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Free Film School
In collaboration with In My Own Voice (iMOVe), we facilitated a month-and-a-half-long filmmaking workshop called “Free Film School.” The goal of this workshop was to train participants with skills in the areas of cinematography, sound and camera assisting. This workshop brought together African Nova Scotians of various backgrounds and ages.
Each week, our lead facilitators introduced a new topic, with the help of occasional guest facilitators who are professionals in the field. “Free Film School” took a hands-on approach, dividing each session into two parts. The first half focused on theory, while the second half was dedicated to practical exercises, such as filming a talking-head interview to understand lighting setups or shooting exterior scenes to practice using natural light. Afterwards, participants were invited to review their own footage, this also became a valuable exercise, helping them reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement.
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At the beginning of the workshop, in partnership with iMOVe, we introduced the idea of creating a short documentary as a way for participants to apply their skills. After several weeks of practice and brainstorming, the film Barriers was produced. Over two weeks, participants directed and produced a documentary exploring the experiences of Black Nova Scotians at various stages of their careers in the local industry. This project not only gave them a chance to build their portfolios but also provided an opportunity to connect with others who shared similar aspirations and challenges.
“Free Film School” was more than just a filmmaking workshop. It was a participatory learning experience where participants strengthened their filmmaking skills through collaboration and hands-on practice. One of the workshop’s greatest challenges was balancing structure and flexibility, particularly in a field that can often feel hierarchical. It constantly explored how we can teach filmmaking in new ways without reinforcing the industry's barriers that exclude marginalized communities.
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The workshop concluded with a screening of Barriers, followed by a Q&A with the participants, showcasing the film they had created together.