I am skillful, I am talented
Having worked with and supported Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary during recent years, I was honoured to be asked to support a group of refugees and asylum seekers to create a film highlighting the skills people seeking sanctuary bring to our local community, how they make our community better and what their hopes are for the future.
Each volunteer brought different levels of experience in both film and photography, but all were equally passionate about learning new skills and helping to tell this important story.
Across a series of sessions and a significant number of biscuits, we covered the technical basics and practicalities behind making a successful film.
Obomate operating the camera for an interview
Before all of this however, we spoke about perhaps the most important aspect of filmmaking - finding and understanding your own creative voice. Each participant shared their aspirations (and sources of inspiration) for this project and how we could apply this to not only this film but their own creative endeavours in the future.
As important as I felt it was for us to start the project in this way, it is a lot to ask of people - to open themselves up and be vulnerable in a completely new environment. I was humbled by the groups willingness to share their own stories, how they saw the project developing and how I could help them to further their own skills, knowledge and experiences.
I was incredibly proud to see the final video created by the team, which you can see below, alongside a behind the scenes film which documents the journey together through the links below (externally hosted via YouTube).
See the film
I am Skillful, I am talented - shot and produced by Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary Members
Behind the scenes
Co-produced behind the scenes video featuring Valley of Sanctuary Members
Find out more
Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary is a compassionate and inclusive charity dedicated to fostering a culture of hospitality and support for refugees in Calderdale (and beyond). With a commitment to providing a warm welcome to individuals seeking sanctuary from war and persecution, they are proud to be part of the City of Sanctuary movement. If you would like to know more, or even better - become a member, you can find everything you need on their website.
