Storytellers invited to #CeritaKita filmmaking workshop

KOTA KINABALU: Society for Equality, Respect And Trust for All Sabah (SERATA) is opening applications for Sabahan storytellers from throughout the state to attend a threeday workshop on filmmaking, conducted by Darren and Suzanne James-Teale of Junction15 Productions.

This filmmaking workshop is part of the ‘Stories of Life At Home’ project funded by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grant programme.

This project aims to tell of the lived realities of the people in Sabah, through the lens of their socio-economic status, and how it affects the lives they live.

The aim of this project is to showcase the way of life of a state within the larger Commonwealth country of Malaysia, which could be used to contrast with the UK.

Ten community storytellers will be selected from four areas in Sabah with different ethnicities, to attend the workshop in Kota Kinabalu, that will train them to document their stories from the ground using video recordings. They will also be provided with the necessary equipment, if needed, to enable them to record quality footage using their mobile phones and assigned with mentors who will guide them through four weeks of the programme.

SERATA Vice-President Robert Nicholas Hii is hopeful that they will be able to get participation from storytellers from other parts of Sabah, including Kota Belud, Sandakan and Tawau. “Accommodation, transportation via air or road, as well as all meals and assistance with basic equipment will be provided. We want to ensure that all the community filmmakers who take part in our programme are able to participate fully with sufficient support that brings out the best in their abilities, regardless of their income or geographical background,” said Robert.

These films are planned to be unveiled in a joint celebration held in the UK and in Malaysia on World Population Day, 11 July 2024. The application form can be accessed at: http://bitly/ CeritaKita-BengkelFilem