Devotion presents Bitches of Agnes, a five week writing workshop exploring the revolutionary techniques of filmmaker Agnès Varda, through six of her feature films. Taking cues from Varda’s love of people, places and life, this is an expansive and optimistic workshop for the darker months. Through readings of Varda films as texts and accompanying writing prompts, we will absorb Varda’s lessons in style, technique and the poetry of witnessing. Topics explored will include:

• How to develop striking imagery

• Nonlinear narratives

• Working productively with the limitations of self and surroundings

• The poetry of witness

• Composition as connection

• Form as theme, theme as form

• Baroque editing

Attendees can watch the films independently ahead of each week's workshop, or join a group screening on Zoom on Wednesday evenings. The six Varda films covered in this workshop are: Le Bonheur (1965), One Sings, the Other Doesn’t (1977), Mur Murs (1981), Documenteur (1981), Vagabond (1985) and Faces Places (2017) This writing workshop is for anyone regardless of experience, form or genre. No preparation needed apart from to, ideally, watch the film.

Live workshops are recorded and available for attendees – if you're unable to make every workshop you are welcome to watch back in your own time (recordings remain available for six months). The materials discussed in the workshops are collated for easy access on Padlet. 

Workshop syllabus

Week One: Le Bonheur (1965)

Week Two: One Sings, the Other Doesn’t

Week Three: Mur Murs (1981) & Documenteur (1981)

Week Four: Vagabond (1985)

Week Five: Faces Places (2017)

Devotion workshop testimonials

‘Despite years of formal education, I never had as meaningful an opportunity to develop my craft. Devotion fosters and nurtures a thoughtful, inclusive space for people to grow in their writing and their practice.’

‘I have attended every Devotion workshop so far & every time has been incredible. The mix of poetry, music, film & art as inspiration makes it so stimulating & like a little party for the heart - because that's what Devotion seems to access, subtle connections to feeling.

‘Devotion has become a must in my life now & I would probably cancel most other things to be there because it does something that nothing else has ever done for me in my writing & has changed me in other more spiritual senses too. The space is nurturing & allows for everybody to be who they need to be on any given day.’

About Devotion

Devotion is a practice-based creative writing workshop for everyone. It nurtures writing practices through communal writing sessions that foster accountability, solidarity and collective learning. Devotion is a writing workshop for everyone. All experience levels, forms and genres welcome 🌹

Find us on Instagram. Devotion website.