The workshop focuses on skill-building in interviewing, camera work, audio, lighting and the editing process to produce a compelling 15-minute documentary sharing the perspectives of youth and Knowledge Carriers on what it means to live and grow up Native Indigenous in an urban area.
Workshop Outcomes
These workshop outcomes reflect the holistic growth and development of participants as filmmakers, storytellers, and advocates for their Native Indigenous communities, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to make a positive impact through the power of documentary film.
- Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of the documentary filmmaking process, including pre-production, production, and post-production stages.
- Participants will develop skills in conducting compelling interviews, including crafting meaningful questions, practicing active listening, and adapting to different interview subjects and situations.
- Participants will learn to operate digital video cameras, audio equipment, and lighting gear to capture high-quality footage and sound.
- Participants will understand the importance of B-roll footage and learn how to identify, plan, and capture compelling supplementary visuals to enhance the documentary’s storytelling.
- Participants will gain hands-on experience collaborating with a filmmaking team, taking on various roles and responsibilities to contribute to the successful creation of a short documentary.
- Participants will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they navigate the challenges and creative decisions involved in the filmmaking process.
- Participants will foster a deeper understanding of the experiences, perspectives, and stories of Native Indigenous youth growing up in urban areas and how to respectfully and authentically represent these stories through documentary film.
- Participants will cultivate a stronger sense of pride, connection, and advocacy for their Native Indigenous identity and community by creating a documentary that amplifies their voices and experiences.
- Participants will gain a basic understanding of the post-production process, including editing, sound mixing, and color correction, and how these elements contribute to a documentary film’s final impact.
- Participants will develop a portfolio piece in the form of a short documentary that showcases their filmmaking skills, storytelling abilities, and unique perspectives, which can be used for future creative projects, film festival submissions, or advocacy efforts.
- Participants will build meaningful relationships with fellow filmmakers, mentors, and community members, creating a supportive network extending beyond the workshop experience.
- Participants will gain confidence in using documentary filmmaking as a powerful tool for self-expression, cultural preservation, and social change, inspiring them to continue exploring and creating impactful stories in their communities and beyond.
