Xchange Perspectives e.V. (XcP) collaborates with multiple West African organisations to create 18 short films highlighting innovation, resilience, and social change, while emphasising the power of Media for Peace in the region.

The training and film shooting of the workshop in Dapaong, Togo is completed!
Photo: Cinéma Numérique Ambulant (CNA) Togo

MUNICH – In 2021, Xchange Perspectives e.V. (XcP) collaborated with Weltfilme e. V., NAEAL Liberia, SLADEA Sierra Leone, Cinéma Numérique Ambulant (CNA) Togo, and YMCA Ghana realising the "Film Forward" project. Supported by the German Federal Government, this initiative aimed to showcase the resilience, innovation, and social change shaping West Africa, while underscoring the role of Media for Peace.

Dominik Lehnert from XcP played an essential part in the project, training film trainers from Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Ghana in Media for Peace principles. These core values – Unity, Diversity, Transcendence, Empathy, and Commitment – guided the project's approach to storytelling. Dominik also provided guidance during the finalisation of the films, ensuring the incorporation of Media for Peace values and offering editorial input for the subtitles.

Following their training, the film trainers taught 38 young people in their respective countries how to create films, resulting in a total of 18 short feature films and documentaries. These films covered topics of current importance, highlighting individuals making a difference in their communities.

The films have been showcased on Mobile Cinema tours across the four participating countries, broadcast on national TV stations, and made available online, reaching millions of viewers. By doing so, the "Film Forward" project has helped to strengthen the local film and media sectors and improve career opportunities for those involved, particularly those who would otherwise be unable to afford training. The films' messages have resonated with audiences, especially in rural areas where access to media and information can be limited.

"Film Forward" serves as a testament to the positive impact of storytelling and Media for Peace in fostering understanding and inspiring social change in West Africa.