By Richmond B Tholley
Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa has on Tuesday, December 6th, 2023, at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology Hall in the Northern City of Makeni certified ten young aspiring filmmakers after weeks of intensive training on filming and media.
The two-week training prepares the filmmakers on how to tell stories through films that will raise awareness of the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change.
“The initiative is to harness the power of storytelling and filmmaking for social change and to raise awareness about the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change,” Papa Edwin Shaw, the Project Coordinator said during the beginning of the training.
Throughout the training, the participants were taught to amplify their voices to share impactful narratives and contribute to building a more harmonious society.
During the certification ceremony, Zachariah Lloyd Sesay, the founder and President of HAND Africa, urged the filmmakers to use the opportunity to tell stories that will raise awareness of the dangers of gender-based violence and depression.
Giving a background of the organization, he said HAAAND Africa has given a plethora of opportunities to young people across Sierra Leone by partnering with local and international organizations through providing training on a variety of issues and or topics.
The President encouraged participants to grab the opportunity they have acquired throughout the training to make others know the truth about climate change.
Sesay noted one of the dreams of HAAAND Africa is to serve humanity through filmmaking for sustainable development and youth empowerment.
“We’re thrilled to announce this groundbreaking initiative in the realm of media and filmmaking,” Sesay said.
The funds for the training, he noted were provided by the European Union.
Isha Sow, one of the participants thanked the organization for equipping her and her colleagues.
“This is huge and we will further produce films that will impact society at large,” she stated.
After the two weeks of training, she asserted they could edit, write scripts, direct, and produce films, especially on climate change.
During the presentation ceremony, several other stakeholders from both the public and private sectors attended and made statements.
The award of the certificates to the ten filmmakers, and the production of two movies on climate change and its causes on gender-based violence and depression climaxed the colorful occasion.
