American University of Sharjah and Zanzibar Documentary Workshop empowering new filmmakers

Alumni and faculty from American University of Sharjah (AUS) were at the helm of the 2022 Zanzibar Documentary Workshop, an initiative helping those in the Zanzibar filmmaking community to create powerful stories about Zanzibari people and their contributions to the tourist industry. The short documentaries feature stories about a local fisherman, a dhow and furniture maker, and Zanzibar Spice Farm.

The workshop was funded by an AUS grant and supported by the Zanzibar Emerson Foundation and the Princess Salme Museum in Emerson, Zanzibar. Sixteen filmmakers and journalists took part, honing their documentary-making skills. By making five short documentaries each, the participants expanded their portfolio and thereby increased their chances of employment in the industry and gaining funding for their future projects.

Susan Smith, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), has helped lead the initiative, assisted by AUS graduates Zena Afara, Shanzeh Shafiq and Miriam Sirere. This is not the first time Smith has been involved in such work. Smith and her team have conducted numerous documentary workshops teaching cinematic skills. She hopes to offer further documentary workshops in Zanzibar and the surrounding regions.

“We all have a story to tell, and sharing our experiences improves our understanding of each other and makes the world kinder. I know I sound like a John Lennon song, yet, imagine a world where individuals speak their truth, find compassion, and inspire justice and equality for all. Zanzibar is a fascinating island with talented and industrious people, many of whom do not have the opportunity to learn documentary skills. Our workshops train people from all walks of life so that all voices will be heard,” Smith said.

“It was an incredible experience going to Zanzibar and helping with the documentary workshop. The people were hospitable and the students were excited to learn and grasp information. I loved the venture; it was surreal and a dream come true. At the end of the workshop seeing the student's smiles and their hard work pay off is something I will treasure forever,” Shanzeh said.

Smith is the founder of the Speak Trauma Foundation, an initiative launched in 2015 that provides documentary video training for individuals, communities and organizations. Through documentary storytelling, the foundation empowers individuals to share their experiences, fostering healing and reconciliation. Such documentaries are unique, as those featured tell their story in their own way rather than relying on documentary filmmakers or journalists to convey their experience, which is typically the case.

Through the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication offered by the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, students are provided with many opportunities to learn about film production and enhance their documentary making skills. For more information about the program, please visit www.aus.edu/cas/department-of-mass-communication. All the short documentaries from the Zanzibar Documentary Workshop can be viewed at www.speaktrauma.org/workshop-zanzibar-stonetown/.