Filmreakter

Cinema is an art that transcends borders, and nothing demonstrates this better than the cinematic challenge Lost Weekend. This unique initiative brings together teams of filmmakers, whether they are passionate amateurs or seasoned professionals, to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just 48 hours. For Govinda Van Maele and Sofiya Kudryavtseva, from the non-profit organization Filmreakter, the organizers of the event, Lost Weekend is much more than just a film competition: it is a celebration of creativity and diversity.

"Lost Weekend was born out of our passion for cinema and our desire to create a space where everyone could express themselves freely, " explains Govinda Van Maele. "This challenge is a unique opportunity for filmmakers from all backgrounds to collaborate and create together, without any restrictions. We firmly believe that cinema is for everyone, and Lost Weekend is living proof of that."

Since its launch at the Luxembourg City Film Festival in 2020, Lost Weekend has continued to grow and evolve. Now, two editions are organized each year, one in March and another in October, in addition to another challenge, Lost Weekend +, reserved for the winners of the March edition. For Sofiya Kudryavtseva, these events are the perfect opportunity to discover new talents and promote diversity in the film industry in Luxembourg.

"For a long time, the film industry has been dominated by a small group of people, leaving little room for diversity and inclusion, " she emphasizes. "Lost Weekend aims to change this by offering everyone the opportunity to fulfill their cinematic dreams, regardless of their age, background, or level of experience. We want to show the world that cinema is for everyone, and that every voice matters."

However, the path of Lost Weekend has not been without obstacles, and the Covid-19 pandemic is a striking example. Forced to postpone the screening and award ceremony by several months, the organizers had to completely rethink their approach to adapt to the new realities. But for Govinda Van Maele, this only strengthened his determination to make Lost Weekend an unmissable event in the Luxembourg film landscape.

"The pandemic has been a real test for us, but it has also pushed us to innovate and rethink our approach, " he explains. "Thanks to our dedicated team and our partners, we have managed to keep the spirit of Lost Weekend alive, even in the most challenging times. This shows how strong and resilient our community is."

 
One of the greatest satisfactions of Lost Weekend is to see the enthusiasm and motivation of the participants at each edition. Every year, the number of registrations increases, and screenings are sold out. But beyond the numbers, it is the energy and passion of aspiring filmmakers that fuel the motivation of the organizers.
In the end, Lost Weekend proves that cinema is for everyone, and that with a little support and motivation, anything is possible.