is an instructor in the audiovisual area at the Arrayanes Technological Education Center (UTU).His work combines documentary filmmaking with experimental techniques and handcrafted film development processes. He directed the feature films El placer (2013) and En el corazón del barrio (2020), which were presented at festivals in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, the United States, and the United Kingdom. He is currently developing the documentary project La ciudad de las dunas, focused on the history and visual memory of Maldonado.
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS
Augusto Nito Cilintano
Montaje
A visual creator and educator whose audiovisual editing practice extends into ephemeral video installations. His work explores the connections between body, light, and territory, seeking to activate new forms of perception through experimental and sensorial processes.
Nayla Lebon
Dirección de actores
A graduate of the Municipal School of Dramatic Arts of Maldonado and the National School of Lyric Singing.
She has received scholarships on several occasions from FONAM and SUDEI.
She has performed roles in Tadeo, The Magic Flute, Stabat Mater, L’elisir d’Amore, La rosa del azafrán, La del manojo de rosas, among others. She has also participated in independent concerts in various venues in Montevideo and throughout the country.
She was a member of the SODRE National Choir from 2012 to 2021. She currently works as a Vocal Technique and Singing instructor at the Municipal School of Performing Arts of Maldonado.
Mateo Soler Magaña
Montaje (Kids)
Born in Spain in 1983, he has lived in Uruguay since 1988. He holds a degree in Audiovisual Communication (2008) and has worked as an audiovisual producer since 2007. He has participated in film and television projects recognized both nationally and internationally.
He is currently the co-producer and editor of the children’s film La leyenda del dulce de leche and develops projects at the production company Yacaré, while also collaborating as a technician on productions for other companies.
Augusto Cilintano
Montaje (Lab y Lab+15)
A visual creator and educator whose work evolves from audiovisual editing into ephemeral video installations. His practice explores the relationships between body, light, and territory, seeking to activate new forms of perception through experimental and sensorial processes.
ACADEMIC APPROACH
The goal of ¡Corte! is to spark a passion for storytelling through a cinematic lens, while also teaching students to watch films with greater appreciation and analytical tools.
The program introduces role divisions, the different stages of production, genres, narrative styles, shot types, and basic concepts of editing.
The idea for the short film is inspired by the participants’ own experiences and emotions, moments that may be fleeting yet leave lasting memories. The process begins with a group discussion in which participants propose ideas drawn from their personal experiences. These are later transformed into fiction, incorporating the genre elements they wish to explore.
Professional equipment is used throughout the shoot, the same tools employed in current local and international productions.
Although roles are assigned, the workshop encourages a collaborative creative environment that reflects the essence of cinematic art. Emphasis is placed on the creative process, ensuring that each participant has an equitable influence on the work, while still caring for the final film that will premiere at the festival.
The workshop promotes an open and accessible approach to filmmaking, helping students feel closer to the art form and supporting the vocational development of future filmmakers who may one day present their work at international festivals such as the José Ignacio International Film Festival.
FEES
Tuition: 550 USD
Early Bird until December 12 – 10% OFF
Siblings – 10% OFF
SCHOLARSHIPS
In partnership with the Liga de José Ignacio, five full (100%) scholarships are awarded to children and teens who are eager to learn about filmmaking but cannot afford the course.
To apply, candidates only need to send a video of up to one minute explaining why they would like to receive the scholarship. The video must be attached in an email to corte@joseignaciofilmfestival.com with the subject line “Beca Liga” or “Beca JIIFF.”
LIGA SCHOLARSHIP: for children and teens living in José Ignacio, within the area between the two lagoons, and between Route 9 and the sea.
JIIFF SCHOLARSHIP: for children and teens living in Rocha or Maldonado.
