Circle interviews with the Alumni: Meet Vera Lacková - CIRCLE Doc Accelerator 2022 participant.

We've asked our Alumni to share their Circle experience with us: motivation, outcomes, how

it helped them shaped their projects and what it means to be part of the Circle family along with their views on the current cinema landscape and how gender has been an asset or barrier.

Q. Please introduce yourself and your project briefly.

My name is Vera Lacková; I am a film director and producer based in Vienna, I am currently working on my second feature- length documentary film called DO MAGIC.

Q. What made you apply for CIRCLE?

I applied because I participated at Doc Toolbox, and many experts recommended CIRCLE as the next best step, and it was an excellent idea.

Q. Can you compare your experience at CIRCLE with other similar platforms that you have been part of?

CIRCLE is very special because of its focus on female filmmakers. We can openly talk about different issues we encounter and I feel a lot of support coming from the community. I appreciate the wide range of topics that CIRCLE covers as well as the its participants and mentors.

Q. How has participating in CIRCLE helped you and/or your project?

It helped me because I gained valuable collaborations and contacts for the future. Simply put, it started a new chapter in my career.

Q. As a woman working in the industry, have you faced any barriers or issues related to your gender?

It is difficult to combine work in the film industry and motherhood, but I try to find a balance. Film festivals are not adapted for women female film makers with children to present their films. Also, film budgets do not take into account baby sitting. Many times women have to pay for baby sitting from their honorariums or work extra to be able to afford it.

Q. What's the most challenging part of being a Filmmakers under the current world circumstances?

Especially in Slovakia and Austria the access to financies is very limited, influenced by

far-right politics.