Inspire and Educate
The Jamaica Chapter of Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI), will tomorrow officially launch their ‘Inspire and Educate’ programme at the Philip Sherlock Centre, UWI with the screening of six short films produced during the programme’s pilot project.
WIFTI is a global network of film professionals dedicated to ‘advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media’, with members of the Jamaica chapter comprising local directors, film and television producers and other professionals.
‘Inspire and Educate’ is a programme the group hopes will help local schools introduce video production into their curricula, not only as a means to teach techniques, but also as a vehicle for creative expression for students. The programme, which was piloted at two Kingston schools – Harbour View Primary among 10 year-olds and at Ardenne High among fifth formers – over the course of two academic years has already resulted in the development of six short films, all written, produced, directed and edited by students of the two schools. Starting at 7:00 pm, these films will be shown at tomorrow’s launch, where former talk show host Beverley Anderson Manley will deliver the main address.
“The aim of the project was to help children and young people to show their creativity and to use film to develop their creativity. In other words, it wasn’t about teaching them how to make films, although that became a part of it, but originally the plan was to have a programme that would help them express themselves through video production,” said director of education for the Jamaica Chapter, Natalie Thompson, who also sits on the WIFT International Executive Board.
Membership in the Jamaica Chapter of Women in Film and Television Internaitonal is open to all female working and aspiring professionals in the respective industries, from front-of-camera actors and actresses to camera workers, writers, production assistants and those looking to get involved.
