A number of students at the National University of Samoa have undergone training on film-making with a focus on gender issues.

The training was funded and supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (P.A.C.M.A.S.). The participating students came from the university’s media and journalism programme as well as the School of Nursing.

Catherine Marciniak, who has spent over three decades making documentaries and mentoring and training emerging screen-content makers including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) staff, was the facilitator of the training at the university.

She said she is delighted to work with teenagers who are passionate about showcasing their stories through short films.   

“It’s been fabulous to be here and to be inside the Samoan culture this way, and it’s always been a privilege to come into a country with a job to do. 

“We get to meet the people and have a relationship with them and to also work with young people is also inspiring and keeps me young,” she said. 

Ms. Marciniak hopes the students will be able to know how to create short films after the training.

Ramona Boodoosingh, who is working alongside Ms. Marciniak, said at the end of the training participants will each receive a certificate of participation.

“Participants will also have their films screened in a private and public screening.

“Prizes will be given to the top films because we have some prizes which are kindly donated by P.A.C.M.A.S. and the Australian High Commission,” she added.

“The short film training workshops are a part of the CSS Film Challenge Initiative . This initiative would have not been possible without the kind support of our sponsors.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (P.A.C.M.A.S.) has supported the workshops, prizes and screening; the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development has supported refreshments for workshops, stationary and prizes for participants and the Australian High Commission is assisting with prizes, certificates and advertising for the screening.”

The films will be assessed by an evaluation committee before prizes are awarded to the top film producers.