UNDP, Dhiraagu commence ‘Film for Change: Climate Edition’ workshop

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Maldives, in partnership with Dhiraagu, has commenced ‘Film for Change: Climate Edition’. 

The filmmaking workshop was inaugurated in a ceremony held at Salt Restaurant and Café in Male’ City on Wednesday morning. 

The 10-day filmmaking theory workshop will be conducted by industry experts.  

Initiated in 2017, ‘Film for Change’ - an ongoing collaboration between UNDP and Dhiraagu, aims to use the alternative medium of film to stimulate dialogue on different social issues amongst young people, decision-makers and the wider community.  

This year’s series is focused on empowering young people to explore and form narratives on issues of climate change in Maldives through the medium of film.  

The platform provides aspiring young filmmakers with the necessary technical and creative skills on producing documentary-style short films using accessible devices such as mobile phones and tablets.  

At Wednesday’s ceremony, Dhiraagu’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Bishaara Hameed said that the company believes filmmaking to be a unique and impactful approach which gives a voice to young people. 

“We are very fond of this program for a number of reasons. We believe it is such a unique and an impactful approach which gives a voice to young people. The best part is that it would be your story, your narrative that would be told through the medium of film. We hope it would also be an opportunity for you to think, explore and reflect on key issues related to climate action through this year’s climate edition,” she said. 

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Vera Hakim thanked Dhiraagu for continued partnership with the organization on various initiatives, and noted that this year’s ‘Film for Change’ is timely as it coincides with COP26 – with the world is focused on the pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.  

“UNDP is committed to confront climate change, markedly by bringing the private and public sectors together to showcase our unified efforts for sustainable development and community resilience. We are focused on empowering youth to bring out their voices on issues such as climate change and give them a platform to play the catalytic role in delivering fresh new ideas and solutions, in spreading awareness and transforming behaviors,” she said. 

Participants of ‘Film for Change’ will undergo a training component and a post-production component with industry experts where trainees in groups will produce five short films under the main theme inspired by the Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action (SDG-13).  

The films will then be screened via social media and other public platforms to be followed by dialogue.  

The films also have the potential of being showcased on platforms for youth advocacy on climate change at local, regional, and global levels.