Non-Fiction Fiction Storytelling Collective – Encounter #1
About the Workshop
The Non-Fiction Fiction Storytelling Collective is an encounter to explore new ways of storytelling in film. A place where reality and fiction can come together; where philosophical pursuits will transform into the practical, into hands-on filmmaking using Nepal Picture Library’s collection of archival photographs.
We’ll challenge the usual approach to filmmaking by making sound our main storytelling tool rather than focusing on what’s visual. Sound as the foundation that guides the entire story. Our storytelling approach will grow naturally from what participants bring to the table, embracing mistakes as creative fuel and the not knowing as our compass.
We’ll work with photographs from one photographer to keep things visually connected, creating films that blend the real world of these archival images with fictional stories we build together through sound. Along the way, we’ll watch films from around the world (Nepal included) that propose a different way of telling stories, and we’ll throw ourselves into conversations and discussions that challenge the way we see reality and the influence it has on the stories we tell.
Together, we’ll make at least one short film that belongs to all of us equally. We’ll cover the basics of recording sound and editing, but don’t worry—no experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to experiment.
Workshop Details
- The workshop will be open to 12 participants of all nationalities.
- There are no specific requirements, though participants must have some English proficiency.
- The workshop will be conducted in English.
- Participants will have to take care of their own accommodation and logistics if they are traveling from outside.
- The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in creating small films using archival photographs and sound.
- Participants will work with photographs from one of the Nepal Picture Library collections.
- Participants will collaboratively produce at least one short film with shared authorship among all participants.
- Participants will learn basic sound recording and editing techniques.
- The workshop will include screenings of Nepali and international films exploring alternative storytelling approaches.
- Discussions will cover the philosophy of perception, reality, and narrative construction.
- Participation fee is NPR 8000.
- There is potential for hosting three such encounters per year with new photographers and participants.
Workshop Schedule
Duration: 30 hours
Format: 10 sessions (3 hours each)
Time: 3 – 6 PM
Session Dates:
Friday, November 21st
Sunday, November 23rd
Monday, November 24th
Friday, November 28th
Sunday, November 30th
Monday, December 1st
Friday, December 5th
Sunday, December 7th
Monday, December 8th
Final Results Showcase: Friday, December 12th
About the Facilitator
Tin Dirdamal is a self-taught filmmaker and unorthodox editor known for being able to edit “impossible films.” Born 165 kilometers south of the US-Mexico border with formal studies in engineering, he measures the success of his films by how much of himself he’s able to abandon in the process. His most useful tools are doubt and contradiction. He uses mistakes as his driving force, the state of not knowing as his compass.
He directs, produces, acts, never writes a script, does camera and sound, composes music, edits, and designs the sound for his own films. At 22, he grabbed a camera for the first time and made his first accidental feature-length film that won the Audience Award at Sundance. His films have been shown and awarded at Venice Biennale, Sundance, Visions du Réel, IDFA, and others.
A mentor at heart, he seeks that which is authentic and raw. He has mentored at UnionDocs, DocuLab Guadalajara, DocLab Hanoi, and designed curriculum at the Rwandan School of Creative Arts and Music. He has given masterclasses at UCLA, Yale, and NYU.
He lives in places with the understanding he will soon abandon them. Currently in Nepal.
Application Process
To apply for this workshop, please submit the following via this google form:
https://forms.gle/VVy94MoF3EfEq1zB6
In the form you will be asked to submit the following:
- In one paragraph, share a short story about a memorable experience or incident from your life.
Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
Cover Photo: Juju Bhai Dhakhwa Collection/Nepal Picture Library
If you have any questions or concerns, please write to us at mail@photoktm.com or contact Sagar Chhetri at 9808380219 (whatsapp).