Storytelling Through Camera - Children & Teens Creative Workshop - SSI

Photo of Ali with large camera

Image supplied by the artist

Storytelling Through Camera - Children & Teens Creative Workshop - Settlement Services International (SSI)
16, 17, 22 & 24 April, 11am - 2pm
Community Refugee Welcome Centre

During the school holidays, 16, 17, 22 & 24 April 2024, SSI held a series of free storytelling and filmmaking workshops at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre, in Lilyfield for young people aged 10-17 yrs.

The first 2 sessions were dedicated to crafting stories with a First Nation storytelling facilitator- Brittany Jackson. The remaining sessions were film based with filmmaker facilitator Ali Rezvani. Workshops were provided in a culturally safe environment. Register online here (places limited). Free lunch provided.

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Participating artists

Azarmidokht Elahi Ali Rezvani

Brittany Randall-Ward Damon AMB

Project Outcomes

Photo of film participants walking down a street in Callan park, they hold film equipment and one holds a camera up to her eye — Workshop participants en route to filming

Close up of participants crafting props at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre — Storyboards

Wide group shot of participants filming — Group work participants

Close up of boat crafted as a prop for the film — Prop making - the boat

Photo of crafted prop a spider — The Spider

Close up of another boat prop - hearts decoration on it

Project outcome video

This film was made by project participants of the Storytelling Through Camera- Children & Teens Creative Workshop held at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre. It was edited by participants and Ali, who taught the group filmmaking skills.

Overview

Over the series of workshops 26 young people engaged in the storytelling and film workshops (16, 17, 22 & 24 April) held at the Community and Refugee Welcome Centre. A further 100 people watched the film at The Spirit of Welcome Refugee Week event 2024. A highlight of the project was watching the collaboration and friendships created between children, regardless of language and backgrounds. The safe environment and facilitator expertise meant young people felt comfortable to freely participate, shape, record and lead the story.

Positive feedback was provided by children and families - participants expressed they had so much fun during the project, that they enjoyed being able to play, dance and do creative work. They said it was exciting for them that they were able to talk about different stories, sharing their favourite characters and books, and to work with a professional camera and understanding how much effort goes into making a short film. They loved Callan park and the opportunity that they could make film in the park itself and freely explore the park. Newly arrived children said they loved that the local kids were their guide, showing them around the park. All participants kept asking "when is the next time we can come here". Interestingly, when asked, what other activities would you be interested in, they said the same activity, making film!" Feedback received from parents was that their children "thoroughly enjoyed themselves... and came home feeling inspired."

Speaking on the strength of the program, organisers relayed "Cultural Connections is about sharing diverse cultures, celebrating diversity and creating more opportunities for multicultural community and artists from diverse backgrounds to be part of the society, which paves the way for more equal opportunities for all members of society. I also admire the approach of this grant, it was best practice, was artist-led and based on strengthened based approach. Inner West Council's role was to give this opportunity to artists and art workers, and support and facilitate the success of the project throughout the project."