FilmAid International

Alumni News: Scisa Rumenge

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Until recently, Scisa Rumenge worked as Production Supervisor for FilmAid International in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. He was resettled to the US in 2011 and is now studying film in Seattle, Washington.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have today featured him on their YouTube channel for their Storytelling through the Eyes of Refugees: 1 Life: 1 Story project. Watch the video here, and hear Scisa speak about his experiences and his conviction never to give up hope:

http://www.youtube.com/storytellingunhcr

From the UNCHR video description:

"When I dream, I just dream bad things."
Scisa Rumenge was born in 1981 near the town of Bunia, in eastern Congo, then known as Zaire. In the late1990's, he and his family -together with their entire community- were targeted on the basis of their Hema ethnic background. After losing his parents, brother and sister to an attack on his village, Scisa fled to another part of the country, where armed men imprisoned him and other young men who refused to be recruited into their ranks. He was beaten and suffered repeated concussions. Scisa finally managed to escape, under cover of darkness, and fled to neighbouring Uganda. He later made his way to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and the UNHCR office there. UNHCR determined that he was a refugee and sent him to live in Kakuma, a major camp for people fleeing violence and persecution across east and central Africa. He stayed for six years. Fearing to be alone, he made friends with a Somali Bajun family who adopted him informally as their son. He still suffers from nightmares: "I felt like my head was almost bursting, because the experiences I had in my mind," he said. But he nurtured somehope that things would change. He loves music and football and filmmaking, having been introduced to film in Kakuma by the NGO FilmAid.

One refugee without hope is one too many

2011-06-23T04:16:00.000-07:00

A chilly, cloudy and slightly wet Monday morning did not dampen the crowds enthusiasm as they mingled a and sampled humanitarian agencies exhibits at the World Refugee Day at the University of Nairobi graduation square on the 20th of June 2011. Nor were invited guests including the Honorable Minister of Immigration and Information of persons Hon. Otieno Kajwang EGH MP, Minister and FilmAid staff who were present to receive the chief guest at the FilmAid stall perturbed by the wet conditions.

FilmAid Kenya has over the years been a regular participant in the world refugee day celebrations. This year FilmAid sponsored three refugee staff from Dadaab and Kakuma field offices to allow them to share their experiences with visitors and guest to the FilmAid stand. Guests to the stand were familiarized with FilmAid International methodology in affecting change using film through proven and well structured video, theatre and other Art based interventions. A total of 16 agencies and organizations working with refugees were represented at this year’s celebration.

‘FilmAid is loved for the work and films they show in the camp’, said Badu Katelo Acting Commissioner for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, as the minister for immigration received copies of films addressing Health, protection and other social issues from the FilmAid team.

Featured in the celebrations was a performance by a refugee group working with the Great Globe Foundation in collaboration with FilmAid Kenya who presented a theatrical piece on self identity and respect. This was the climactic performance of a 6 month theatre project in Dadaab that is using theatrical facilitation as a tool for communication, expression, transformation, and healing. We want to inspire and guide the refugee youth in creating their own opportunities and platforms for positive personal and community change.

Kenya currently hosts around 500,000 refugees from 13 nationalities, with the urban refugee population approximated at 50,000.

World Refugee Day, Monday 20th June

2011-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

43 million. The number of refugees and other displaced people is at the highest it's been since the 1990s, and so on this World Refugee Day, we're working harder than ever to harness the power of film to help bring inspiration, self-empowerment and life-saving information to refugees around the world.

Coming from the film industry, I've long believed in film's unique capacity to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Since joining FilmAid as Executive Director this spring, each day has only strengthened my conviction that film - from inspirational Hollywood and Indie fare to locally produced narratives addressing critical health and safety issues - has enormous power as a force for good.

This past March we completed our fifth project in Haiti since the earthquake, screening the Haitian presidential debates and a short film on voting in five displaced person camps, reaching over ten thousand people - a nice complement to last year's screenings of the World Cup (with the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti) and Disney's sublime "Up". In Asia, we are working with the Thailand Burma Border Consortium, and recently completed a short film to encourage refugees to grow their own kitchen gardens.

Later this month I'm heading to Geneva for my first UNHCR-NGO Consultations gathering and hope to meet many of you there. Next it's on to Kenya, for the FilmAid Film Festival, presenting our own student filmmakers' films along with Film Forward, a cultural exchange program that is an initiative of Sundance Institute and The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

That's just a slice of what's happening at FilmAid. We hope you'll stay tuned and take a moment today to learn more about the challenges refugees face everyday.

Thank you for your ongoing friendship, partnership and support.

Best,

Liz Manne
Executive Director, FilmAid International

http://conta.cc/kzYNfI

'The Refugee' Newspaper and Weekly Bulletin

2011-06-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

For the last few months a team of dedicated refugees from the Dadaab refugee camp have been working tirelessly to publish a newspaper as part of FilmAid's PVP program.

With just one formal writer's workshop, and only meagre resources, The Refugee team have done an absolutely astounding job. All of us at FilmAid have been incredibly impressed by what they have achieved so far. To be honest we've been taken a little by surprise - which we shouldn't have given their obvious talent. So over the next few months we're committed to giving them the support they need to take The Refugee even further, with more journalism training, layout and technical support, and a dedicated blog.

So well done to Moulid, Abdirashid, Aden Hassan, Liban and everyone else involved!

As well as a bi-monthly broadsheet, The Refugee team is also now producing a Weekly Bulletin for distribution around the camps, the latest edition of which can be seen online here.

And if you haven't seen it already, here is a link the latest edition of the main newspaper. Another edition will be out shortly and we'll be sure to share it.

Participatory Educational Theatre comes to Hagadera

2011-06-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

FilmAid has initiated a Participatory Educational Theatre (PET) program to compliment our extensive video based educative activities in the Dadaab refugee camps. The first of these theatre performances with an educational message on reproductive health, safe motherhood, peace and family planning was conducted at the Hagadera camp. This project is aimed at blending educative theatre, song and dance to promote and reinforce messages on social and critical health issues in the refugee community. Over the next few months FilmAid will conduct around 100 PET performances for its community outreach initiative in all three camps in Dadaab - Ifo, Hagadera and Dagahaley.

The PET performances precede video based education sessions and are conducted in public areas where people gather - like tap stands, market centres and food distribution sites. Theatre, poetry and music are extremely popular art forms for the mainly Somali population in Dadaab, and are often used during cultural and religious events as well as for entertainment.

FilmAid’s PET groups have rigorous training on acting techniques, message development and delivery in conjunction with GIZ and MSF. Other theatre performing groups are currently engaged in a six-month course in collaboration with FilmAid and the Great Globe foundation. We look forward to their performances.

First Mass Screenings for Dadaab Host Community

2011-05-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

Last week FilmAid conducted the first Mass Audience Daytime Screenings (MADS) for the host community in Dadaab.

Due to security issues it is not possible for FilmAid to conduct outdoor evening screenings for large audiences in Dadaab – a method we use elsewhere for mass dissemination of information and entertainment. So instead FilmAid has been screening films for large audiences in our tented mobile movie hall. Since March these MADS have been used successfully in the Dadaab refugee camps to reach around 200-300 participants in a single screening. Now the host community is able to take part in this program as well.

Following last week’s trial, a series of MADS will be initiated in the host community to address issues including gender based violence and drug abuse using refugee produced films such as Not me but the Law and Khat. Audiences are further engaged through Participatory Educative Theatre (PET) performances and educative music performances by local groups mobilized by FilmAid.

The host community in Dadaab are non-refugee residents of the area, who have seen their remote region irrevocably changed by the influx of more than 350,000 refugees. Relations between relief agencies, refugees and the host community have at times been notoriously strained. FilmAid’s ongoing engagement with this important group is a small but significant step towards improving this delicate situation, bringing vital information and services to the Dadaab host community.

FilmAid International and Chivas Regal launch Global Brand Partnership at the Cannes Film Festival

2011-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

FilmAid President Iliane Ogilvie-Thompston, Founder Caroline Baron and long-time supporter Robert De Niro celebrate launch

May 19, 2011 - FilmAid is excited to announce that we have just embarked on a new global brand partnership with Chivas Regal Scotch whisky (www.chivas.com). The official launch celebration of the partnership took place in Chivas House, on the Croisette in Cannes, on Friday May 13 and was attended by FilmAid Founder Caroline Baron, FilmAid President Iliane Ogilvie Thompson and long-time supporter of FilmAid and President of the Jury of this year's Festival de Cannes, Robert De Niro.

The partnership will see Chivas Regal and FilmAid working together to help, educate and inspire communities in need through the power of film. An initial donation of US$100,000 was made by Chivas Regal to support FilmAid projects across the world.

James Slack, Brand Director of Chivas Regal, says, "The work of FilmAid is truly inspirational and we are delighted to support the amazing work they do around the world. The partnership aligns well with values that Chivas Regal is passionate about: brotherhood, generosity, integrity and a social awareness for the world in which we live. The partnership with FilmAid provides our customers with a tangible proof-point of these values while reinforcing our commitment to film and cinema, whether it be here in Cannes or among some of the most needy communities in the world."

Watch the video:

Video Interview with Caroline Baron

2011-05-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

Watch this short video interview with FilmAid founder Caroline Baron.

The video is care of the British Airways blog

Alumni News - From Dadaab to Kansas City

2011-04-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Wherever possible, FilmAid likes to keep in touch with people we have worked with in the past. So it was a great pleasure to hear recently from Shukri Bashir.

Shukri worked with FilmAid when we first started operations at Dadaab in Kenya. As a refugee facilitator he led discussions with other members of his community, based on the films which FilmAid was screening in the camps.

Shukri has now made the move to the US. Here is a brief description he wrote for us about the work he did with FilmAid and what he is up to now...

"I was one of the six facilitators who started the FAI programme in 2006 at the Dadaab camps. I was a team leader and a facilitator in Ifo camp.

On behalf of FilmAid I also worked and travelled with UNHCR inside and outside the camps to register for new refugees.

I really enjoyed working with FilmAid during my time in Dadaab and I miss the fascinating screenings and field work, with one day donkey cart and the next day a white Toyota car with FilmAid brand. I am happy to see some of the seeds we planted have now grown to bigger trees. For example the PVP (Participatory Video Project) programmes that started just few months before I left.

I am now living in the mid-east of the United States, Kansas City, Missouri, which has a total population of 7000 Somali immigrants. I’m going to school at Park University.
It's my dream to join the FilmAid family again one day soon."

We’re obviously thrilled that Shukri is doing well in the US and we’re glad he got in contact. Let’s hope we do get the opportunity to work together again in the future.
If there is anyone else out there who has been involved with FilmAid in the past we would love to hear from you as well.

Sita Kimya screenings to continue in Kibera

2011-04-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Due to public demand and the fundraising efforts of FilmAid’s President Iliane Ogilvie Thompson the film Sita Kimya will continue to be screened daily in Kibera.

Sita Kimya – which means ‘I will not be quiet’ - is an awareness campaign targeting sexual and gender based violence, conducted in conjunction with APHIA II-Nairobi, PSI, and Filmaid. The slogan of the campaign is ‘Break the silence, end the violence.’

As part of this program FilmAid worked with the community in Kibera to produce a powerful feature film dealing with these difficult issues. Each day facilitated screenings of the Sita Kimya film are held in various locations in Kibera – Kenya’s largest slum.

Through discussions sparked by the film and lead by FilmAid’s staff residents of Kibera have been able to start a dialogue on sexual and gender based violence. The film uses dramatic narrative to unpack these issues, exploring the various forms such violence can take and what communities and individuals are able to do to prevent it.

After FilmAid President Iliane Oglivie-Thomson attended what was to be the final screening on February 28th, she realized just how vital the screenings were to Kibera, and the positive impact the screenings had on its residents. On seeing that the residents were asking for more screenings as well,she promised that once back in the U.K. she would raise funds to continue the screenings until June 30th. Iliane kept her promise and the screenings were able to resume on March 24th.

Marking the beginning of the Filmaid funded “Sita Kimya” screenings, Mark Somen, General Manager of The Tribe Hotel made a special appearance to witness the first screening held at Gogo Boys Hall, Kambi Muru Village, in Kibera. Mark has recently joined FilmAid’s advisory board and is a welcome and valuable new member of the FilmAid family.

Mobile Cinema returns to Dadaab refugee camps.

2011-04-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Dadaab refugee camp complex in North Eastern Kenya is one of the biggest refugee camps in the world with a current population of over 320,000 – mostly Somalis fleeing from a two decade long civil war. For a number of years FilmAid has conducted Mobile Cinema screenings under the skies of Dadaab, bringing joy, escapism and education to thousands of refugees. Unfortunately these outdoor screenings were suspended in 2009 due to security concerns. Now, with a little ingenuity, they are back.

FilmAid first started operations at Dadaab in 2006. At the beginning screenings were conducted using televisions sets and a VCR, focusing by necessity on small groups of people in small spaces. This was great for targeting specific audiences and communicating specific information – but as a form of popular entertainment it was obviously limited.

Before too long FilmAid had established Mobile Cinema in Dadaab. Large-scale community screenings are at the core of FilmAid’s work, and through the use of portable screens and projectors we were able to share the power of film with several thousand people at a time. These outdoor evening screenings were hugely popular, providing critical information weaved together with simple entertainment.

Regrettably, due to incessant security issues relating to the Somali civil war and terrorist group al Shabaab, night-time shows eventually became impossible. While focus screenings and participatory refugee film-making projects were able to continue, the magic of large-scale community cinema was gone.

With night time screenings no longer an option, showing films to large audiences of any sort became impossible. One of the basic needs for successfully projecting film is a dark environment – a fact that can be easily forgotten sitting in a fully equipped cinema. In the glaringly brutal sun of the Kenya Somali borderlands, daytime outdoor screenings were not an option. A new solution was needed.

Balancing the need for information, education, and entertainment with security concerns, FilmAid has now introduced a program we refer to among ourselves as MADS - Mass Audience Daytime Screenings. Erecting tents and fitting them with screens and sound systems, FilmAid has produced the closest thing possible to a cinema hall experience in the refugee camps, with about 300 people being able to fit into these innovative movie theatres. Some of the screenings have even been preceded by theatrical performances and musical presentations by talented refugees.

The return of Mobile Cinema to Dadaab in 2011 has so far been a great success. While the audience numbers are necessarily limited by the use of a tent – even the biggest of tents – the key issue of security has been addressed. FilmAid is delighted to be able to once again use film to empower, educate and entertain Dadaab’s refugee population.

Filmaid Staffers Bond on Challenging, Thrilling Retreat

2011-04-06T00:27:00.001-07:00

This year’s staff retreat was one that we likely won't forget for a long while. The combination of challenging activities, team events, tasty meals and FilmAid’s ability to keep up the energy level made for an excellent time. From February 9th to 12th, Filmaid staff members from Nairobi, Dadaab, Kakuma and the U.S. were treated to three days of fun and games during the organization’s team building retreat in Naivasha, in northwest Kenya. The entire team made up of 87 Kenyan-based staff members (both from the areas where FilmAid operates and national staff), 2 board members from the U.S. and FilmAid’s New York-based Executive Director arrived in Naivasha, ready to mingle and enjoy the beautiful scenery that the lakeside region had to offer.

Upon arrival, staff members from Kenya and the United States began getting acquainted with one another at Naivasha’s Crayfish Lodge residence. Enthusiastic and motivational facilitators were also on hand, ready and determined to push us both mentally and physically through various challenges and obstacles for the duration of the retreat.

Over the three days of the retreat, everyone came together and reflected on issues that face the organization. The change of scenery allowed directors and staff to interact freely and to focus their attention on the past, present and future direction of FilmAid. Several crucial topics of discussion emerged during our planned activities. Values such as generosity, harmony, prioritization, patience, determination, team work, togetherness and an emphasis on respect for everyone’s culture were discussed as major virtues that every staff member should possess.

We were all divided into 6 teams, and various tasks assigned to each team to complete. The activities included but were not limited to:
1. Spider’s Web, where team members were expected to successfully pass through a giant web with holes of different shapes and sizes without touching the web.
2. Blind Partner walk – Each team was divided into pairs and one in the pair was blindfolded. The partner with sight had the responsibility of making sure that the blind partner walks through a certain distance and various obstacles without harm.
3. Pipeline – Each team was given a marble and half-pipes and was to transport the ball using only their troughs from point A to point B. We were to do this without touching the ball, and if we did so, or dropped it, we had to start all over again.

Despite the fact that some of FilmAid’s location staff (dubbed "incentive staff") had never been out the refugee camps, every team managed to bring forth their outgoing personalities during the games and trivia.

One particular highlight of the trip was the trek through Hell’s Gate Gorge. On the afternoon of 11th February, 88 brave souls (two of FilmAid’s board members, Sharon Swart from California and Pamela Reis from New York, Filmaid’s Executive Director Liz Manne, and the Kenyan-national FilmAid staff) departed from Crayfish Lodge and headed to Hell’s Gate National Park for an afternoon adventure that included hiking, and rock climbing and descending.

Covered by ashes from the Longonot eruption that occurred 100 years ago, the park is famous for its geothermal station, lower gorge and spectacular sceneries like cliffs, volcanoes, and a geothermal steam. Climbing and descending the cliffs and gorges located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet proved to be overwhelming to some while others relished the adrenalin rush. However, everyone was appreciative of the aid of team members who literally provided their hands to act as harnesses. Our facilitators also instructed us on ascending and descending the cliffs.

Even though there was a somewhat dangerous encounter with slippery, sharp edged rocks at Hell’s Gate, the reflection, and conversation that directors and staff experienced during our stay in Naivasha allowed for ideas to flow and strengthen us all; in the expectation that in the longer term FilmAid as a whole will benefit.

The retreat concluded on a high note on 11th February. The presentation night was unique in that we were entertained by various staff members from Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma. The presentations included song and dance; some of which had been previously prepared and others. Speeches from FilmAid's U.S. continent followed, and thereafter we were all free to dance the night away, with our departure from Naivasha the next morning.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in, and successfully completed the activities, and to all FilmAid staff members who took part in the retreat and benefited from this memorable experience.

Position Vacant - Cameraperson

2011-04-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

FilmAid Kenya invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position will involve extensive work in Kakuma Refugee camp,Turkana District.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted.

Specific Project Objectives:
a. Increase awareness on GBV and related issues and strengthen Peace Building and Conflict Resolution mechanisms
b. Increase uptake of family planning services in Kakuma refugee operations.
c. Increase uptake of HTC and PMTCT in Kakuma refugee operations
d. Enable the Kakuma refugee community to make 4 films on GBV and Peace Building, HTC and PMTCT.
e. Document the impact of all the green energy projects under EDP

Specific tasks for the Camera person:
1. Familiarize with the relevant topics by use of proposals, survey reports, field reports and draft film structures.
2. Work with the film director in translating the film scripts visually to develop films that are conveyed in a way that is both strongly convincing and correct as well as highly creative and aesthetically appealing.
3. Develop storyboards, shot lists and shooting scripts for the films that will be produced.
4. Provide insight and advice on how to best make the shoot work for the benefit of the audience.
5. Work together with the director in choreographing scenes for the films to ensure a professional and aesthetically appealing shoot.
6. Assemble camera equipment, lighting gear and cables before and after the film shoots.
7. Shoot the 4 films on SGBV, Peace building, HTC and PMTCT
8. In line with the laid down protocol, watch dailies with the director and provide input on footage shot and on future shoots.
9. Record soundtracks for the films
10. Record dubs for the family planning, peace building and SGBV films
11. Develop the overall concept and scenario of the 5 EDP documentaries and document the impact of the green energy projects.

Expected Outputs:
1. 4 short videos (20-30 minutes long) on gender based violence issues, peace building, HTC and PMTC in line with the specific objectives mentioned above.
2. Family planning video dubbed into 5 languages as described above.
3. Raw footage (interviews and b-rolls) documenting the impact of the green energy projects.

If you are qualified, please email applications with ONLY COVER LETTER,CV AND 3 REFERENCES ASAP to: nairobi@filmaid.org
Applications to be submitted through email by no later than 15th April 2011

FilmAid's President attends Final “Sita Kimya” Screening

2011-03-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

The “Sita Kimya” facilitated daytime screenings by FilmAid in partnership with USAID APHIA II in Kibera came to an exciting close on Monday 28th February. FilmAid’s President, Iliane Ogilvie-Thompson, along with her husband, Anthony Thompson (both from UK) and FilmAid’s Country Director Stella Suge were present at the final screening, which marked the end of an 8-month screening and awareness campaign on sexual and gender based violence.

The team arrived at SHOFCO Community Hall in Kibera’s Gatwekera village, which was the screening venue, where two screenings were taking place simultaneously in different halls of the storey building. Iliane, Anthony, and Stella were given the project’s overview and then taken into each of the screening halls of approximately 30 participants of mixed gender, religion and political affiliation.

Iliane (L), Kepha (Center), and Anthony (R) during the screening

After the screenings, they witnessed the facilitation that always followed the screenings first-hand. They were so impressed by the lively participation of the audience and the creativity of the facilitators during facilitation that they themselves asked numerous questions afterward. They then took some group photos with staff members and field crew/facilitators outside the screening venue.

Jackie Agwanda
facilitates discussions
at the screening

Iliane and the FilmAid team outside the screening venue

Iliane praised the work being done and congratulated each staff member and volunteer for their effort. She affirmed that once back in the U.K. she would raise funds to continue the screenings until June 30th.

“Sita Kimya” has been an awareness campaign by APHIA II-Nairobi, PSI, and FilmAid, which seeks to address issues of sexual and gender violence by increasing awareness on getting help for SGBV, recognizing its various forms and that it is illegal, and reporting its cases, among others.

Liz Manne Named Executive Director of FilmAid International

2011-03-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

FilmAid International has announced the appointment of independent film veteran Liz Manne as its executive director. In making the announcement, FilmAid founder Caroline Baron stated, “Liz brings to FilmAid an unbeatable combination of leadership talent, film industry savvy and a long-standing commitment to social justice. We couldn’t be more pleased to have her at the helm.”

“I’ve been a fan of FilmAid since its inception, and greatly admire its mission and all it has accomplished,” Manne commented. “Film has a unique power to connect and communicate with audiences on a deep, emotional level, giving it unlimited potential as a force for good in the world. Many of us first gravitated to the film business with a shard desire to tell stories that inspire and bridge our divides, and our collective skill set has never been more in need on a global scale.”

Liz, during a recent visit to Kenya

A long-time studio executive and independent producer, Liz Manne co-founded Fine Line Features (USA) with Ira Deutchman in 1990 and served as its Executive Vice President Marketing until 1997. Some films created include: Hoop Dreams, My Own Private Idaho, The Player, and the Sweet Hereafter. From 1998 to 2001, she served as Executive Vice President Programming and Marketing for Robert Redford’s Sundance Channel. In 2002, Manne was a co-founder with Catherine Tait, of Duopoly, a boutique content production and consultancy firm, where she earned multiple producing credits (3 Backyards, The Heart of the Game, A Dog Year, Fall from Grace, Lucky); co-founded the online and mobile content platform iThentic; and served as an advisor to HBO Films for its theatrical releases including Maria Full of Grace, American Splendor, Real Woman Have Curves and Elephant.

In 2009, Manne was appointed by President Barrack Obama to serve on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, where her focus is cultural diplomacy. She is a member of the board of directors of Mountainfilm in Telluride and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She holds a BA in Dramatic Art from University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

We at Filmaid extend a very warm welcome to Liz and are looking forward to exciting years ahead.

From a Refugee Camp to a Television Station: Bingo's Story

2011-02-18T03:40:00.001-08:00

“Good evening my good people. Hope you had a lovely week; welcome to Art and Music wherever you are watching us from. Today we have a lot of new things for you, so relax and enjoy. Welcome….” These are probably the words you will hear from Simon Lokwang Paul, as he welcomes you to his Friday evening television show.

Simon Lokwang Paul aka “Bingo” is just one of the millions of Sudanese who were once refugees and have been repatriated back to Southern Sudan. In a world where most displaced people feel worthless and unimportant, “Bingo” is a living example of a former refugee who didn’t give up. He strived to make his struggle count and his perseverance eventually paid off as he is currently a television producer, editor and presenter. He produces his own TV program called “Art and Music,” that airs every Friday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Southern Sudan Television (SSTV).

In 1998, 13-year-old “Bingo” came to Kenya as a result of the civil war in Sudan, where he was born. He arrived in Kakuma refugee camp as a refugee, accompanied by his uncle. His mother had remained in Southern Sudan as she had little children and a baby, while his father and step-mother stayed in Uganda as refugees. An ambitious young boy, “Bingo” joined Unity Primary School in Kakuma refugee camp, completing his primary education in 2003. In 2004, he joined Bor Town senior secondary school, also in Kakuma refugee camp, where he did the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education [KCSE] examinations.

While in primary school, “Bingo” attended FilmAid’s outdoor evening screenings, which sparked in him not only an insatiable appetite for films but also an interest in filming. He wondered how a person could be involved in, and be seen on TV. It wasn’t until he completed secondary school that he learnt about Participatory Video Project (PVP), a FilmAid program that empowers the youth with knowledge on film making. He joined the program in 2005 and in 2008, Filmaid hired him as a Participatory Video Project facilitator; a position given to select youth who have mastered the techniques of film making, so that they can teach other PVP members.

Bingo working behind the camera as a Filmaid PVP member during filming in Kakuma refugee camp in 2005

What happened next was “more like a miracle,” “Bingo” says. A couple of journalists from Germany was creating a documentary around East Africa. During their time in Kakuma, they asked him to assist in their production. These journalists soon realized that he was quite adept at operating the camera and video editing. Upon further discussions with him, they realized that besides the training from Filmaid's PVP program, he did not have any formal training in production. After a few months, they offered to sponsor him to attend the East African School of Media Studies, a Nairobi college specializing in TV and video production.

Bingo (holding books) during a Filmaid film
shoot in Kakuma refugee camp in 2006

Just a few weeks into college, “Bingo” was already the best and most active student in his class, making the lecturers very curious to know more about him. When he discussed his experience with FilmAid’s PVP in Kakuma, his lecturer explained to him that he was way ahead of his class and advised him to skip the first year class and move on straight to the second year class.

In June 2009, Bingo graduated with a diploma in television and video production as one of the top students of his class. In July of the same year, he repatriated to Southern Sudan. Two months later he was offered, and accepted a job with SSTV, the state owned television station. He currently produces and hosts his own music television show called “Art and Music” on the station.

Bingo back in Kakuma refugee camp in January 2011 to interview refugees on the Southern Sudan Referendum for SSTV

Bingo encourages all refugees not to give up. “You are a refugee by condition. Accept that you are a refugee, but know that it is not permanent. Keep hope and know that one day, one time you will go back to your country,” he said in his message to refugees. He continued by to encourage refugees to take whatever opportunities come their way, however small by saying “when small chances come, take them seriously because you never know what opportunities it might bring you in future.”

Bingo conducts an interview for SSTV in Kakuma refugee camp - January 2011

Bingo is just one of about 100 refugees that have gained skills in film making through FilmAid’s Participatory Video Project. For more information on this program, visit FilmAid’s website at www.filmaid.org

Job Opening: Operations Manager

2011-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

VACANCY
Position: Operations Manager
Location: Nairobi

FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites qualified Kenyan applications to fill the above position.
FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programs in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Human Resources Management

- Benefits scheme administration: Pension fund & medical insurance
- Recruitment: posting of jobs vacancies, seeking references, conducting interviews.
- Help draw up job descriptions, prepare contracts, and work with established salary scales
- Performing induction and orientation of new staff members
- Coordinate staff performance evaluations
- Processing of work permits.
- Ensuring that local employment and tax laws and conventions are respected
- Maintaining staff files and records
- Researching improved medical covers
- Following up with partner organizations in all the above
- Formulation and implementation of human resources strategies, policies and procedures, including staff welfare and development issues
- Review staff policies and procedures, and recommend changes and improvements
- Be familiar with Filmaid's Code of Conduct, and investigate and manage breaches of the Code if the situation arises
- Carry out assessments in field locations

2. Finance Management

- Take lead to review existing financial management strategies, policies and procedures.
- Coordinating development of field and Nairobi cash forecasts on a regular basis
- Responsible for the integrity of the accounting systems within FilmAid.
- Ensure that financial procedures are followed by all programs, and systems continually developed to accommodate the needs of those programs.
- Regular budget to actual review.
- Monthly budget to actual reporting to Country Director and budget managers.
- Report regularly on the financial status of programs, including to headquarters office.
- Meet with senior staff on monthly basis to review budget to actual reports to ensure propriety of information.
- Review results of meetings with senior staff and update relevant data.
- Preparing financial reports to local and international donors, coordinated with headquarters office.
- Monthly system’s reconciliation and verifying system’s balances
- Oversee the posting of budgets and entries, timely and accurately
- Provide recommendations for cost allocation systems in accordance with donor regulations
- Coordinate with finance staff and consultant(s) at headquarters office
- Coordinate with finance staff from partner organization
- Ensure proper preparation for internal and external audits, financial reviews and external audits
- Regular update and review of Field Programs' cash flow requirements and ensuring timely information to HQ and transfers to the field

3. Logistics Management

- Take a lead role to review the developed FilmAid’s standard Logistics systems, policies & procedures
- Ensure implementation and maintenance of developed Logistics systems, policies & procedures
- Oversee procurement procedures, and any national and international procurement processes
- Oversee setting up and management of stores monitoring systems
- Provide adequate field support in ordering and stock management.
- Ensuring quarterly orders are properly procured, documented and procedures followed
- Reporting regularly on logistics status of Field Programs
- Manage Nairobi and field contracts for building, office rent, facilities, etc
- Verify all fixed asset registers

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors Degree in Commerce, Business Administration,or Human Resource Management
• Recognized certificate of professional qualification in Accounting (ACCA, CPA) and / or diploma in Human Resources Management, Purchasing and Supplies Management or other relevant discipline
• At least 3 years experience in Accounting, Human Resources Management, Purchasing and Supplies Management and or office administration preferably with a humanitarian aid organization
• Knowledge in Project Cycle Management and thorough understanding of how program implementation inter-phases with operations management
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and at least one computerized accounting system
• Ready to work for long hours, and able to travel to hardship areas
• Team player, excellent interpersonal, organizational, multitasking and communication skills
• Ready to work with minimal supervision with ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with only cover letter, CV and 3 references by 15th February 2011 to: nairobi@filmaid.org

Applicants who will attach copies of their certificates and other documents WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Applications to be submitted through email only and only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Opening: Operations Manager

2011-01-26T02:36:00.000-08:00

VACANCY
Position: Operations Manager
Location: Nairobi

FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites qualified Kenyan applications to fill the above position.
FilmAid is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programs in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Human Resources Management

- Benefits scheme administration: Pension fund & medical insurance
- Recruitment: posting of jobs, seeking references, conducting interviews.
- Help draw up job descriptions, prepare contracts, and work with established salary scales
- Conducting induction and orientation of new staff members
- Coordinate staff performance evaluations
- Processing of work permits.
- Ensuring that local employment and tax laws and conventions are respected
- Maintaining staff files and records
- Researching improved medical covers
- Following up with partner organizations in all the above
- Formulation and implementation of human resources strategies, policies and procedures, including staff welfare and development issues
- Review staff policies and procedures, and recommend changes and improvements
- Be familiar with Code of Conduct, and investigate and manage breaches of the Code if the situation arises
- Carry out assessments in field locations

2. Finance Management

- Take the lead in reviewing existing financial management strategies, policies and procedures.
- Coordinating development of field and Nairobi cash forecasts on a regular basis
- Responsible for the integrity of the accounting systems within FilmAid.
- Ensure that financial procedures are followed by all programs, and systems continually developed to accommodate the needs of those programs.
- Regular budget to actual review.
- Monthly budget to actual reporting to Country Director and budget managers.
- Report regularly on the financial status of programs, to office and headquarters.
- Meet with senior staff on monthly basis to review budget to actual reports to ensure propriety of information.
- Review results of meetings with senior staff and update relevant data.
- Preparing financial reports for local and international donors, coordinated with headquarters office.
- Monthly system’s reconciliation and verifying system’s balances
- Oversee the posting of budgets and entries, timely and accurately
- Provide recommendations for cost allocation systems in accordance to donor regulations
- Coordinate with finance staff and consultant(s) at headquarters office
- Coordinate with finance staff from partner organizations
- Ensure proper preparation for internal and external audits, financial reviews and external audits
- Regular updating and reviewing of Field Programs cash flow requirements and ensuring timely information to HQ and transfers to the field

3. Logistics Management

- Take a lead role in reviewing and implementing FilmAid’s standard Logistics systems, policies & procedures
- Oversee procurement procedures, and any national and international procurement processes
- Oversee set-up and management of stores monitoring systems
- Provide adequate field support in ordering and stock management.
- Ensuring quarterly orders are properly procured, documented and procedures followed
- Regular reporting on logistics status of Field Programs
- Manage Nairobi and field contracts for building construction, office rent, facilities etc
- Verify all fixed asset registers

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors Degree in Commerce, Business Administration,or Human Resource Management
• Recognized certificate of professional qualification in Accounting (ACCA, CPA) and / or diploma in Human Resources Management, Purchasing and Supplies Management or other relevant discipline
• At least 3 years experience in Accounting, Human Resources Management, Purchasing and Supplies Management and / or office administration preferably with a humanitarian aid organization
• Knowledge in Project Cycle Management and thorough understanding of how program implementation inter-phases with operations management
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and at least one computerized accounting system
• Ready to work for long hours, and able to travel to hardship areas
• Team player, excellent interpersonal, organizational, multitasking and communication skills
• Ready to work with minimal supervision with ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with only cover letter, CV and 3 references to: nairobi@filmaid.org
Application should be received by 15th February 2011

Applicants who will attach copies of their certificates and other documents WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Applications to be submitted through email only ,and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

FilmAid Kenya showcases at RCK fun day

2010-12-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Filmaid's Edwine Nyandisi attends to Filmaid's stall

FilmAid Kenya was recently part of a fundrasiging cultural and family fun day organized by the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) on the 27th of November at Splash Water World.

The Refugee Consortium of Kenya promotes the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs). FilmAid, whose programs in the refugee camps seek to empower, educate and inspire uprooted communities using the power of film participated in the event in support of refugee rights and in an effort to help raise funds to help the internally displaced people of Kenya.

A visitor to Filmaid's stall checks out materials produced by Filmaid

FilmAid Kenya runs programs in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps addressing protection and health concerns while providing avenues where refugees use film to address other social issues.

A display of some video films produced by Filmaid

‘Sita Kimya’ Film Launched

2010-12-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

FilmAid Kenya in partnership with Population Services International (PSI) and consortium partners under Aids Population Health Integrated Assistance (APHIA) II Nairobi have produced and launched a film on sexual and gender based violence. The film dubbed "Sita Kimya’ (Break the Silence) is a project initiated in Kibera to address the prevalence of sexual and gender based violence.

Chief guest Hon. Danson Mungatana delivers a powerful speech

Garsen Member of Parliament Hon. Danson Mungatana officially launched the film on gender based violence at the Kenya National Theatre on Friday 9th December 2010. The event featured performances by various Kibera youth groups, and speeches from representatives from APHIA II Nairobi,FilmAid Kenya, Population Services International, and chief guest Hon. Danson Mungatana. Other organizations which graced the occasion were USAID Kenya, and Pathfinder International.

TV personality Jimmy Gathu was MC

The audience was glued to the screen

Sita Kimya addresses issues like where and how to report sexual and gender based violence, securing evidence after the offense, access to post rape care within 72 hours of incident, and SGBV linkage to drugs and alcohol, among others.

Filmaid Country Director,Stella Suge at the podium

Pillar of Kibera Youth group performs at the launch

Sita Kimya has been produced in Kibera, the largest informal settlement in Kenya and Eastern Africa, and will be used to engage Kibera residents through facilitated day time screenings in schools and across the 14 villages of Kibera.

Start of filming in Dadaab

2010-11-15T03:48:00.000-08:00

Dadaab, Kenya: FilmAid Dadaab has begun production on a new public service film, “Not Me But The Law,” and the first week of production has been a blast!

Solomon, Denis, and Liban shooting

Not Me But The Law, written and directed by Denis Otieno, is a film about sex and gender based violence and the destruction it can cause. It features Fadhumo, a 14-year-old girl who is raped and the fathers' quest for justice, and Amina, her 17-year-old sister who is arranged to marry a wealthy older man. Through their stories and discussions of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act, the film explores issues of violence against women and restriction of their freedoms. It brings out the approach needed to address SGBV cases in the Dadaab Camps. It concludes that no matter how individuals feel or what religious institutions mandate, there is no choice in the matter when it is a legal issue – it is not me, but the law.

Solomon and I, ready for the day

I am from FilmAid headquarters in the United States and will be working in Kenya for three months. In Dadaab, I will be assisting on set and editing the film, as well as teaching a three-week film class. It has been a life-changing experience seeing firsthand the things I have only read about. The conditions under which some are forced to live are truly appalling, but the human spirit and hopeful persistence I have witnessed is so profound. The crew, trained under FilmAid’s PVP (Personal Video Project) classes, is talented and professional. Their infectious enthusiasm and humor carries the production through in the long hours and the hot sun.

Aden on the dolly

Featuring over 20 people as cast and crew, we are large and boisterous wherever we go (this is not to mention the additional 20 people who always gather to watch wherever we are filming. Who said the only entertainment we provided was on a screen!) The production is quite different from what I am used to in New York City, except for the time-worn film universal practice of leaving for work right around sunrise! We have to be more prepared with our equipment when the nearest film store is 400km away, and more flexible and tolerant of changes when a mule can walk into the shot without warning and cast members can fall ill on short notice

Shooting the rape scene

Language and cultural barriers are further challenges. The script was written in English and has been translated into Somali, and we cannot speak to the actors without the help of one of the crew to translate. Even the smallest bit of direction becomes a team effort. Dennis has been very proactive about respecting religious and cultural values; for example, the men playing rapists were not allowed to touch the girl playing Fadhumo.

Checking out the shot, on the dolly

We have another week of production until the film is fully shot, and then another week of editing until it is ready to screen at FilmAid’s daytime screenings. When the production is finished we will be holding a three-week PVP training session, where students will learn the basics of film and create their own short projects.

It is an honor to be on the production team and I look forward to seeing the finished work!

Denis in rehearsal

To learn more about the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, you can read the full text here. It outlawed forced genital mutilation, forced marriage, early marriage, touching others as if married when not, child prostitution, and rape.

by Michael Morgenstern

Quotes from Daytime screenings and Workshops- September 2010

2010-10-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Public Health and Hygiene Promotion
Safe Motherhood
“Hospital Delivery can save you and your unborn baby.”
Fatumo Omar, 28yrs old lady, Block G1, Hagadera-15th September 2010

“In the film I have learnt the importance of hospital delivery and risks of home delivery.”
Kadijo Abdullahi, 30yrs lady ,Block G2, Hagadera- 16th September 2010

“FilmAid are providing great change in the community in terms of mother health.”
Osman Dabow, a man in Ifo, A5-20/09/2010

Human Trafficking
“The film on human trafficking must be shown to everyone in the camp for a great awareness.”
Abdi Hassan, A young boy, Block E3, Hagadera-16/09/2010

“FilmAid educates the community about the existing problems and challenges among the people in the camps.”
Halimo Omar a 39yr old woman during the screening at Block B12, Ifo-21/09/10

“I have learnt that traffickers take advantage over vulnerable persons who are facing difficult life.”
Hodan Sheikh Ibrahim, a 30yr old in Hagadera block C2-21/09/10

“Thanks to FilmAid, it is my first time to hear human beings can be trafficked.”
Mama Nimo, a female block leader-D3 Dagahaley-23/09/10

HIV/AIDS
“Everyone should go to VCT in order to know whether they are positive or negative HIV/AIDS.”
Sahro Lal, a 30yr old lady during a screening in Block A1-21/09/10

Photos and Film from Haiti

2010-10-01T08:43:00.001-07:00

Some photos and film of recent work we did in Haiti, particularly during the world cup with MINUSTAH

Villambetta, one of the tented neighborhoods we worked in.

Screening the world cup in Stade Sylvio Cator

The crowds: up Brazil!

Screening the FilmAid trailer in Haiti

Lou Auguste, one of our Programme Directors, and Anthony Weintraub in the stadium, setting up.

One of the videos we produced in partnership with IRC: Dokiman Manke

Updates from the PSI and Youth Voices Projects

2010-10-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Curtain falls on ‘Sita Kimya’ production

After 21 days of shooting in Kibera, the 80 minute drama focusing around the lives of seven characters has come to an end. Through six storylines outlining their plights and tribulations and how they overcome sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in Kibera.

The lead actor and group campaigning against SGBV through theatre, song and dance

The production that began on the 1st of September has seen the participation over 100 Kibera residents as actors and support crew, and over 30 locations in Kibera being utilized to build up the stories.

The film follows the life of Morio, a 25 year old hustler in Kibera whose life is transformed by the tragic rape of his sister. Morio then takes up the fight to end the conspiracy of silence associated with SGBV but has to face numerous hurdles along the way. The film, developed and produce by Cajetan Boy cleverly explores the lives of seven other characters in the story all connect throug the same issues around sexual and gender based violence.

Scene from the film

The dramatic depictions in the film that has seen cast and crew shoot all over the four villages in Kibera (Kianda, Bombolulu, Katekwera, Ayany) from entertainment scenes to dingy corridors will be a nice watch for residents of Kibera.

The film dubbed ‘Sita Kimya’ is part of a larger sexual and gender based violence reduction strategy rolled out in partnership with Population Services International (PSI) that seeks to address gender violence, its effects and prevention strategies through film. The film will be screening throughout the 13 villages of Kibera in 280 screenings between October 2010 and February next year.

‘FitinaBOX’ premiere planned for Kibera

The much anticipated film ‘FitinaBOX’, by the youth from four towns in Kenya (Eldoret,Nairobi, Kisumu and Naivasha) is planned to premiere at Kibera this week. The film’s title ‘FitinaBOX’ bears multiple meaning derived from both the Swahili word ‘Fitina’ meaning crisis symbolizing the crisis facing the youth in Kenya today around leadership, livelihood and unemployment, participation and youth common interests. The other meaning derived from the English words ‘Fit-In- A-BOX’ expresses the collective aspirations shared interests among the youth in Kenya with the aim to break ethnic and political barriers that disunite the youth in Kenya today.

The films was documented and will be screened in all four locations targeting the youth and general population through 40 facilitated day time screenings and 40 mass outdoor screenings. The facilitation will be done by e youth leaders per location who were identified at the beginning of the project to facilitate through participatory means capturing youth common interests and aspirations, leadership that advances youth interest, focus on youth livelihood and unemployment with the aim of seeking opportunities for economic empowerment and lastly youth meaningful participation in the social, political and economic process.

The project is supported through funding from USAID through Kenya Transitional Initiative (KTI) and OTI and Development Alternatives Inc(DAI).

Youth leaders watch and critique FitinaBOX during a facilitation workshop in Nakuru

FilmAid partners with Population Services International - Kenya to implement SGBV project in Kibera!

2010-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

FilmAid is partnering with Population Services International - Kenya (PSI-K), to produce and disseminate through public screenings, an 80 minute film Sita Kimya which tackles issues of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in one of Africa's largest informal settlements, Kibera, in a project which begun in June 2010 and is expected to come to an end in February 2011. This is part of the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID's) Women and Justice Empowerment Initiative (WJEI). The film complements PSI-K's campaign on SGBV which incorporates other mass communication channels including radio and print media, as well as advocacy.

The film will highlight sexual and gender based violence through the eyes of 8 characters: Morio a struggling single youth with little to live for; Oyoo a married man who escapes life's harsh realities the best way he knows how (Alcohol and women); Sophia a struggling sacrificing tough yet vulnerable mother of four; Stella- Maris, young energetic and hopeful that one day she will overcome; Brain and Lavender curious adolescent kids and Junia and Doreen, innocent children, the precocious. The campaign will engage Kibera residents to address SGBV using the film through 300 facilitated day time and mass outdoor evening screenings.

Auditions to the forth coming production have been carried out at Kianda Learning Center in Kibera, and which saw scores of would-be actors from Kibera turning up for an opportunity to participate in the production. The filming will precede a series of community consultative meetings that have seen the formation of a 15 member local advisory committee to guide the production and dissemination activities. Actors' workshops for the successful auditionees have also been conducted in which over 40 actors participated in trainings on SGBV issues, as well as acting skills.

kibera girls waiting to audition for Stella-Maris

actors for Doreen and Junia work with production crew during actors workshop

Production, involving the shooting of the first scenes where Richard Amwayi who plays the part of ‘Morio’ a struggling survivor who reforms and advocates for a safe Kibera free of sexual violence commenced last week at Kianda village in Kibera, but had to be suspended to allow for further consultations with members of the youth community regarding their participation in the production in various roles. However, community consultations are on-going to address these and other emerging issues and production is expected to resume soon. The filming is expected to take between 15-20 days to complete.

crew setting up for a shoot

production crew at work

members of the cast take a break during a shoot

The film is being shot entirely in Kibera with participation of the local community. Kianda, 42, Ayanyi, Bombolulu, Makina, Karanja are some of the locations within Kibera that the filming will take place.

More updates will follow

First ever Film Festival in Dadaab refugee camp!

2010-08-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

On the third of August the the participatory video project (PVP) team screened their first film as part of the Focus Film Festival, created to provide a platform for refugee youth under FilmAid's participatory video project. The name Focus is derived from FilmAid's (PVP) slogan “Hope in Focus”. The film festival highlights the challenges refugees are facing and address their plight as people whose countries know no peace while at the same time empowering them using the power of film. This first edition was a pilot that took place in Ifo camp, one of the camps that make up the larger Dadaab refugee camp. The PVP program was initiated in Dadaab in February 2009

The first screening was done at the Ethiopian block in IFO which was also host to the main screening venue. The mobile screenings moved to Bosnia Market where crowds were entertained to a wide variety of films made by refugees in Dadaab. The films screened included The Khat (Khat is a commonly used drug among the Somalis, and the film takes us on a journey to know more about the drug through the eyes of a user), My Beautiful Dress (a young Gambella refugee girl reveals her love for her beautiful dress), The Shopkeeper (in this film, a young shopkeeper tells of his experience in running a shop), The Golden Opportunity (talks about the American dream which remains a dream for many and profiles a young refugee for whom it has been a reality. He tells his story and how resettlement has changed his life), Buufis (this is a quest for resettlement and tells the story of a young refugee on a mission to be resettled to another country), Tumale (The Blacksmith) (interrogates discrimination against blacksmiths in the Somali community) and Make the Right Choice (is a narrative film about leadership in the camps and how the community elects their leaders). A total of 7 screening sessions for the PVP realized content were held reaching an approximated 630 people

a public screening during the Focus film festival

The mobile screenings saw large turnouts from the community with many appreciating the activity. Khuliye Abukar, a fourth form candidate, could not hide the excitement and promised to join the PVP during the next recruitment. The screenings moved around various areas of the camp and managed to reach hundreds of refugees. Abdi Abdullahi, one of the PVP members described it as being educative, informative and entertaining. At the main festival venue located at the Ethiopian Block, people kept streaming in and the team kept the films playing. Away from my Homeland, a film from the Kakuma PVP team was also shared with the Dadaab audience and was well received

audience enjoys film at the Ethiopian block, the main screening venue for the festival

Since its inception in IFO in 2009, the PVP has attracted and retained an impressive number of refugee youth. Currently 31 youths are engaged with the project. Part of the film festival included the graduation of older members who joined the project at inception. During the closing ceremony held on the last day of the festival and which saw many turn out to witness this event, 13 members received certificates of participation in the project which provided participants with filmmaking skills including film and video production, scriptwriting, camera techniques and basic editing. Some who had displayed exemplary skills during the course of the project got recognized for their effort. Liban Rashid scooped the Best Cameraman award and Director while Abdi Abdullahi received the Best Scriptwriter award. Other notable awards were given to Abakuro Owar and Hassan Aden for Best Actress and Actor respectively. As part of its effort to strengthen the PVP program, FilmAid is actively sourcing for film scholarship opportunities for exemplary members, as well as exchange and training programs with institutions in UK and the US. FilmAid also intends to intensify peer to peer interaction and communication through life skills training on adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH), drugs and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS using the youth realized products. The ceremony thus ended on a high note with the Ethiopian Block community members describing the process as having brought some positive attention to the Ethiopian block

the PVP graduands posing with their awards after the closing ceremony

But the festival was not just over yet. As part of involving other agency staff in the film festival, a film critique night was organized at UNHCR and which saw large numbers of staff turn up for the event. Some of the work of the refugee filmmakers was subjected to open criticism. A panel of three judges positively critiqued the works of the filmmakers. The crowd was also involved in the critique session which saw the three best critiques of the night walk away with a Focus Festival T-Shirt and a compilation DVD of the PVP films

FilmAid Haiti diary updates

2010-08-20T07:19:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of udpates from the diary of our recent work in Haiti, photos to follow soon!

10/07/10
Saturday saw us ready to go for our 2nd screening at JP/HRO Camp.
Four of our crew turned up for call at 4pm - which was great but then There's some cloud cover and darkness is falling so the crew work really hard to get everything done fast. The kids are already arriving and staking their places to get a good view.

It's dark now... its been tight this evening to get everything done in the time... There is music coming from a tent not far away ... Seems like another event... But there is room for all but we do need to get our music going as some of our audience shift position to go over to the other event - the children don't move... they want the films!

Tonight the main security light is left on ... But the projector beam is powerful and the picture is still clear. We Are the World plays out loud and clear - the children cheer... and our audience grows. The atmosphere is one of excitement and expectation for the evening ahead.

We are pleased to welcome Lucy from the IRC in New York to the screening - we show the FilmAid trailer and the IRC/FilmAid films on GBV - referral services for rape cases and violence against women - and Protection - advice on replacing important documents such as IDs, birth, death and marriage certificates lost in the earthquake and how to provide legal proof of land ownership in order to sell land - 3 TV spots and 2 short films. It is good to hear the adults in the audience audibly relate to some of the issues in the films. We are pleased the films are communicating their message. It's now nearly 8pm and so we start the evenings feature - "UP" - the children all cheer when they see the Disney symbol come up - and then everyone settles down to watch.

The children get so excited and just love it when the little boy in the film achieves great things. Every film that has a small child doing something heroic touches them instantly. It's so heartening to see. They love the chase sequences and they roar with laughter when the boy stands on the head of the old man and squishes his glasses on his nose.

The rain holds off again and the film finishes at 10pm- the film is nearly
2 hours long but no one worries about the time - we play We are the World to close and everyone goes back to their tents. We de rig with music and a few kids stay behind to dance. It's a good and friendly atmosphere. They all want to know if we are going to be there every day. One young teenager asks about learning to make films. Finally the truck pulls out and we head back to the office - tired but satisfied. Two great screenings.

21/07
Last night saw IRC/FilmAid's 6th Screening at Delmas 31, Port Au Prince.
The street was lined with makeshift stalls on either side lit with small oil lamps casting an orange glow into the night enhanced by the now nightly
flashes of lightning. At the end of the street the FilmAid Screen cast a
luminance on over 1,500 upturned faces laughing and commenting on the night's programme. As always the children were at the front transfixed by the moving images while some had a back seat on the shoulders of an adult.

The FilmAid screening team had done a great job given the muddy conditions and narrow street and all was calm with a good community atmosphere. The crowd loved Dokiman Manke again - it so good that it has touched the right note with them! We screened a full length Haitian film about SIDA and the audience were extremely happy and totally interactive. Audiences are asking for Haitian films, perhaps through a need to reconnect with their own culture and national identity which has been so shattered by the earthquake and the subsequent living conditions where so many have lost so much and have no idea what the future holds.

HIV and AIDS Awareness Forum Conducted in Kakuma (12th June 2010)

2010-06-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

HIV and AIDS mass awareness forum was conducted by FAI Kakuma with funding from Great Lakes Initiative for HIV and AIDS (GLIA) through the National AIDS Control Council of Kenya (NACC). Partners who were very instrumental in the success of the forum were International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Kakuma Mission Hospital. IRC and Kakuma Mission Hospital offered Voluntary, Counseling and Testing (VCT) services to the community while FAI screened, and together with the audience, discussed documentaries on HIV and AIDS.

The main purpose of the forum was to enhance awareness on HIV and AIDS related issues to the Turkana Host Community in Kakuma. This was the key highlight to mark the end of year GLIA project activity. Approximately 150 persons were in attendance during the screenings while 153 persons were tested by IRC and Kakuma Mission Hospital.

FilmAid Haiti and the IOM Campaign for Tent Safety During Cyclone Season

2010-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Within minutes of touching down in Port-au-Prince, the sheer scale and severity of the crisis hits you. It is a city of over a million people, with at least half living in tents. And the tents are everywhere. There are people literally living on the streets and the Champ de Mars, the city’s main park that lies adjacent to the crumbling pile of concrete that was once the grandiose National Palace, is now home to 15,000.

So why 6 months on are people still living like this? The obvious answer is that they have nowhere else to go, but there is more to it than that. The government has evaluated all the existing buildings in Port au Prince and marked them with green, yellow or red stamps. Green indicates that the building is fit to be inhabited, yellow means it needs repairs, and red means that it’s only fit to be demolished. Regardless, many Haitians are afraid of moving back into the empty buildings they once called home.The fear of another earthquake is so potent that when waiting in line for the bank people now opt to stand outside in the scorching heat rather than inside, where the heavy concrete ceiling looms overhead.

Living in makeshift shelters may be an attractive alternative for those who lived to witness the aftermath of the earthquake - human remains are still being recovered from piles of rubble - but it is probably more risky given the onset of cyclone season with its daily lightning storms and torrential rain. The issue then becomes dissemination of critical information on how best to prepare for the turbulent weather. That’s why FilmAid has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to film a public service announcement about tent-safety, with recommendations on how to reinforce and build sturdier structures.

The process of rebuilding Port-au-Prince is painfully slow, so much so that people have begun removing rubble from their houses with their bare hands and dumping it in the streets, so that the government is forced to remove it. It will be years before Haitians regain some semblance of the life they led before disaster struck. Until then, FilmAid and its partners will continue striving to keep people informed and aware of the perils of their situation.

Public Information Awareness Campaign in Kakuma

2010-06-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

As part of Mass Information Work plan for 2010, UNHCR in collaboration with FAI conducted an information campaign through a road show to sensitize the entire refugee population on their rights and obligations as refugees. Refugees were the speakers during the event in different languages that included Kiswahili, Oromo, Amharic, Classic Arabic, Juba Arabic, Somali and Dinka.

The road show was aimed at creating awareness among the old and new caseloads. The information was on the services offered and where to access them within the camp, channels for addressing needs arising in the camp and how they can be solved by implementing agencies or through the community structures in place. The main purpose of this is to improve and further enhance levels of protection for refugees/asylums seekers.

FilmAid Brings 2010 World Cup to Haiti

2010-06-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Haitian Government, with the support of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINIUSTAH), in partnership with FilmAid International, Nocturne Productions, Tait Towers, Telemobile, Digicel, and PSI-Haiti, is bringing live broadcasts of the World Cup Games to Haiti for five weeks starting on Friday, June 11th. FilmAid will temporarily install large LED screens into the Stadium Silvio Cator, the national stadium in Port-auPrince in order to show the tournaments games live, in real-time, during the morning and afternoons, an unprecedented event in Haiti. Throughout the duration of the games the partner organisations will also screen public service announcements, feature films, music videos, and childrens' movies/cartoons along with live concerts featuring Haitian artists. Additionally, MINUSTAH will be coordinating with local soccer teams to hold informal matches in the stadium and neighboring areas.

Films, sports, music and art transcend politics and can help heal the most damaged communities. Bringing the live broadcast of the World Cup to Port au Prince brings Haitians together and unites them with the rest of the world, while also reminding the world that Haiti still desperately needs its help and support.

FilmAid International (www.filmaid.org) utilizes the power of film to promote health, strengthen communities, and enrich the lives of the world's vulnerable and uprooted. Since 1999, FilmAid has worked in partnership with the United Nations and global aid organizations to bring important information regarding health, security, protection of women and children and other issues critical to the lives of to more than 1 million displaced people in places as diverse as Macedonia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Thailand, the US Gulf Coast and now Haiti. FilmAid engages communities to shape the messages most needed for their survival and strength. FIlmAid works with these communities to create films and videos in their own voice, and project them in the most impactful and appropriate settings. People in crisis need knowledge, information, empowerment and hope. FilmAid provides all to millions of people suffering the effects of war, poverty, displacement or disaster.

Admin Officer Wanted

2010-06-07T01:06:00.001-07:00

Position: Administration Officer
Location: Kakuma

FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites qualified Kenyan applications to fill the above position. Persons from Turkana District are particularly encouraged to apply.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

Responsibilities:
Finance Support
 Management & maintenance of petty cash in the office
 Preparing cash forecasts for Kakuma office
 Preparation of financial reports for management, donor reviews and statutory audits
• Prepare for internal and external audits and donor financial review

Office Administration
 Develop and maintain an accurate and efficient filling system
 Maintain incentive staff files
 Maintain the national staff leave schedule
 Represent FAI in all administrative related task forces in Kakuma and the organization when required
 Making travel arrangements and preparing all travel documents for staff and visitors

Logistics Support
 Co-ordinate Kakuma’s process of procurement, goods reception and arrange for transportation
 In-charge of Storage & stores Management for assets and consumables
 Maintenance of a fixed asset register and carrying out stock takes
 Asset management; ensure proper care and use of vehicles, generators, audio equipment and other FilmAid assets
 Reporting regularly on logistics status of the program

Requirements:
• Certified Public Account (CPA) part II
• Diploma in Business Administration, Human Resources or logistics from a recognized institution
• At least 3 years experience in Accounting and or logistics department preferably with a humanitarian aid organization
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and at least one computerized accounting system. Knowledge in Quick Books will be an added advantage
• Ready to work for long hours in a hardship area
• Team player, excellent interpersonal, organizational, multitasking and communication skills
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with only cover letter, CV and 3 references by 21st June 2010 to: ssuge@filmaid.org

Only short-listed candidates will be notified

Urgently Looking for A Field Facilitator to Work in Kibera

2010-05-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

CWS-FilmAid International (FilmAid) is looking for a Field Facilitator who has community mobilization and development experience in informal settlements mainly Kibera to assist in implementing a sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) activities targeting general populations of women, men and children, a project between Population Services International (PSI) and FilmAid International. The position will involve participation in development and dissemination of videos highlighting SGBV themes through public screenings.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted.

To effectively understand and generate discussions around all forms of SGBV it is critical to initiate a platform for information sharing through dialogue in order to create systems of reporting, treatment and prevention. It is against this backdrop that FilmAid International with support from PSI Kenya seeks to engage Kibera resident’s in dialogue around causes of SGBV, support mechanisms, reporting structures and measures for prevention.

Project Objectives

1. Increase knowledge among Kibera residents through video-based activities that address issues of SGBV.

2. In collaboration with the Kibera community, produce an 80 minute film on issues relating to SGBV

Requirements

1. Higher diploma in community development, social work, education or other relevant discipline

2. At least 3 years experience in program implementation, preferably with a development organization or humanitarian aid organization

3. Be a Kenyan with demonstrated ability of teamwork, networking skills, organization, and communication and planning.

4. Extensive knowledge of the location with a demonstrated ability to mobilize participation from the different groups in the target locations. (Should be a resident of the target location)

5. Prior experience in community development working with CBOs, FBOs, formal and informal worksites, youth in and out of school and children.

6. Knowledge of the use of different art forms like drama, theatre for development, narratives, short films and community theatre an added advantage.

7. Be able to demonstrate good facilitation skills through experiences over the last 6 months and where possible to show certificate of formal/informal training.

8. Experience in research work and donor reporting is desirable.

9. Familiarity with issues of sexual and gender based violence is a must.

10. Experience working with children will be an added advantage.

The position will run for the next 9 Months.

Please respond to the advert via email expressing your interest by sending your CV (not more then three pages long) to nairobi@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted via email by latest 29th May 2010

And the the Camp Beat music contest winners are..........!

2010-05-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 8th of May marked the finals of the music competitions in Dadaab, after weeks of auditions, competitions, rehearsals and more rehearsals. In a colorful finale hosted in Ifo's community center, 3 winners were chosen from a tough pool of 6 semi-finalists (2 from each camp of Dagahaley, Hagadera and Ifo), all of whom had the potential to go to the next level.
the 6 finalists stand before the audience ready to do battle for top honors

The event which kicked off at 11.30 was steered by the skillful Master of Ceremony from UNHCR, Nicholas Midiwo, ably assisted by the Camp Beat translator AbdiRashid, who was spotting a rather fanciful hair-do, quite uncharacteristic of Somalis - but this project has been about a lot of uncharacteristic people and events. The contestants who were spotting brand new costumes ranging from skirts with frills to reading glasses, hip caps to funky jeans, were introduced to the thoroughly receptive audience, who cheered wildly every time a contestant's name was read out.
Nicholas the master of ceremonies with AbdiRashid the translator

Also in attendance were the community judges from each camp whose participation throughout the contest has been consistent, passionate, fair and supportive. The local resource persons who helped develop the participants' music potential were in attendance and also formed part of the community judges' panel for the finals. The main judging panel was composed of Solomon from FilmAid, Natalie from UNHCR and Maia, the project music consultant.The performances from the contestants ranged from smooth love ballads to hard hitting funky groovy beats, a testimony to the various musical cultures existing in the camps. Performer after performer mesmerized the audience with their music and repertoire - some impressed the judges, some did not, but most did not disappoint, and the audiences' thirst for more music was evident.

Golden Blue Girls from Dagahaley perform a song about Education

Ahmed from Hagadera belts out a love ballad...

a contestant prepares to perform in front of audience

Batman Soldierz from IFO wows the audience with fine vocals and rap skills...

community judges give their verdict after a performance..

All the contestants had a chance to perform 2 songs each..after which the main judges retreated to compile the numbers and announce the winners who would proceed to Nairobi to have their songs recorded as part of the prize at stake. During this period, artistes from the camps kept the audience entertained and the tensions under control. The UNHCR Senior Operations Officer Bornwell Kantande who graced the ocassion was given the honor of making a speech and announcing the winners, a task which he handled excellently

the main judges brief Bornwell before winners are announced

Bornwell holding the envelopes with the names of the winners

And the winners are..

Batman Soldierz from IFO

Ahmed from Hagadera

Golden Blue Girls from Dagahaley

Congratulations to them as they embark on the next level which will see them perform tonight at a gala organized by UNHCR and FilmAid in their honor in the UNHCR compound in Dadaab and where agency staff are invited to watch them perform before they travel to Nairobi for more professional training in music, recording their music in a studio, and having accompanying music videos made for their songs!! The journey has just begun for these talented youth from Dadaab refugee camps!!

We will keep you updated on this rich and rewarding experience.

The CampBeat music contest goes on in Dadaab refugee camps.....

2010-04-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Yuzu Camp Beat competition is well underway, with the first round of auditions done in all three camps in Dadaab. The initial auditions in Ifo camp saw a large turnout of youth ready to audition and a large crowd as well, anxious to witness the event that had created a buzz in Ifo.

The audition stage saw some great talent on display by refugee youth from different communities. It was refreshing to see some unique vocal technique on display, such as that from the Gambella community. As is common with most music contests, there were several rap groups, rapping in their native languages and certainly dressed for the part! A few comic sideshows took place, such as the village comedian who showed up for the Hagadera auditions.

A Sudanese group dances along to their song during auditions in Dagahaley

A young Eritrean boy sings his heart out during the auditions in Dagahaley

A total of 21 youth from the 3 camps were selected to move on to the next stage, which consists of intensive skills transfer and rehearsals, conducted by local music resource persons in their respective camps. These sessions will include training on voice control, breathing skills, microphone techniques among other essential musical skills that will enable the participants improve their singing and stage performance. The youth shall rehearse a song based on the themes of Peace and Reconciliation, Human Rights and Education, that they will perform at the semi finals. They will also work with the music resource persons to come up with beats and instrumentation to accompany their songs.

The training sessions are an occasion for the youth to hone their team work skills, as they often carry out group activities. More importantly the sessions foster peaceful correlation, as these youths come from various ethnic backgrounds. They also get to learn the different music styles from different cultures.

The semi finals, set to take place at the end of the month, will be hotly contested and 2 finalists will be chosen from each camp. These finalists will work together with the professional music consultant and musician, Maia von Lekow.

Maia von Lekow, CampBeat contest music consultant at a hotel in Ifo market

FilmAid looking for Volunteer Youth Leaders

2010-03-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Position: Volunteer Youth Leaders

CWS-FilmAid International (FilmAid) is inviting interested Youth Leaders from Naivasha currently involved in community development work with young people either through youth groups, CBOs or CSOs or any other social group that seeks to empower the youth. The position will involve participation in development of a videos highlighting youth political and socio-economic concerns and in turn disseminating the videos through public screenings.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted.

Politics in Kenya over the years have tended to generate immense ethnic conflicts since political parties in the country are dependent largely on ethnic blocs for votes. During past civic, parliamentary and presidential elections, voting patterns have largely been determined by ethnic affiliation and this has generated battles between various ethnic communities as every ethnic bloc seeks supremacy. The youth have mostly been used as the foot soldiers in such political contests, with politicians adept at manipulating their poverty, real and perceived injustices, ignorance on civic and political issues and ethnic sentiments. During political contests, it is the politicians who set the political agenda and then hire youth for mobilization of votes, violence towards opponents and necessary protests and demonstration to push their agenda.

To effectively generate their own agenda and play a meaningful role in reconciliation, leadership, civic affairs and reform, it is critical that the youth develop a shared concern of issues that are important to them regardless of their ethnic and geographical background. This involves creating a platform of dialogue and learning on these issues. It is with this backdrop that FilmAid international with support from USAID/OTI – Kenya Transition Initiative (KTI). FilmAid seeks to engage the youth in Kibera, Naivasha, Eldoret and Kisumu in Inter-ethnic dialogue around ethnic stereotypes, violence and tolerance, and developing shared concerns while creating a platform for articulating national youth issues outside definition by mainstream media.

Project Objectives

1. Produce together with youth in Naivasha a 15 minute film on issues relating to youth participation on mitigating inter-ethnic violence, understanding critical issues pertaining to leadership, civic affairs and reform and highlighting shared concerns among youth from different ethnic and geographical background.

2. Promote dialogue on inter-ethnic violence, critical issues pertaining to leadership, civic affairs and reform, shared concerns among youth from different ethnic and geographical background by working with FilmAid to conduct film screenings of the produced films

Requirements for Volunteering

1. Be a member of an active Youth led group or be in a position of authority in a CBO working with youth on youth related issues with a demonstrated ability of teamwork, networking skills, organization, communication and planning.

2. Willingness to embrace new ideas with knowledge of the use of different Art forms like drama, Theatre for development, Narratives, short films and community theatre an added advantage.

3. Be able to demonstrate good facilitation skills through experiences over the last 6 months and where possible to show certificate of formal/informal training.

4. Should be not more than 30 years old and able to demonstrate leadership skill through sharing a recent experience that involved leading youths in any youth oriented activities.

5. General knowledge of the reforms agenda in the country with specific emphasis on the roles of the youth and their involvement in reforms agenda through mobilization of young people to participate in the election of leaders, empowerment through civic education, agenda four (4) reform issues or any other related issues.

6. Familiarity with current political issues in the country, especially on issues that triggered the post election violence and the perceived root causes of the violence

7. Extensive knowledge of the location with a demonstrated ability to mobilize youths from the different regions in the target locations. (Should be a resident of the target location)

The position will run for the next 8 Months with very flexible timings.

Please respond to the advert via email expressing your interest by filling the attached questionnaire to smotieno@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted via email or call 0716 000 346 during office working hours by latest 31st March 2010

We will be conducting interviews on the 6th and 7th April 2010 from 8.30 am – 4.00pm at a venue to be communicated. Ensure that your email address and telephone is indicated.

Camp Beat Music Competition auditions get underway in Dadaab!

2010-03-25T03:33:00.001-07:00

the Camp Beat Music Competition logo

This year, FilmAid is partnering with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR and Japan for UNHCR to run a music competition in Dadaab refugee camps for youth! The competition, dubbed "Camp Beat Music Contest" is aimed at identifying talent among the youth, while providing them a platform to address issues of concern to them. The music contest will result in winners getting special training on music production and professional recording of their songs in a studio in Nairobi! The music contest is also being used to create awareness among the Japanese public about the plight of refugees in Dadaab refugee camp while raising much needed funds for rehabilitation of schools' infrastructure in the camps.

It all started when one member of the popular Japanese band Yuzu visited Dadaab refugee camp and was moved by what he saw. He met a little girl called Edma who so inspired him and for whom he wrote a song. Through Japan for UNHCR, Yuzu provided a grant to run a music project with the aim of raising awareness about the plight of refugees in Dadaab and funds to rehabilitate the infrastructure of schools, and so "Camp Beat Music Contest" was created.

Yesterday, the first of auditions to be held all over the camp, started in IFO camp with a very large turnout of participants. The community also turned out in large numbers to witness this historic occasion. Youth from different communities performed songs and dances to applause from the crowd, most of whom were outside of the community hall in which the audition was happening.
Auditioning underway in IFO

a group performance during the auditions

a very emotional performance at the auditions

The judging panel was made up of a representative from FilmAid, UNHCR and a community music resource person. They were assisted by 4 community representatives, each representing different communities to ensure fairness and full participation of the community. During the auditions, over 50 contestants were auditioned, with more auditions scheduled for the 27th, especially targeting youth in school who did not participate as they were in school. The next round of auditions will target the other camps of Dagahaley and Hagadera.
community representatives give their vote during the auditions

The music contest is causing excitement in the community, and it is evident from the first auditions that indeed, the youth have a lot of talent that must be captured, nurtured and used to foster unity among the refugee community.

FilmAid will keep updating on this unique and exciting project!

Production of Safe Motherhood film begins in Dadaab!

2010-03-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

FilmAid has embarked on production of the eagerly anticipated safe motherhood film in Dadaab refugee camp, with support from Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration (BPRM), an agency of the US Government after months of preparation. Maternal deaths in the refugee camp continue to be a serious concern for UNHCR, the health agencies and Government of Kenya. Last year, over 20 maternal deaths were reported, with leading causes being high blood pressure, haemorrhage and anaemia related complications. Other contributing factors are delayed consent to surgery, harmful practices like genital mutilation and early marriage and low family planning uptake.

In collaboration with International Rescue Committee (IRC), the health partner in Hagadera, one of the camps making up the Dadaab refugee camp complex, and other stakeholders, including community advisory committees, FilmAid developed a script for a safe motherhood film focusing on maternal health, anaemia and child spacing while exploring some of the community attitudes towards these issues of concern. FilmAid has in the past produced a safe motherhood film in West Pokot with support from HealthRight International

Yesterday marked the first day of production. The production is expected to end by March 31st, and the film should be ready for dissemination in April. More updates will follow

FilmAid Helps Premiere Soul Boy In Kibera

2010-03-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

FilmAid International supported the launch of Soul Boy, a drama film acted and produced in the sprawling Kibera Slums in Nairobi. The screening done in collaboration with One Fine Day films and Ginger Ink also marked the launch of production projects in Kibera that would see youth involved in production of films for commercial purposes. The screening brought together Kibera residents and international press including Germans Deutsche Welle TV, at the famous Mutoni Valley ground.

Screening gets underway

Despite the rainy and muddy conditions that market the Thursday evening event, the one hour screenings was a success as FilmAid staff braved the weather to deliver the film to Kibera residents, local and international journalist, film directors and invited guest from across the globe in clear sound and picture to an audience of approximately 1,000 people. Film Maker and co producer Guy Wilson of Ginger Ink production company that works closely with Kibera youth through One Fine Day films appreciated FilmAid’s role in providing screening and sound equipment to the first ever launch in Kibera of a film produced in Kibera.

FilmAid crew Edwin and Steve setting up equipment for screening

FilmAid International supports other local slum video/film projects and works closely with Slum TV and Hot Sun during production and screening of videos produced by Kibera resident by the youth.

VACANCY - Film Producer

2010-03-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Position: Film Producer
CWS-FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position will involve extensive work in Kibera, Naivasha, Eldoret and Kisumu

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya.

Project Objectives

1. Produce together with the youth a 30-60 minute film on issues relating to youth participation on mitigating inter-ethnic violence, understanding critical issues pertaining to leadership, civic affairs and reform and highlighting shared concerns among youth from different ethnic and geographical background.
2. Promote dialogue on inter-ethnic violence, critical issues pertaining to leadership, civic affairs and reform, shared concerns among youth from different ethnic and geographical background.

Specific Tasks

1. Will be required to conceptualize the stories and work together with the program manager, program coordinator, relevant project staff to determine the viability of the stories while taking into account the target audiences
2. Work with the project manager to coordinate the scripting of the film segments form the different locations by liaising with the youth leaders the program coordinator and the relevant staff and ensuring participatory approach in the development of the film.
3. Working together with the program manager to develop a work schedule and a working budget for the production process and keeping track of production in line with the laid down budget.
4. Ensure a community based approach and a participatory methodology in all activities and a timely completion of deliverables.
5. Work together with the program manager, the relevant FilmAid program staff to select actors, interviewees, and locations, and organize for the recording of content for the film.

6. Supervise a team of screening crew and ensure positive team atmosphere and team-building relationships, and provide appropriate support to them.
7. Organize for a feedback session on the rough cuts with the youth representatives in the different locations to ensure involvement of the target group in the process.
8. Together with the program manager, ensure that the final video products are to the satisfactory standards and are approved by youth leaders, program coordinator and country manager.
9. Organize for the review of the same content by the program manager, coordinator and country manger and the youth leaders to ensure proper feedback from the target audiences.
10. Work closely with the program manager in providing regular updates of the production through quantitative and qualitative reports.
11. Supervision of usage and protocol of all project equipment and supplies. Ensure all FilmAid facilities in the field are well maintained and equipped
12. Create and maintain an environment that is free from sexual exploitation and abuse to beneficiaries of the program and report any suspected violations of the Code of Conduct as per the FAI reporting procedures.

Time Frame

The producer will be engaged for three (3) months

Required knowledge skills and abilities

1. In depth Knowledge of Research work, Civic education and current political agendas in focus among the Kenyan youth
2. Sufficient knowledge of Conflict resolution techniques in relation to peace and reconciliation with a bias to youth empowerment
3. Working knowledge of planning, budgeting, supervision of production process.
4. Must have executed minimum of 3 projects of similar nature to promote social development and empowerment.
5. Over 5 years of experiences in film making. Experience of success story/stories would be an added advantage.
6. Knowledge on scripting will be an added advantage

Please email applications with ONLY COVER LETTER, CV AND 3 REFERENCES ASAP to: smotieno@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted through email only by latest 19th March 2010

Wanted: Music Production and Performance Consultant

2010-02-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

FilmAid International is collaborating with UNHCR and Japan for UNHCR to engage the youth of Dadaab refugee camp in musical activities that will include a camp music competition and studio recording of selected music. FilmAid is thus seeking to employ the services of a music production and performance consultant. The terms of reference for the Consultant will include:
1. Provide technical input on the music competition structure, including conducting the auditions, constitution of the judging panel, and development of the judging criteria.
2. Develop terms of reference for the local resource persons working with the project participants
3. Develop a technical checklist for use by local resource persons when supervising rehearsals by the project participants. The checklist to spell out the key areas for musical development (either stage performance, instrumentation or singing) and activities or exercises to undertake to address them.
4. Provide technical advise on purchase of music equipment, in terms of quality, type viz function, availability and durability.
5. Undertake a familiarization visit of Dadaab refugee camps and subsequent visit to work with competition finalists prior to the finals of the music competition.
6. Identify a music production house for undertaking the training of the finalists as well as for recording the music.
7. Undertake a training for the finalists on the relevant music skills including song writing/composition, stage performance, singing and instrumentation.

If interested, please email your resume to FilmAid International on nairobi@filmaid.org by 5th March 2010.

Is The World Listening?

2010-02-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Is The World Listening? That is the slogan that was coined by a group of about 40 refugee youth, mostly Somali, from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya as they shared their concerns, perspectives, and aspirations in peace.

Conflict and displacement have been the story of the lives of most refugee youth living in the vast Dadaab refugee camp. Their hopes and dreams have been quashed and seem unattainable but nonetheless they dream of a better day. The Somali Peace Project, was implemented in Dadaab, an effort between the refugee youth, he American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and FilmAid International, from October 2009, with the aim of empowering refugee youth to tell their stories and aspirations and promote peace through photography and film.

AFSC mandated FilmAid to facilitate the Somali Peace Project in the 3 camps of Dadaab, namely, Ifo, Hagadera and Daghahaley. Through a competitive selection process, 40 youth were recruited for training. The youth were taken through Peace Education training, and subsequently trained on photography and basic digital video camera skills.

The youth took creative photos that reflect their lives and dreams and a 10 minute documentary – Is The World Listening? was produced.

The AFSC photography project culminated in a graduation ceremony on 10th of February 2010. During the graduation, guests were treated to a colorful display of the photos taken by the youth. Is The World Listening? was officially launched.

Mr. Harun Opuka, on behalf of AFSC, commended the efforts of the youth, and assured them of further support from the agency. He also said that their photographs would be published into a book, documenting their experiences.

FilmAid Partners with IOM to Fight Trafficking in Refugee Camps

2010-02-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

FilmAid International has for the past few months been collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)in their Kaa Chonjo project to raise awareness on human trafficking issues in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. Late last year FilmAid produced a 30 minute video highlighting issues around human trafficking and safe migration. In December, FilmAid began showing the video in the refugee camps through its outdoors evening screening and facilitated daytime screenings platform.

The Kaa Chonjo DVD Cover

By the end of January, FilmAid had conducted 15 outdoor screenings and 119 daytime screenings with facilitated post screening discussions. By the end of this project in March, FilmAid will have conducted a total of 36 outdoor screenings and 250 targeted daytime screenings with post screening discussions. Further screenings are planned in Dadaab refugee camps with additional funding from UNHCR.

A scene from the film

Production of the film took place in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, Eldoret and surrounding areas and Nairobi.

Intern Wanted

2010-01-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Position: Admin Intern – Nairobi Office
FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance Support
 Maintaining petty cash imp rest for Nairobi office
 The intern will be raising receiving invoices and placing payment requests
 Inputting all finance data in the system
 The intern will assist the Accountant in checking, correcting and processing field cashbooks
Office Administration
 The intern will perform day-to-day administrative duties as assigned including receiving of FAI visitors and answering the telephone
 In charge of receiving & redirecting of office mails, including organizing for collection of mail from the field and dispatch of the same.
 In charge of office outlook: cleanliness & organization
 The intern will be Taking weekly office minutes
 Ensuring proper working of office utilities – Telephone, electricity & water
 Ensuring steady supply of kitchen supplies including:- beverages, toiletries & cleaning supplies
 Ensuring steady supply of office stationery, keeping record & taking stock of stationer
 Processing of camp permits
 Arranging flights and accommodation for staff on travel
 Arranging all travel documents for staff and advising them on all issues that relate to traveling
HR administration Support
 The intern will Maintain the leave schedule for Nairobi Office
 Maintaining an up to date emergency contact list of all staff
 Preparing all staff IDs and providing all basic information to new staff
Logistics Support
 Maintain a list of regular suppliers and compile and regularly update the standard material list
 In-charge of Nairobi office Storage & stores Management; process of issuing, security of stores, ensuring regular stock takes
 Maintain the fixed asset register for Nairobi Office

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
 Be of Kenyan nationality
 Bachelors Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, commerce, recognized certificate of professional qualification in Accounting (ACCA, CPA) and / or other relevant discipline.
 Proficiency in MS Word and Excel. Proficiency in internet use will be an added advantage
 Experience in Accounting and or office administration preferably with a humanitarian aid organization will be an added advantage
 Ready to work for long hours, and able to travel to hardship areas
 Team player, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
 Ready to work with minimal supervision with ability to work both independently and as part of a team
 Ability to prioritize multiple tasks
 Detail oriented and good organizational skills
 A valid driving license will be an added advantage
 Commitment to humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with only cover letter, CV and 3 references by 31st January 2010 to: ssuge@filmaid.org
Applicants who will attach copies of their certificates and other documents WILL BE DISQUALIFIED

Applications to be submitted through email only and only short listed candidates will be notified

Scriptwriter/Drama Director Wanted Asap

2010-01-19T00:24:00.000-08:00

Position: Script Writer / Drama Director
CWS-FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position will involve extensive work in Dadaab, North Eastern Kenya.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently producing a series of films in Dadaab refugee camps, creating educational materials on issues of public health.

The successful candidate will work with the community to develop scripts for short films, audition actors and conduct rehearsals as well as work with the film producer during productions.

The ideal candidate should have experience in using drama or other creative expressions to disseminate information. He / she must have experience in scriptwriting and directing community drama productions. Knowledge of Somali culture and language is preferable, the candidate should be able to work with minimum supervision and should be available immediately and throughout February to end of April.

Please email applications with ONLY COVER LETTER, CV AND 3 REFERENCES asap to: vombonya@filmaid.org

THOSE WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN INTERVIEWED BY FILMAID FOR SIMILAR SKILLS IN THE PAST 1 YEAR NEED NOT APPLY

Applications to be submitted through email only by latest 27th January 2010

New office for FilmAid in Dadaab

2010-01-07T23:18:00.000-08:00

After about four years of being hosted by CARE International in Dadaab and sometimes office sharing, FilmAid field staff are eagerly awaiting the completion of their new office quarters that will be based at the LWF compound in Dadaab. The new block will be partitioned into 4 working stations.

Among the facilities to be included is a waiting lounge for visitors, equipped with a TV for guests to watch educative films, air conditioning in the offices (no more fans), a water dispenser and editing space.

If things go according to plan, the office should be ready at the end of January 2010. The office is a Gift From The American Government, construction having been made possible courtesy of a grant by the US Government's Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM).

FilmAid Collaborates with IRC to Fight Anemia in Kakuma

2009-11-20T04:42:00.000-08:00

As part of efforts to fight Anemia in Kakuma refugee camp, the International Rescue Committee [IRC] is collaborating with FilmAid International in increasing awareness on anemia. FilmAid is in the process of completing a short film that it will screen in the camp to increase awareness especially among women on how to prevent anemia.

Upon completion of filming, FilmAid will dub the film into Swahili, Somali and Arabic and conduct 30 workshop screenings targeting refugee women in the camp and 20 outdoors evening screenings targeting the general population in the camp.

FilmAid hopes to reach over 26,000 refugees with this project between December 2009 and February 2010.

FilmAid in West Pokot

2009-10-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some Pictures from FilmAid production in West Pokot. FilmAid has been collaborating with Health Right International to produce films on safe motherhood.

Crew and cast

At times improvisations were called for!

The films are currently in post production and are expected to be finalized within the course of October

Previewing footage with the actors after a shoot

.."Take Control" films screenings begin...!!!!

2009-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

The PEPFAR HIV films series, hereafter referred to as "Take Control" series, have been given the nod of approval by the advisory committees and have started to be screened in the camps. Already more than 20 daytime screenings and 5 evening screenings have been conducted in the camps. So far, Dorsonan, the Abstinence film, has generated the most excitement from the participants, particularly during the evening screenings - we think this is mostly due to the fact that the film is told in a story telling format, which is quite a tradition here, but mostly because the film was done well, and the actors were outstanding! The film was done in Hagadera camp, which despite being notorious for having the most difficult bunch of actors to work with, also has some of the best actors in Dadaab. Ironically we have not yet been able to do evening screenings with the films in Hagadera and that should be really exciting!!!!Also, we recorded the soundtracks for the films - so we actually have "music videos" - which are played during transitions between films and after the films - and the demand for them is so overwhelming we have been asked to produce cassettes and avail to the community!!!

PEPFAR HIV Films

2009-09-15T09:42:00.001-07:00

The PEPFAR films developed earlier in Dadaab - Make the Choice, the VCT uptake promotion film, the yet to be named PMTCT uptake film, and Dorsonan, the Abstinence promotion film - are to start being used in the community very soon - as soon as the advisory committees have pre-screened them and given their nod of approval. The initial rough cuts have been produced and are currently in the field awaiting the Holy Month of Ramadhan to end so that the various committees in the three camps of IFO, Dagahaley and Hagadera can be mobilized for this important activity.
Once this is done, we hope to screen at least 60 daytime screenings between Sept 24th and Sept 30th! This is indeed going to be a marathon session, but our community facilitators who have been on a Ramadhan break will hopefully resume their duties with sufficient enthusiasm and fresh energy to undertake this. We also intend to do at least 5 evening screenings during this period. So it seems we will have an activity-laden last week of September.
More updates to follow.

Intern Wanted

2009-09-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

VACANCY

Position: Project Intern – Kakuma Refugee Camp
FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position, based in Kakuma, will report to the Kakuma Program Manager.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with the Kakuma Program Manager and other project staff to ensure that objectives of the Kakuma Program are met.
• Coordinate the Kakuma Youth Participatory Video Project (PVP) which seeks to build the capacity of refugee youth to generate video content on issues affecting their community, through providing training on the following;

i. Video production
ii. Filming and editing
iii. Creative writing for video, especially scripting and screenplays
iv. Training in self expression for production

• Ensure that PVP final products are to the satisfactory standards and are approved by project staff and the advisory committee.
• Participate in the drafting of information dissemination workplans for Kakuma.
• Work closely with the Program Manager in providing regular updates of production and dissemination of PVP products and other video products through quantitative and qualitative reports.
• Work with the field staff in keeping accurate statistics of daytime and evening screening attendances, maintaining a database of the same as well as a photo gallery of daytime and evening screenings and any other project activities photos.
• Support collaboration with other agencies and attend inter – inter agency meetings and activities
• Networking
• Monitor and collect feedback on production and dissemination activities.
• Be familiar with both FilmAid and the Kenya Codes of conduct.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
1. Be of Kenyan nationality and a current student or graduate of any media institution in Kenya with focus on community media, communication for development or behavior change
2. Experience and interest in community video or other community media, mobilization and outreach as well as facilitation
3. Should possess good interpersonal skills
4. Should be culturally sensitive and able to work with diverse cultures
5. Must be computer literate with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Windows Office packages as well as editing software, (experience in Final Cut Pro an added advantage)
6. Ability to work with minimum supervision
7. Committed to Humanitarian principles and action
8. Video facilitation skills an added advantage

Please email applications with only cover letter, CV and 3 references by 23 September 2009 to: nairobi@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted through email only

Evening Screenings & Film-making: Dadaab Round-UP

2009-07-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

The evening screenings finally kicked off in Dadaab on Saturday night after a series of delays prompted by the prevailing security situation. The venue was in Ifo’s ‘prayers field’- adjacent to the main market aptly called Bosnia market. The turn out was impressive, with close to 2000 people in attendance. The community leadership was out in full – from the camp chairman, camp chairlady, section leaders, as well as the FilmAid advisory committee chairman, who even helped in carrying equipment and setting up! Initially most of the community leadership was apprehensive about using the prayers field for screening purposes, but the camp chairlady came out strongly and insisted that she would speak with the religious community and that the field was one of the best venues so far in the camp…and true to her word, the screening went on well without any hitches.

Evening Screening In Dadaab

The films screened included the recently FilmAid-made Verification (VRX) film, which provides critical information regarding the on-going verification exercise in Ifo and Hagadera camps, and which the leaders present during the screening insisted be screened twice.Other films screened were Isinino, the malaria film which was quite a hit, as was Road to Peace, the peace film, both of which were made in Ifo- however the major hits for the night were the PVP youth films, especially the Khat story and My Beautiful Dress, which sent the huge crowds into a frenzy, with calls for repeat! repeat!.

The staff were outstanding and managed the exercise professionally, with the help of the driver-turned-technician Onyango, whose input was key to the success of the event.

Generally the security situation was stable, with the presence of police, and the audience was very orderly and cooperative.

The HIV and Aids film making process continued with the shooting of the abstinence film being finalized in Hagadera last week Saturday the 11th July. Particular scenes were re-shot on Tuesday the 14th . All in all, it was the longest shoot and probably the best in terms of the story as well as the actors. Nevertheless, it must be said that Hagadera actors generally are an impressive lot...if you can separate them from fighting or quarreling each other, something that Dennis, the drama director had to do, most of the time! Every time they were in the car moving from one location to another, one could imagine that there was a war raging on at the back, and many a time, Khalif the driver or poor Dennis had to stop the car and threaten to throw everyone out, for some semblance of normality to prevail…funnily enough though, when the actors were hanging out in between shoots under the trees, protected from the harsh sun, they were easy going and engaged each other in banter…which led us to believe that perhaps they were allergic to either cars or confined spaces or both!!

Filming in Dadaab

The shoot was without incidence save for a scene which was being shot in Hagadera secondary school, when some students started pelting the roof in which the classroom scene was being done with rocks, making it near impossible to continue with the shoot…this forced to cancel the shooting and an alternative location sought. The reason for the students behaviour was that they were asked to keep quiet during the shoot. Generally there was a lot of support from community leaders and the shoot proceeded very well. We planned to do a night scene for the very first time in the history of film making in Dadaab but due to a communication breakdown between the drama director and the project coordinator, the scene ended up being shot in the afternoon, which was quite disappointing, but there will always be another opportunity to do this…

The way forward with the films is to begin laying them out and start the basic editing- at least one film should be ready to be used by August. This will begin from the 20th July.

By Victor Ombonya

Filming In Dadaab - The Experiences!!

2009-07-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

The PMTCT film has been completed in Ifo last week, save for a few b-rolls. So far the footage reviewed is good. The shooting was not without incidences..and at one point a block leader expressly forbade us from using a road in his block, claiming that FilmAid was using their block to make films to make money...at some point he intimated that he was OK with the filming being done only on the road, and if the filming ‘strayed’ onto the other parts of the block, then a levy would be charged! When we refused to budge, he changed his mind and outrightly ‘banned’ us from filming, and a few phone calls later and minutes later the Ifo chairman, chairlady and his section leader came to our rescue – and 5 minutes later the tax-levying block leader was actually helping us control the crowd as we proceeded to shoot!!!!

Anyway, later on in the day, Solo and crew temporarily hijacked a handcart from a nearby water point which was hastily converted into a dolly, as a shot was proving difficult to execute under the normal circumstances…..but not before the irate owner came and unceremoniously ejected Solo from it, almost upsetting him on the ground….it was quite a hilarious scene, and everybody was in stitches..of course we quickly negotiated a water cart hire deal and parted with a hundred bob, and the previously irate owner was all smiles – we now intend to design a dolly using the water cart model, but adapt it to make it more steady and user friendly – the hijacked model left poor Liban (the PVP team leader who was considered portly enough to play the porter role) quite weak in the knees not to mention bereft of his heavy lunch taken during the lunch break.

Solo on the water cart with Liban driving him!

The action moves to Hagadera this week, with the final film on Abstinence set to take the center stage – the actors, who have since formed a group called SORYO (Somali Refugee Youth Organization) seem to be highly motivated – the locations have been chosen, the community leadership mobilized, and everything is good to go. The shooting will begin this Wednesday and end by Saturday….

More updates to follow….

Post by Victor Ombonya

FilmAid Begins filming in Dadaab

2009-06-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

FilmAid crew finally began the filming of the HIV and Aids film series in partnership with UNHCR/Pepfar in Dadaab. Shooting began for the first film, on promotion of VCT uptake this week in Dagahaley camp.

During this project, FilmAid together with the refugee community in Dadaab will create three films, on abstinence issues, VCT uptake promotion and prevention of mother to child transmission. FilmAid will then screen these films through its daytime and outdoors screening programs.

Projectionist Wanted

2009-06-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

VACANCY

Position: Projectionist
CWS - FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the above position. The position, based in Nairobi with regular travel to various towns in Kenya
FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Setting up and testing sound system and visual systems
2. Operating screening equipment: Sound system and visual systems
3. Organizing and taking responsibility for loading and off loading of equipment
4. Maintaining records of equipment and regular asset count and regular reporting to the Project officer on status of equipment
5. Cleaning and properly storing equipment
6. Servicing and maintaining equipment
7. Perform official work related duties that may arise in the field as deemed appropriate by the immediate authorizing officer

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
1. Be of Kenyan nationality
2. Hold a certificate in electronics
3. Minimum 1 years Experience in dealing with sound and audio visual systems
4. Should be culturally sensitive and able to work with diverse cultures
5. Must hold a valid driving license
6. Ability to work with minimum supervision
7. Committed to Humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with ONLY cover letter, CV and 3 references by 24th June 2009 to: nairobi@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted through email only

FilmAid Completes Its First Roundtrip on Peace Building

2009-06-19T02:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 13th, FilmAid completed its first cycle of open air screenings and workshops on Media Focus on Africa Foundation's Fist to Five program. This cycle took FilmAid through Kibera and Mathare in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, Mumias, Kisumu and Mombasa, reaching a total of 247 people through daylong workshops and an approximated 6,650 during outdoors evening screenings.

Workshop in Kisumu

The team begins another cycle of screenings and workshops from 19th June in Kibera

FilmAid Staff inflate evening screening screen in Eldoret

The trip was not without its moments though. A screening in Nakuru was canceled because of rain and the team had to reschedule it to another day. In Mombasa the heavens opened with the evening screening only about halfway and with everybody scampering for shelter from the rain, the screening had to be stopped half way. And everybody would like to forget the sound system giving up on us in Kibera!:)

Screen ready in Naivasha

Apart from screening the Fist for Five program, FilmAid also had a menu of short films to entertain and educate the crowds. Films screened included The Kibera Kid, Sugar Daddy, clips from the "Scenarios from Africa" project and a cartoon musical video for kids, "We are Family"

Screening in Mathare

The team is looking forward to another exciting trip!!

The FilmAid van makes it way to the ferry in Mombasa

More on FilmAid-Media Focus Work

2009-06-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

Check this out for more on the work FilmAid and Media Focus are doing

http://itbeginswithme.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/participatory-media-proves-powerful-tool-in-aftermath-of-kenyan-violence/

FILMAID – UNHCR/PEPFAR PARTNERSHIP

2009-06-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

FilmAid is partnering with UNHCR in Dadaab refugee camp to utilize community-based film messaging to address the challenge of lack of access to critical information on HIV by youth especially and the refugee population in Dadaab refugee camps. Through a grant from UNHCR under the PEPFAR program, FilmAid is in the process of producing three films together with the Dadaab refugee community. The films address three issues around HIV and AIDS, that is VCT uptake, PMTCT promotion and abstinence.

FilmAid uses participatory methodologies in its community film making work and this project involves participation not only by the Dadaab refugee community but also other agencies working in Dadaab including UNHCR, National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), GTZ, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). Key activities in the project include conducting a campwide Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey, film production and campwide screenings of the completed films.

Currently Film production is underway.

FilmAid Looks For A New Project Officer - Kakuma

2009-06-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

FilmAid International (FilmAid) invites applications from qualified Kenyans to fill the position of a Project Officer to be based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Northern Kenya.

FilmAid International is a non-governmental organization that uses film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted. FilmAid is currently implementing programmes in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To ensure timely, quality and coordinated implementation of activities in Kakuma, establishing and supporting mechanisms to assure quality programming; oversee and assure timely and accurate project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and compliance.
2. Oversee the day-to-day operations and logistics.
3. Ensure a community based approach and a participatory methodology in all activities.
4. Coordinate the Kakuma Youth Participatory Video Project (PVP) which seeks to build the capacity of refugee youth to generate video content on issues affecting their community, through providing training on the following;
i. Video production
ii. Filming and editing
iii. Creative writing for video, especially scripting and screenplays
iv. Training in self expression for production
5. Participate in the development and implementation of an on-going assessment, data collection, and information system.
6. Ensure proper administrative, logistics, security and human resource procedures and policies are respected and adhered to.
7. Represent FilmAid to donors and at program meetings with implementing and operational partners.
8. Supervision of usage and protocol of all project equipment and supplies. Ensure all FilmAid facilities in the field are well maintained and equipped.
9. Ensure positive team atmosphere and team-building relationships, and provide appropriate support to staff.
10. Draft and compile monthly, annual and donor progress and financial reports.
11. Identify funding opportunities and assist in the development of grant proposals.
12. Participate in the drafting of yearly workplans.
13. Keep accurate master record of film and book libraries.
14. Oversee FilmAid evening and daytime screening program in Kakuma
15. Responsible for the security and safety of program staff and organization’s assets.
16. Be familiar with both FilmAid and the Kenya Codes of conduct

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
1. Be of Kenyan nationality
2. Hold a degree in social sciences or any discipline that focuses on community media, communication for development or behavior change
3. Minimum 3 years Experience in community video or other community media, mobilization and outreach as well as facilitation
4. Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate program, logistics and operations and basic program administration/management
5. Demonstrated experience in budget management as well as long and short term planning
6. Ability to train young people in video production is compulsory
7. Video facilitation skills is an added advantage
8. Should be culturally sensitive and able to work with diverse cultures
9. Must be computer literate with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Windows Office packages as well as editing software, (experience in Final Cut Pro or other video editing software a must)
10. Must hold a valid driving license
11. Ability to work with minimum supervision
12. Committed to Humanitarian principles and action

Please email applications with ONLY cover letter, CV and 3 references by 12th June 2009 to: nairobi@filmaid.org

Applications to be submitted through email only

FilmAid Partners with Media Focus On Africa Foundation to Promote National Integration and Cohesion in Kenya

2009-06-05T03:37:00.001-07:00

Media Focus on Africa Foundation is partnering with Film-Aid International to implement a programme, “A platform for dialogue towards National Integration and Cohesion”. The objective of this programme is to help Kenyan media to develop an attitude of tribal antagonism into a shared understanding of the trans- ethnic root causes of the post election dispute, more social cohesion, sustainable reconciliation, a stronger civil society and enhanced political dialogue. Further facilitate intertribal dialogue, with the purpose to search for common ground between communities on the root causes of the post election conflict with special emphasis on dialogue in the affected areas
Media Focus on Africa Foundation (MFAF) is an independent, non-partisan, non- profit making institution registered in Kenya. MFAF’s activities are geared towards promotion of good governance, informed and participatory democracy, and effective and informed citizens’ participation in democratic governance, rule of law and respect for human rights.

With the support of ICCO, The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi and the European Union, Media Focus on Africa are undertaking and implementing an intensive and expansive conflict mitigation process through the media. Media Focus is broadcasting 19 talk shows on citizen television dubbed “FIST TO FIVE FOR CHANGE” that is supported through Film Aid by 48 mobile screenings at the local level. The mobile cinema screenings are followed by 48 discussion workshops that brings together the informal opinion leaders, women, youth, people with disabilities, members of different ethnic communities, the local administration, perpetrators and victims of violence, and representatives of CSOs at local level. These screenings take the format of mass outdoor evening screenings from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. The locations selected for these screenings are Nairobi (Kibera & Mathare), Nakuru, Kisumu, Mumias, Eldoret, Mombasa and Naivasha.

For more information about Media Focus, please feel free visit

www.mediafocusonafrica.org

2009-06-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Screening for women and mothers in Hagadera camp, Dadaab camp

2009-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

FilmAid Mobile Cinema truck for evening screenings in Kakuma refugee camp, northen Kenya