The Kabataan News Network (KNN): Youth Films for Peace is a video production workshop series for 40 young people, aged 13 to 21, from different parts of Mindanao. The participants were chosen from over 120 applicants who wanted to take part in the two intensive workshops on peacebuilding and video production. The 6-day workshops were held in General Santos City from August 25 to 30, and in Cotabato City from September 4 to 9, 2010. The project was funded by the Japan Foundation Manila Office and organized by the Probe Media Foundation in cooperation with the Kids for Peace Foundation.
At the event, representatives from Kids for Peace Foundation and the Young Advocates for Peace discussed topics related to peace, including the history of the peace situation in Mindanao, peacebuilding, and being a peace advocate. In addition, there were sessions on video production led by Mr. Teng Mangansakan, a Mindanao-based filmmaker, and Mr. Naoaki Omiya, a Japan-based documentary filmmaker. The video production sessions covered topics such as the role of films in promoting peace, basic camera handling, and storytelling through images. Throughout the training and production, a team of adult facilitators provided assistance to the groups.
“The workshop has helped me a lot. At first, I had no idea about producing films but through this workshop, I was able to learn about video production, being patient and to have teamwork. I would like to impart what I have learned from this workshop to others,” shares Che, a member of the Young Advocates for Peace.
A total of ten (10) short films were produced during the two workshops. The stories explore different themes related to peace and understanding, including personal contentment, love and friendship between people of different religions, children in evacuation centers, and the impact of war on children and youth. The films received great appreciation, and the young participants were praised for their hard work.
"The film Bunkhouse made me cry,” shares Naoaki Omiya. “It is important that you keep in touch with the child. From this workshop, I have three main points to share: Firstly, it is important to have a good topic. Secondly, consider yourself, know yourself more and discuss with your group members. Lastly, it is important that you have the eye for a quality production. Congratulations!” he adds.
Arnie, from the Kids forPeace Foundation also shared their thoughts on the film,"Kalayanglayang ni Teng." "The symbolic message of the kite wasvery nice. It’s like telling us that it is in our hands how to achieve peace,"he adds.
The young participants organized local exhibitions in their respective schools and communities to showcase the films and share their workshop experiences. Ten (10) exhibits were held, with approximately 1,200 attendees who watched and evaluated the films. The exhibits aimed to exchange insights and foster peace among young people.
In March 2011, selected workshop participants reconvened to screen their films at two media summits. One screening took place at the Mindanao 2020 Workshop in Tagum City with 60 viewers and another at Alabel National Science High School with 200 viewers.
The materials were uploaded on the Kabataan News Network YouTube channel and the Facebook pages. Copies of a DVD compilation with English and Japanese subtitles were distributed to the participating organizations and other children and youth organizations in the Philippines and in Japan.
Here’s a list of the video stories produced. Visit the Resources Page to view their works.
- Bintana - about the education of children in evacuation centers by the Notre Dame University Cotabato Media Freqxs and Young Advocates for Peace
- Kalayanglayang ni Teng - about the 2008 Parang bombing by ARMM Regional Science High School Students
- Magkaisa - an original music video about unity by the KNN Sarangani - Alabel National Science High School Students
- Tagbaw - about personal peace and contentment by the Notre Dame University Engineering students
- The Way to Peace - about children and war by the STI Cotabato studentsBerks - about friendship between Muslims and Christians by the ARMM Regional Science HS & Cotabato Polytechnic students
- Bukang Liwayway - about children and organizations who help them by the KNN Sarangani - Alabel National Science HS
- Bunkhouse - about the effect of war on children by the Rehabilitation Center Youth Organization and Young Advocates for Peace
- The Road to Peace (Su Kambaso Ebpawang Sa Kalilintad) - about a reformed child combatant, now a peace worker by the Notre Dame University Cotabato Media Freqxs
- Beloved Mother and Father (Tayan Kong Ome’t Abe) - about inter-marriage by the ARMM Regional Science HS
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