Storytelling & Storyboarding Science at Geneva International Film Festival

Geneva, 4-6 November 2025

Every day between 10:00am and 10:00pm (including breaks and film viewing)

Theoretical part: University of Geneva (to be detemined)

Practical part: Geneva International Film Festival

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DAILY PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO MANY CHANGES. WE WILL BE VERY FLEXIBLE AND WE HAVE TO ADJUST OURSELVES TO THE FILM PROGRAM AT THE GENEVA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

ADDITIONALLY, THE ACCREDITATION GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE WHOLE GIFF’S PROGRAM (special ceremonies excluded: Opening and Closing)

Workshop Description

We seek to challenge, inspire and train scientists to use narrative techniques and strategies employed in film to produce persuasive presentations and publications. Borrowing communication strategies and techniques from filmmakers and applying them in science communication will help scientists for better communication of their research, and scientists are wise enough to do so!

Program Information

I. Theory (in the morning)

• Researchers learn storytelling and storyboarding from the masters of narrative, the filmmakers.
• Researchers learn how to borrow communication strategies and techniques from filmmakers and how to apply them in communicating their science. This will help them to engage audience and increase uptake by incorporating narrative attributes into their teaching, divulgations and publications.

II. Practice (in the afternoon and evening)

• Researchers re-write their biographies, abstracts and presentations by using narrative attributes used by filmmakers
• Researchers attend the Geneva International Film Festival (the 31^st edition). Which is a great opportunity for them to meet professional filmmakers and discuss with them storytelling technics that they can use in communicating their research
• Eventually, scientists can prepare films about their interviews with the filmmakers

III. Practical information:

• Open to PhD students and postdocs from UNIGE   
• Fees: CHF 30.- (information for payment will be sent per email after registration)
• Number of participants: 15 (min. 10). First come, first served
• Languages: English
• The participants must bring a laptop
• A certificate of attendance will be issued at the end of the workshop.