In film-related degree programs, the presence of women is equal to, and sometimes greater than, that of men. So, what happens when female students complete their degrees and enter the professional sector? The reality is that fewer women continue in directorial roles, with many shifting towards production. This is reflected in the lack of projects directed by women presented for national and regional funding, and in the general shortage of female directors featured in film festivals and cinemas.

In response to this situation, the ATENEA PROGRAM was created, a project promoted by the Dona i Cinema Association, subsidized by the Delegation of Cultural Action, Heritage, and Cultural Resources of the Valencia City Council, and funded by the Vice-Presidency and Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing, with the support of the Colegio Mayor Rector Peset.

The ATENEA PROGRAM aims to promote the talent of young female directors (AMAZONAS) in the final stages of their university studies or those who are recent graduates. This is achieved through a series of personalized mentoring sessions with sector experts (ATENEAS), designed to guide, advise, and enhance the viability of their projects.

In collaboration with four universities in the Valencian Community (University of Valencia, Polytechnic University of Valencia – Valencia and Gandia campuses – Jaume I University of Castellón, and Miguel Hernández University of Elche), the Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de València (EASD), and since the last edition, with the educational centers Comenius and Barreira Arte + Diseño, six projects in the development phase are selected (two fiction, two documentary, and two animation). Each project is assigned mentors (ATENEAS), experts in various areas of the audiovisual sector (screenwriting, directing, production, financing, etc.).

The program consists of two intensive mentorship sessions over two weekends: each Atenea works closely with the Amazonas and their project. These personalized mentorships allow professionals to review the projects and provide guidance to the young students on how to maximize the potential of their projects and introduce them to the professional world. In addition, there is a Pitching preparation session conducted by another expert Atenea, to prepare for the final Pitching of the projects to production companies in the Valencian Community.

CALL 2024

AMAZONS 2024

ATHENEAS 2024

In collaboration with 4 universities in the Valencian Community – UV (TAU y Aula de Cinema), UPV (campus de Valencia y de Gandía, UJI y Miguel Hernández), y la Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de València – EASD  6 projects in the development phase are selected (2 fiction, 2 documentary, 2 animation). Tutors (ATENEAS) will be assigned to each project, experts in different areas of the audiovisual sector (screenplay, direction, production, financing…).