A three-day workshop on How to Make Social Awareness Documentaries at International Horizons College, Dubai concluded recently. Conducted by renowned British filmmaker and media activist Manuela Maiguashca, the workshop, entitled Media in Action, was hosted by the regions premier non-profit film education initiative Documentary Voices and supported by The Gulf Film Festival. The workshop also […]
A three-day workshop on How to Make Social Awareness Documentaries at International Horizons College, Dubai concluded recently.
Conducted by renowned British filmmaker and media activist Manuela Maiguashca, the workshop, entitled Media in Action, was hosted by the regions premier non-profit film education initiative Documentary Voices and supported by The Gulf Film Festival.
The workshop also featured a lecture by Samr Husain Al Marzooqi, Dubai Film Market Manager at the Dubai International Film Festival, who shared information about several key aspects of the industry including how filmmakers can build their networks and promote their work to international audiences.
Additionally, a book singing by award-winning Iranian documentary filmmaker Mehrdad Oskuiee was hosted during the workshop. Moreover, the participants were treated to a surprise visit by Iranian superstar Behrouz Vosoughi.
The three-day course was very inspiring. We had lots brainstorming sessions during the class and the break and I believe with the support of Documentary Voices we can continue to work towards having a production in our hands. I also enjoyed Samr Husain Al Marzooqis presentation on Emirati cinema and how DIFFs film market works, said Manuela Maiguashca.
Ms Maiguashca, who now lives and works in the Netherlands, has produced and directed documentary, drama and hard-hitting advocacy films that deal with human
rights, maternal health and child welfare. She provided the participants of Media in Action an enriching, step-by-step guide to documentary filmmaking focused on generating social awareness. The course also focused on how the landscape of documentary filmmaking has changed over the recent years with the emergence of new film formats as well as unique platforms for audience engagement. Participants learnt about strategies for building media projects in todays times and how New Media and internet can be utilised as an effective tool by documentary filmmakers who dont have enough budgets.
Media in Action was extremely informative. The participants wanted the course to continue but Manuela had to return to a teaching commitment in Amsterdam. However, we are hoping to work with Manuela and the participants on a documentary soon, said Mahshid Zamani, Founder and Managing Director of Documentary Voices.
Media in Action was organised by Caspian Event and the International Horizons College (IHC) was its Education Partner.
