One of the most impactful initiatives of the UWI Centre for Community Outreach and Development (CCOD) is the UWI Community Film Project (UWICFP), launched in 2011 as part of a broader outreach effort
This transformative program trains youth from disadvantaged communities in filmmaking and content creation, equipping them with technical skills and a pathway to personal and professional growth. By equipping participants with the creative and technical tools of the film industry, UWICFP fosters positive youth engagement, self-expression, and economic independence, ultimately driving both employment opportunities and community development in the creative sector.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, the program seeks to:
- Develop participants' technical skills in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound design, editing, and production.
- Foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among participants, encouraging them to use film for storytelling and self-expression.
- Provide a pathway to employment or self-employment in the growing creative industries, including film, media, and digital content creation.
- Promote social change by allowing participants to use their newly acquired skills to create films that address relevant community issues, such as crime, violence, poverty, and social injustice.
Curriculum and Training
The UWICFP offers a hands-on, practical approach to learning that gives participants real-world experience in filmmaking. The curriculum is designed to cover all the fundamental aspects of film production, including:
- Scriptwriting and Storytelling: Teaching participants the art of crafting compelling stories that reflect the experiences of their communities.
- Camera Operation and Cinematography: Providing training in the technical skills needed to operate cameras and understand lighting, framing, and composition.
- Directing and Producing: Equipping students with the leadership and coordination skills to manage a film set, guide actors, and oversee production.
- Post-Production Skills: Offering instruction in video editing, sound design, and special effects, to ensure that participants gain expertise in the final stages of film production.
- Content Creation: As the industry evolves, the project also incorporates training in digital content creation, focusing on producing video content for various platforms, such as social media, YouTube, and other digital outlets.
Workshops and mentoring sessions are also integral to the UWICFP, where experienced filmmakers and industry professionals share their knowledge and provide feedback on student projects.
Key Programs and Activities
Community-Based Filmmaking
One of the distinguishing features of UWICFP is its commitment to training participants to create films that reflect the realities of their communities. Many of the films produced through the program address important social issues such as crime, poverty, and youth unemployment, giving participants a platform to share their stories while raising awareness of these issues.
GATFFEST Film Festival
The films produced by UWICFP participants are often showcased at GATFFEST, Jamaica’s largest film festival, established in 2013 as a platform for UWICFP graduates. This festival allows participants to have their work viewed by local and international audiences, and to network with other filmmakers and other players in the local film industry. It also serves as a testament to the quality of the training provided through the project. GATTFEST website
Internships and Employment Opportunities
Alumni of the University of the West Indies Community Film Program (UWICFP) gain access to diverse opportunities within the film industry. Many go on to internships with local production companies, while others pursue self-employment or freelance work in various aspects of film and media. The project aims to build a bridge between participants and potential employers, giving them the experience and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive film industry.
Expanding to Digital Content Creation
Recognizing the growing importance of digital media, UWICFP has expanded its focus to include training in content creation for digital platforms. This includes music video production, social media content, and short-form digital storytelling, equipping participants with highly relevant skills for today’s job market.
Impact
Since its inception, the UWI Community Film Project has trained over 500 participants from diverse communities throughout Kingston and Montego Bay, including urban and suburban areas. Many of these graduates have found jobs in the film and media industries, while others have pursued entrepreneurial ventures by creating their films or working as freelance content creators
The UWICFP’s impact extends beyond technical skills; it helps build confidence, creativity, and leadership qualities. By providing a platform to share their voices, the project fosters a sense of pride and belonging while encouraging participants to support and uplift their communities.
In addition to providing career opportunities, the project has helped break down stereotypes surrounding inner-city youth by showcasing their talents and potential. Through their films, participants challenge harmful stereotypes and showcase the vibrant culture and resilience of their communities.
Future Goals
The UWI Community Film Project continues to evolve in response to the changing landscape of the film and media industries. By integrating new technologies and enhancing its digital content creation, the project aims to lead in industry trends. The ultimate goal is to expand the program to even more communities across Jamaica, giving more youth the chance to benefit from this transformative experience.
The UWI Community Film Project is essential to the Centre for Community Outreach and Development’s (CCOD) broader mission to empower underserved communities and promote social development through education, skills training, and creative expression. By providing young people with the skills and resources to tell their own stories, UWICFP is fostering a promising future for Jamaica’s next generation of filmmakers.
Please express your interest in being a part of the UWI Community Film Project by emailing