Transformative Storytelling in Motion Picture

Our Story

Title: Transformative Storytelling in Motion Picture

In 2016 we started a project called Transformative Storytelling in Motion Picture. We wanted to empower the youth, ages 14 to 20, especially those who had the least possibilities, and give them the necessary tools to express themselves and share their stories. We wanted them to see the value of their struggles, the value of their fight for life amidst the most destructive environments. We hoped they would see that their stories alone can transform other lives and slowly change society for the better.

The 10 day workshop output was a short documentary on their lives. But the workshop was more than just about learning how to make films. It was teaching them how to work together and become a team. Teaching them collective story through film production in a tough, creative and fun environment.

The first year had 10 students. In 2017 it grew to 40 participants, ages 12 to 21, divided into 3 levels with a symposium/forum for 300 participants coming from different communities, organization and government agencies. This year we maintain 30 students but will be giving them a more advanced training and individual mentoring.

Since 2016, the first team, has been accepting documentary projects from various individuals and organizations. They did all the work from pre-prod to post-prod. They continue to receive request for projects.

This year some some of our students have completed their University studies through the assistance of our partner organization BP Cebu Foundation Inc. All of them are now employed and attest that one of the formative activities that helped them most to succeed was the training they got from us.

https://www.facebook.com/bukaspaladcebu/

All this has been made possible through the generosity of our friends and partners. In particular, and most importantly, OVERMIND. Who have always sent us their people to train the kids.

The Project since then has been called PAGLAUM (Hope) as it continues to transform lives one story at a time and give hope to many. We would like to expand the project to reach more young people and communities.

https://www.facebook.com/paglaumprod/

Project Description

Many of our Youth, especially in poor communities, are at risk from the destructive environments they live in. Many of them too with the lack of the ability to express themselves fail to take advantage of opportunities to develop themselves. The project aims to take them out of this destructive environments and empower them by giving them the techniques and skills that would allow them to channel their energies into more constructive activities. The project also aims at giving them the skills to express themselves and learn to handle responsibilities and work with others.

The main element of the project is a teambuilding workshop through Filmaking. Main concentrations are Basics of Motion Picture, Cinematography, Screen Play, Sound Editing, Musical Scoring and Production Management. The final output is a documentary film or short film conceptualized and produced by the youth themselves. They will work from the pre-prod, shoot, to the post-prod and viewing of the film they have created. Throughout the year they will continue to produce shorts and documentaries to join competitions and festivals and to accept paid projects to sustain themselves and the project itself.

"Introduction to motion picture prepares students to participate in a world where audiovisual communication plays an increasing role in the production, distribution and reception of Ideas and knowledge. Students learn to understand the world of moving images and soundspace in relation to society, technology and aesthetics. They encounter diversity in audiovisual storytelling and learn the vital skills that make them engaged citizens, creative and critical thinkers." - Gregorio Rodriguez III

Details on Beneficiaries

Your contributions will go to the communities of BP Cebu Foundation Inc. (BPCFI) - https://www.facebook.com/bukaspaladcebu/ - through which I bring this project ahead. BPCFI is a non-stock and non-government community based agency accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It is found in Cebu City, Philippines.

The project, PAGLAUM (Hope - https://www.facebook.com/paglaumprod/ ) has a three year track record and has produced a team of young film makers already capable of making short films. At present it has trained a total of 40 young people coming from different poor communities around Cebu.

Call to Action

Help us to continue our adventure and reach out to more youth. Any contribution will go a long way.

Thank you for your generosity!