20 youths from Imvepi refugee settlement, in West Nile region of Uganda, have taken part in the first training session of a seven day capacity building workshop in film production, implemented by Impact Unified in partnership with Media Focus on Africa (MFA) Uganda.

The youths took to the training with excitement with it being the first of its kind they have had the opportunity to participate in. “I have watched films before but did not know how they were made. Now I am glad I have the opportunity to learn how to make films,’’ said Brenda Alia, a student from Imvepi Secondary School. The students were introduced to the basics of script writing, editing, taught about media and different platforms through which to communicate films. “A good film is like a well cooked meal where you have all the ingredients properly put together,” said Neil Bell, a film producer/director from Impact Unified, while teaching the youths about the basics of film editing.

During the training, the youths were challenged to come up with narratives of their own, which they will have to develop into short one-minute films in the course of the seven day training period. Amongst the resources given to the youths to help with their learning and also produce their own films, are Ipad configured with video editing software. With these, the youths can record and edit video and audio footage. These Ipads, among other resources, will be left available to the youths even after the project is over, such that they can carry on producing films to express themselves and tell their stories to the world.

This capacity building is the major component of Project One-minute that aims at empowering youths in refugee settlements with skills and knowledge in film production, media and communication. Project One-minute is funded by Creative-Force-Swedish Institute, a Swedish agency engaging other countries in information, culture, public life among others, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency working on behalf of the Swedish parliament and government to reduce poverty in the world. Project One-minute is facilitated by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.