Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Motion Picture Art Certificate (MPAC): Training For Young People and Women Film
Makers in the Gambia to Foster Creativity and Diversity of our Cultural Expression
Introduction
In December 2013, the NCAC submitted a proposal to UNESCO through the National Commission in
Banjul for the training of 25 Young People and Women Film Makers in the art of film making, leading
to a Motion Picture Art Certificate (MPAC). Following several amendments of the original submission
to meet UNESCOs priority areas and main lines of action, the final version of the proposal was
submitted and approved for funding to the tune of USD 24,932 in September 2014. A contract was
then duly signed between the UNESCO National Commission and NCAC on 9 October 2014 for the
implementation of the project.
The following narrative report details how far the objectives have been met, the implementation
process and challenges encountered, and lessons learnt for the future.
OBJECTIVES:
The main objective is to train 25 young Gambian film makers, including women, (See Appendix 1 for
full list of Participants) to diploma level on the basics of film making and video technology from pre-
production to post production procedures for the development of the creative industry and
preservation of Gambias cultural heritage.
STRATEGIES
The main strategy for the implementation of the project was to use the services of a renowned and
experienced cinematographer and filmmaker Moussa Sene Absa to, inter-alia, elaborate the course
1
content, assist in the identification of suitable equipment, and impart the needed skills. There was
also need to retain the services of an experienced local film maker as assistant to the lead trainer as
part of the skills transfer process. (See Appendix 2 for CVs of Consultants/Trainers)
The other strategy employed was to purchase film equipment for use in the training process, and
which can subsequently be made available for future use by Gambian film makers.
The choice of themes for the films to be produced by the trainees as an end product was guided by
the remit of the NCAC which is tasked with the preservation, promotion and development of the
countrys tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The choice of participants in the training was guided by consideration of gender, age, institutional
affiliations, experience and evidence of professional or amateur practice.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
The implementation process of the project was guided by the following stages:
As previously mentioned the course made use of the services of 4 main resource persons who are all
well qualified and experienced in the art of film making (See appendix 2).All of them proved to be
very effective in the delivery of their expected inputs. Some of the consultants went to the extent of
making available their personal equipment to enhance the training and production process.
At the time of project submission the course content was barely skeletal. One of the tasks of the
lead consultant was to elaborate on details of the course as well as develop a day to day time table
within the given time frame to ensure that the expected outputs are met. This was done by the lead
trainer for realisation within four sessions, as indicated below:
2
As previously cited, equipment had to be purchased from the USA with the assistance of The Gambia
Embassy in Washington DC. The process required the identification of suitable equipment at
affordable cost, and the transfer of foreign currency even though project monies were paid in local
currency. The transfer of foreign currency in particular placed added strain on the limited funds
available to the project. However all purchases went as planned, and were received in good order.
(See Appendix 4 for full list of equipments purchased)
The call for participants provided the first opportunity to publicise the grant. Announcements were
made in both print and electronic media. (See Appendix 5 ) The announcement had maximum
visibility as it was carried in 4 major daily newspapers, in the national radio and television stations.
Details of the call can be seen in appendix 5.
The national broadcaster, the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) was accorded the
privilege of sending 5 participants, in return for a weekly 30 minutes airtime to showcase the
activities of the training programme.
The course was held at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) facility which is a state
of the art training institution fully equipped with modern training facilities, classrooms, equipment,
internet access, restaurant, study space and studio facilities.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with the GTHI, a registered training institution, for the
accreditation and certification of the course through the National Training Authority (NTA).
On the whole the course was implemented without any major hitch. Students participated fully,
although two dropped out because of circumstances beyond the control of the NCAC. However, the
main contention of the students was the lack of proper remuneration. The project finances only
allowed for minimal financial assistance to alleviate cost of transport fares for attendance. The
provision of meals for lunch breaks was also limited to extended working sessions because of
budgetary limitations.
Project Objectives
Following media announcements, 52 applications were received. Of these only 7 were women
despite the emphasis which encouraged women to apply. This manifests the low female presence
and interest in film production process as distinct from the acting roles which they are normally
interested in large numbers. After a diligent scrutiny of the applications against criteria agreed with
the National Commission, all the women applicants were admitted. An eighth woman was admitted
by virtue of her institutional affiliation, the Ministry of Agricultures film production unit
It is to be observed that at least two of the objectives require medium to long term monitoring and
evaluation to establish whether they have been realised; however, the participants demonstrated a
clear understanding of the whole process including writing their own scripts, conducting
independent interviews and editing their films. Women served in almost all the technical roles in the
film production chain such as film directors, cinematographers (camera and lighting), sound
engineers and editors.
3
Strategy
Closer to the time of the implementation it was apparent that the Lead Consultant had a conflicting
schedule with the implementation period. This meant that he could not be available as planned. He
therefore recommended a replacement in the person of Marcia Juzga a Colombian-American Film
maker with an impressive track record as Lead Trainer. After delivering the orientation of the course,
he continued to backstop the programme throughout. The lead trainer was assisted by Essa Jallow, a
Gambian film maker and Oumar Ndiaye an expert in film photography who was fielded in from
Dakar, Senegal, for the shooting of the project works/films.
The remuneration of consultants/resource persons was grossly underestimated. The consultants
contributions were therefore guided by passion, not pecuniary gains.
Regarding the purchase of equipment, all equipment had to be purchased from the USA because
they were not locally available. This meant that considerable cost had to be incurred on shipping.
The Gambia Embassy in Washington DC was most helpful in this process. Public procurement
regulations regarding single sourcing, hitherto not taken into account, also surfaced and were
promptly surmounted.
In respect of participants, the sheer number of applications is a manifestation of the high degree of
interest in the film industry on the one hand, and the evident lack of local training opportunities
available to young people in The Gambia.
CONCLUSION
There is no doubt that this project fulfilled a dire need to enhance the capacities of young and
female film makers in The Gambia. The enthusiasm manifested in the application process, and
during the training programme clearly demonstrates the relevance of the course to the growing
needs of the Gambian film industry.
The evaluations of the programme among the students have revealed a thirst for more in the form
of a higher level diploma course to reinforce the acquired skills.
The MPAC programme has certainly created a pool of the first certified young film makers in the
country who can now form the nucleus of a budding film industry.
4
APPENDIX 1: List of Participants
5
23 AdamaMarong GTHI Completed Editor
6
APPENDIX 2: CVs of Consultants/Trainers
Biography:
Filmography:
Features:
SHORTS:
8
1988 Paris XY ( actor) feature , directed by Zeka
Laplaine
Jury Member
Tenk-dakar-2006
Major Awards
Best Director-Milano
Public prize-Angers
9
Language: Fluent in Wolof, French, English, Spanish,
Italian
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Audiovisual director with knowledge and experience
in directing and cinematography in audiovisual
media. Ability to research, develop and editing for
documentaries. Ability to use different video cameras
and handles Final Cut Pro, editing program.
Languages: Spanish and English.
AUDIOVISUAL DIRECTOR
nuclear262@gmail.com //
(57) 320 404 2621 Colombia/ (22) 77 724 4571 Senegal
AUDIOVISUAL DIRECTOR
EDUCATION
Professional in Film y Television -2000
University Corporation UNITEC.
Bogot, Colombia - 2000
Specialization in cinematography and documentary film.
I.S.A Instituto Superior de Artes.
La Habana, Cuba - 1998
WORK EXPERIENCE
10
Audiovisual Director.
Deparment of tv commercials RTVC Seal Colombia.
Video Base + Tiempo de Cine.
Bogot, Colombia 2009-2010
Director and screenwriter
TV series Blind Date+ Secrets
Reality Shows Channel 61/62 KCRW TV
Los ngeles, California.
USA, 2005-2007
Executive Producer.
Commercials & Music Videos.
Production Company: Ofrenda Films.
Los ngeles, California.
USA, 2004
Production Department.
Commercials & Music Videos.
Production Company: Kree 8 Productions.
Miami, Florida.
USA, 2000-2001
Assistant Director.
Commercials & Music Videos.
Production Company: Rhayuela Producciones.
Bogot, Colombia 1999-2000
PERSONAL PROJECTS
Director+ Making + Script + Research.
Documentary: SOUNDS OF SAI
San Andrs Islas, Colombia 2013
11
Director + Making + Camera.
Documentary: Bogotrax!!
Bogot, Colombia 2009
DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR
Workshop Iberoamerican children's TV
Seal Colombia, 2009
Videographer.
Series Striptease
City TV, Bogot, 2000
Documentary Director
El Cielo del Tbet.
Bogot, 1999
Essa Jallow
essajallow@yahoo.co.uk
12
KEY SKILLS
Cameras: -EX1
Editing Software:
Other Applications:
EDUCATION
Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, UK
BA (Hons) Interactive Media (TV production)
Critical Reflective studies
Development strategies
Major project (Documentary)
Professional practice
University of Salford Manchester, UK
Foundation Degree Arts in Broadcast Television Production, 2009 to 2011
Certificate Unit credits towards Level 3 Diploma in media techniques (video Production) Includes:
13
WORK EXPERIENCE
May 1992 April 2001 Senior producer Gambia Radio and TV services
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
Jointly produced a documentary on The Livestock and Hoticulture Project
Jointly produced a documentary for Womens Advancement and Child Care (WACC)
with a UNESCO communications consultant
Produced and directed a promotional video for Sheikh Zaid Regional Eye care Centre in
Kanifing
Conducted training programme for Sports journalists, Organised by the Gambia Football
Association
Produced and directed a thirty minute documentary on the Post Health For Peace Initiative
project in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, coordinated by Sightsavers International
Produced and directed a promotional video for the Banjul International airport
Camera Assistant at the London 2012 Olympic games
Camera Operator on a promotional DVD for the National Cycling centre in Manchester.
Assistant Director on a Senegal/Gambia Drama on Malaria aimed at sensitizing the public
about Malaria.
Directed and edited a TV drama highlighting the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation in
Senegal
News anchor, Producer/Director on both radio and TV for many years on The Gambia
Radio and TV services
Directed and edited numerous music videos.
Produced and presented sports shows on radio for many years.
I Essa Jallow, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, this CV correctly describes
me, my qualifications, and my experience, and I am available to undertake the
assignment in case of an award. I understand that any misstatement or misrepresentation
described herein may lead to my disqualification or dismissal by the Client, and/or sanctions.
Signature
14
APPENDIX 3: Work Plan , including Timetable + Course Syllabus
PROJECT WORK PLAN
ACTIVITY DATES RESOURCES PERSON(S) REMARKS
Agreements with 06th November Gambia Tourism and - SOJ/ To negotiate with
training and Hospitality Institute Baba GTHI for training
locations venues (GTHI) Hosting and venue and
for both theory Accreditation accreditation ( Draft
and practical 15th November, MOU )
exercises 2014.
GRTS staff for
- Hassou
installations and press m GRTS Director
coverage Generals
15
Selection of 25 15th November Draft criteria for SOJ/
participants - selection NATCOM/Baba/
Release on News
Papers, Public notices
and TV.
30th November, Newspaper advert & Hassoum
2014. public notices on radio
Gambia & TV
Official Opening Friday, 5th Venue, equipment NCAC/ Write invitations for
and handing over December, 2014 installation, catering NATCOM/ ceremony
ceremony for and press coverage GTHI/ GRTS
equipment.
(Documentary
work and
Narrative
structure)
16
Introduction December,2014
to Production
to Camera
17
African Film Friday, 19th Screening: Moolade Moussa Sene
History December, Absa
2014.
Focus: Sembene
Ousmane:
Revolution vs.
Romanticism
Senegalese film Sunday, 21st Screening: Tableau Moussa Sene Focus on Gambian
industry: December, Ferraille Absa films? Review &
2014. critique
City vs. rural area,
Tradition and
modernity,
Project work
Studio Sessions :
18
Closing ceremony NCAC
+
13th March, Report writing / NCAC +
screening of 5 2015 SUBMISSION NATCOM
short films
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Information:
Training Consultant: Moussa Sene Absa, a Senegalese film maker and tutor
Course Coordinator: Sheikh Omar Jallow, Director for Literature, Performing and Fine Arts
(NCAC)
Course Description:
The course provides an understanding of film making techniques both in basic theory and
practical application. The core contents to be covered in the course range from pre-
production, production to post- production stages within the 5 modules of:
1. Production Management
2. Directing
3. Cinematography ( Camera and Lighting)
4. Sound
5. Editing ( Adobe Premier and Final Cut)
Course Objectives:
The program seeks to provide intensive immersion training in the film production process
through theoretical and practical lessons for 25 participants. The practicals involve a master
class hands-on-experience in the production of five short films ( documentariesand feature
films) with lessons in pre-production, production, post-production and distribution
channelling. This training serves as the pilot program for the start of formal academic
training for Gambian film makers and is intended to continue twice annually, in
collaboration with The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI).
19
Learning Outcome:
Resources:
MODULE TOPIC
21
3. CINEMATOGRAPHY 3:1- Camera and Lighting:
Create appropriate atmospheres for each
script/story.
3:2 - Technical script adaptation.
3:3 - Technical use of the camera.
Storyboard, image composition, framing, exposure,
camera displacement, etc
3:4 Lighting
Colour and expose / measurement temperature.
Use and technique of lights.
Illumination design
4. SOUND 4:1 -Sound and soundtrack for movies:
4:2 - Structural use of sound/ effects
4:3 - Microphones and sound capture.
5. EDITING 5:1 - Postproduction and mounting/assembly
5.2- Video editing ( Final cut and Adobe Premier)
5.3- Narrative structure in film ( voice over)
5:4 Distribution channelling
PROJECT WORK Each group of five participants embark on producing a 13
minutes film on a theme of their choosing, to be realised
according to the stages outlined in the film production
process.
22
APPENDIX 4: List of Equipment Purchased
23
APPENDIX 5: Call for Participants and other newspaper coverage
24
25
26
27
28
29