The course will consist of two components; the first part is a general workshop for a group of 40 people, with a second part for a smaller group of 10 – 12 people aiming at producing a series of short films.

(1) A general workshop on socially responsible filmmaking

One week 22 - 25 September 2009

The workshop is intended to enable the participants to put together insights about the social roles of a documentary film-makers and allow them to extend their understanding of how to have a sense of social responsibility while practicing their craft.

The general seminar will consist in a number of film screenings, discussions, and oral presentations looking at the power of documentary, the social responsibility of the film-maker and the use of film in social sphere, relevant agenda issues for Ethiopian film-maker, as well as discussing experiences from other countries.

It will subsequently develop into examining the idea of intercultural and inter-religious dialogues - very broad topics ranging from equality and social justice to respect for diverse cultures and religions. The seminar sessions will also recognize the diverse make-up of Ethiopia’s ethnic and social groupings, and will emphasize the opportunities to deepen an understanding of the complexity and richness of the country.

It will end with a pitching exercise where the participants present ideas for possible films within the theme of the master classes.

PLEASE NOTE:

Starting on 22 September 2009, the sessions will be held between 2pm and 6pm, Monday to Friday. It is expected that participants should turn up every day.

Participants need to fulfill the following criteria in order to apply:

- film or documentary making is their main occupation

- either BA in Social Sciences or Humanities and Communication and/or have worked on several productions as producer, director, DOP or editor

- good knowledge of English

(2) Intensive practical workshop: scriptwriting, camera, light, edit and sound

Two weeks starting 28 September 2009

The second component consists of two weeks of technical master classes for established film-makers focusing on shaping their initial ideas into powerful and engaging films within the themes of the project.

Experienced international trainers from South Africa together with Ethiopian trainers will use a variety of coaching and training techniques both in a group and individual setting.

The outcome will be a series of short films of around 10 minutes demonstrating how intercultural dialogue can be translated into concrete outcomes.

The films will be shown at tailor-made screenings in Addis Ababa as well as around the country, at Ethiopian and international festivals, as well as made available to UNESCO and other agencies as contributions from Ethiopia, and of course uploaded on www.ethiopianfilminitiative.org.

PLEASE NOTE:

The relatively small size of this group (10 people) will enable the training to be of sufficient depth and quality to do justice to such important topics. Please note that this is open to directors/producers, camera operators and editors.

Starting on 28 September 2009, it will require a considerable time commitment over the coming two weeks, and participants must have attended the general seminar before taking part in the practical course. Communications will be conducted in English.

In addition to criteria mentioned for the general workshop, participants need to have over three years of practical experience in film-making.

Diplomas will be issued to those who participated.