From Tallinn to Riga: An Erasmus+ Experience in Documentary Filmmaking with VFS Films

We’re Kateryna and Pranav, recent graduates of the Documentary Film master’s program at Tallinn University. Currently, we’re engaged in a six-month Erasmus+ traineeship at VFS Films in Riga, Latvia—an opportunity that came to us through the recommendations of our professors, Riho Västrik and Marianna Kaat.

VFS Films has provided an inspiring environment for deepening our understanding of documentary filmmaking. Known for its documentary productions, VFS was already familiar to us from our coursework. Our roles here aren’t strictly defined, giving us the flexibility to observe and contribute to different aspects of the filmmaking process across a variety of projects. traineeship

One highlight so far has been participating in feedback sessions, including one for a new film by Morten Traavik, whose previous work, “Liberation Day”, is a favorite of ours. We’ve also had the chance to witness cross-cultural collaboration firsthand, as VFS Films works on a co-production project between Latvia and India.

We were also thrilled to create a video for Baltic Sea Docs, a prominent documentary pitching event, and to volunteer at the Riga International Film Festival. These experiences introduced us to filmmakers and industry professionals from around the region and gave us the chance to see world-class films up close.

traineeship We are grateful to be part of the VFS Films team, a small but incredibly welcoming and supportive group that feels almost like a family. Recently, four VFS projects premiered at the Riga International Film Festival, and we had the honor of being involved in one. We contributed to the animated series “Magic Wardrobe”, which led to us standing on stage during its premiere—a proud moment that truly made us feel like part of the VFS family.