Niekerksrus Agricultural School, Free State, Fictional Films

from 19th May to 30 May 2008

Alongside Dramatic Need, a charity which facilitates volunteer opportunities for UK artists in South Africa, World Film Collective ran four consecutive workshops with students from Niekerksrus Agricultural School, located in rural Free State, South Africa between 19th and 30th May 2008.

With the help of Johannesburg film-maker Marc Kotze, WFC taught eighty-six 13-18 year-old students how to make a short film.

The students worked incredibly hard, having only 7 hours per week to conceive, shoot and edit their films. The subjects they chose ranged from birthday parties to domestic violence, and participants were visibly more confident and energised after the experience.

“I think I will make more movies using a mobile phone,” said Maria, a workshop participant from Niekerksrus School, South Africa.

Inside Niekerksrus

created by Mark J. Blackman, on 14 August 2008
The behind the scenes film shot during the workshop in Free-State with graduates from Niekerksrus Agricultural School.

The Truth Within Our Families

created by Grade 11 & 12, on 1 July 2008
A poignant story of snatched debauchery with dire consequences. ‘The Truth within Our Families’ was created by Grade 11 and 12 students who wanted to say something about alcohol abuse in their communities and its effect on families living at subsistence level.