We're still collecting donations
On the 31st December 2024 we'd raised £705 with 12 supporters in 26 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Filmmaking in rural Laos: teaching video skills, creating business stories for social media, and inspiring change with a documentary video
by Jem Mackay in Laos
On the 31st December 2024 we'd raised £705 with 12 supporters in 26 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
About Me and the Team
Hi, I’m Jem, Course Leader of the MA Film & Television Online at Falmouth University. Over my career, I’ve seen how filmmaking and storytelling can inspire people, create connections, and drive lasting change.
For this project, I’ll work directly with rural communities in Laos to bring their stories to life through video. While I’m traveling solo, the heart of this project is collaboration—working with Mekong Vocational Centre (https://www.facebook.com/mekongskills), local learners, business owners, and community members to empower them with the tools and skills to share their stories with the world.
The Idea
This January, I’ll travel to rural Laos to teach video-making workshops and create a series of promotional videos showcasing the remarkable local businesses in the area—from chicken farms and sewing cooperatives to beauty salons and rice mills. These businesses are essential to their communities, but they want the visibility needed to attract national and international support for their work.
The ultimate goal is to produce a documentary, “Stories that shape futures”, to highlight how these businesses are building sustainable futures. The film will share their challenges, successes, and ambitions, encouraging global audiences to see the value of supporting grassroots initiatives that empower rural communities to thrive.
Vision
My vision is to shine a spotlight on the resilience and innovation of rural businesses in Laos, inspiring support for sustainable development.
Through the videos we create and the documentary we produce, we’ll amplify their voices and connect them with a global audience who can champion their growth. Imagine the impact of international attention on a chicken farmer’s cooperative or a sewing group that provides livelihoods for local women. By investing in these businesses, we’re not just helping individuals; we’re building stronger, self-sufficient communities.
How the Funds Will Be Used
Your support will make this vision a reality. Here’s how every pound will create a lasting impact:
• Teaching Workshops: Providing equipment and resources to train young learners in video-making.
• £25 equips a student with the basics of video production.
• Business Videos: Creating professional videos to showcase local businesses to international audiences.
• £50 funds the creation of a high-quality promotional video.
• Documentary Production: Sharing the stories of these communities with the world.
• £100 contributes to editing and post-production costs.
• Festival Entries: Amplifying the message by sharing the documentary at international festivals.
• £500 covers entry fees and travel for festival presentations.
• Travel and Logistics: Ensuring we can reach rural communities to capture their stories.
• £1000 covers flights, accommodation, and transport across Laos.
With your help, we’ll connect these businesses with the global support they need to grow sustainably. Every contribution, big or small, helps us bring their inspiring stories to light.
Call to Action
By supporting this project, you’re not just funding a film—you’re becoming part of a movement to empower communities and create sustainable futures. Together, we can use the power of storytelling to inspire action and make a lasting difference.
Will you join me?
This project offered rewards