Earlier this year a social documentary workshop was held in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso by Cinema, Human Rights and Advocacy and the films made at the workshop – looking at sexual abuse, prostitution and health – have just been put on up on the internet.

In an intense ten day period the workshop supported young film-makers having ‘something to say in an innovative form’. Participants undertook a series of sound and image exercises and experiments leading to the production of 2 – 4 minute micro stories posted on the internet; they worked to develop new ways of putting together image and sounds using new digital media for production and dissemination. The pieces were poetic, unexpected, sensitive, efficient, powerful, inspired – exploring new uses of cinematic language. Part of the purpose of the event was to develop models of sustainable film-making for a new generation of African film-makers.

Tags: Advocacy, Burkina Faso, cinema, Human Rights, women's rights