Documentary Film Teachers: Riho Västrik

Riho Västrik

Today you can start submitting your applications! Among the programmes offered is Documentary Film, and here is: RIHO VÄSTRIK, perpetuum mobile - his own wide experience both as director and producer has guided us into the complex world of documentary production, from finding the stories to pitching and financing them. He is also one of the master minds behind our programme, to which he devotes himself genuinely.

/Answered 12.12.17/

1 | ONE THING YOU WANT TO PASS TO STUDENTS

First, acquire professional skills and learn the rules of the game, then you can break them if you wish. Think originally, don’t let yourself to be captured into the restrictive frames, but don’t think that the history starts from you. Keep your eyes open, be curious and cordial.

2 | ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM STUDENTS

I have got a lot of energy from dealing with young people. It has also disciplined me a lot and stimulated my own creative thinking. So, teaching is not only giving, but mutual sharing.

3 | YOUR OWN MOST IMPORTANT TEACHER

I believe strongly in cultural continuity. My professor was Boris Frumin, he got his education from VGIK, so somehow I am a carrier of the VGIK values (though I haven’t studied there myself). Every documentary that I have produced or directed during 20 years has taught me something as well. Learning by doing goes for me very well.

Photo by Alli Baltodano Interview by Maris Kerge