Join BFI NETWORK south west for an online masterclass on Thu 14 May 12:00–13:00 with Thea Gajic, writer-director of Surviving Earth. In this session we’ll explore how to develop stories rooted in lived experience, and how to thoughtfully incorporate real-life material into your filmmaking. Thea will discuss the development process, when to stay close to real events, when to step away, and how structure and perspective influence the story that you tell. She will also reflect on collaboration when developing as a writer, and how to navigate the process in a way that looks after your boundaries and wellbeing.
This masterclass is designed for filmmakers who want to draw on their own experiences while maintaining a strong and flexible development process, equipping you with practical tools to bring personal-inspired stories to the screen.
Please note, you must be 18+, out of full-time education and based in the south west of England to attend.
Surviving Earth is screening at Watershed now. Watch the trailer.
About Thea Gajic
Thea Gajic is a writer and director born and raised in South London. Her first short film Run was selected as BFI Postroom’s ‘Pick of the Month’, Short of the Week, won the New Talent Award at BFI Future Film Fest and earned her a Sundance Ignite Fellowship. Her second short, The Importance of Skin, premiered via Short of the Week and screened at the BFI. She was then commissioned by Film London to direct Eli. Her debut feature, Surviving Earth – supported by Film4 and the BFI – world premiered at SXSW in 2025 and is currently having its theatrical release in the UK. Thea was named one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow in 2024.