Dhiraagu and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have held the first premiere screening of Film for Change 2018 at Schwack Cinema in Hulhumale'. Film for Change is a joint project by Dhiraagu and UNDP Maldives aimed at empowering young people to explore social issues through the medium of film. The project was designed to provide young people with the necessary technical and creative skills on writing, directing and producing documentary-style short films using smartphones and tablets.
The purpose of the programme was to stimulate dialogue on different social issues amongst young people, decision makers and the wider community. The programme consisted of a training component and a film-making component where participants were mentored by industry experts on film theory, social challenges and developmental challenges. Streak, Orkeyz, R Squared and Sikundi Corp were the mentors this year, according to Dhiraagu.
Following the completion of the training component, participants developed stories from their own perspectives and produced 4 short films inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, on Quality Education, Gender Equality, Climate Action and Life Below Water.
Speaking at the function, CEO and Managaing Director of Dhiraagu Ismail Rasheed said the national telecommunication company is delighted to partner with UNDP to bring Film for Change 2018 and help young Maldivians to learn and showcase creativity in making short films to promote the SDGs, adding the programme have welcomed the use of smart phones, tablets and devices to create the content which complements to use digital solutions for youth empowerment and social development.
The films will also be released on social media and additional screenings will be arranged at a later date to stimulate dialogue among the wider community, according to Dhiraagu. The project aims to submit the films to International Short Film Festivals focusing on social issues.
The film, Iloshi, from last year's edition, based on Responsible consumption, was recently shortlisted at the Picture This Sonee Film Festival.