Namibian Teens Explore Storytelling, Careers in Global Mobile Filmmaking Workshop
11 Namibian youth ages 14 to 18 turned their mobile phones into powerful storytelling tools during The Power of We, a three-day immersive filmmaking workshop hosted December 4–7 at Future Media Studios in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Located on the west coast of Southern Africa, just north of South Africa, Namibia served as the launch site for this global collaboration. Presented by Mosaic Film Experience, LearnOnOne, and Future Media, the program equipped students with mobile filmmaking skills, exposure to digital media careers, and the opportunity to learn from local and international professionals.
The program theme was “Your Phone. Your Story. The Power of We.” Students from eight schools with an interest in media, storytelling, and digital careers spent the start of their holiday break learning how to turn their ideas into impactful short films. Working in teams, they developed storyboards, filmed interviews and scenes, and edited 1- to 3-minute films exploring themes of identity, legacy, community, and social change.
The program was facilitated by:
Elizabeth Merriman, Programming and Education Manager, Mosaic Film Experience
Mallory Patterson, Education Lead, Mosaic Film Experience
Cierra and Mariah Barrera, Co-Founders, BREAKBARRIERS
Nuha Hussein, Grand Valley State University student
Local Namibian professionals
"This workshop represents our commitment to democratizing media education,” said Rukee Kaakunga, Brand Manager, LearnOnOne. “Our goal is to show them how to use nothing but a smartphone to tell authentic Namibian stories, and watching these young filmmakers transform from shy beginners to confident storytellers was truly inspiring. This collaboration proves that with the right guidance and accessible tools, we can empower the next generation of Namibian content creators."
Led by Mosaic Film Experience mentors from the U.S., alongside Namibian educators and LearnOnOne media professionals, the workshop blended hands-on learning with high-energy instruction. Students gained practical experience in:
Story development and visual storytelling
Shot composition, camera movement, and lighting
Interview techniques and on-set collaboration
Audio and editing using mobile apps
Each morning was devoted to team production and editing, while afternoons featured creative inspiration and technical lessons. The workshop culminated in a final showcase where students screened their completed films and received feedback from instructors and peers.
For many students, it opened new doors to creative career possibilities.
“I learned about filming and the different types of angles used. I’m excited to learn more about it because this can help me with a career that I want to go into, content creation,” said one youth.
Another participant added, “The conversations were quite insightful. One thing I learned is that you can actually be in the media space without having expensive cameras.”
The collaborative project with students of Namibia marks the Mosaic Film Experience’s first youth program in Africa, adding a new international dimension to the nonprofit’s mission of empowering underrepresented youth to explore emerging and creative careers through storytelling.
The program also builds on a meaningful two-decade connection between Mosaic Film Experience Founder Skot Welch and the country of Namibia. Over the past 20 years, Welch and his family have developed lasting relationships throughout the region, including with Zellmari Brandt and Rukee Kaakunga of Future One Media. That relationship helped forge the foundation for this pilot workshop and will continue to support the long-term goal of launching a Mosaic Mobile film competition along with a full-scale, multi-day Mosaic Film Experience Event in Namibia.
“The Power of We is a global collaboration that gives young people the tools and confidence to tell their own stories, a skill that is essential for any career,” said Skot Welch, Founder and President, Mosaic Film Experience. “We were honored to work alongside our partners in Namibia to make this opportunity possible.”
About LearnOnOne
LearnOnOne is an initiative of OneAfrica Television that broadcasts free educational lessons and supplementary content to learners across Namibia via television and online platforms, with curriculum support and endorsement from the Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture.
About Future Media
Future Media is a leading Namibian multi‑platform media company that operates major radio stations and television/news brands, engaging audiences through broadcast, digital, and visual media.