My name is Nuhu Hakeem; I am a social worker and the Communications Director of Mother of all Nations Foundation, a youth-led NGO which is committed to transforming the lives of young people. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Change Communication from the University for Development Studies where I graduated in 2018.
My passion for filmmaking started in my University days where I had the opportunity to learn courses like Videography, fundamentals of video arts, and documentary production albeit they were mostly theoretical. I always thought of how one day I can use film to tell the story of vulnerable groups from an unknown and creative point of view.
I and other friends on campus shot a film series in 2017, chapters. I played the role of a character in the story. However due to lack of sponsors, the film never aired.
I fell in love with YMCA when I happened to be given a free DVD when I came to the Ghana Tech Summit last year. Almost all the films on the DVD were interesting and educative. So, from there I started following their activities on Facebook. I enrolled in their virtual film class during the lockdown. Later we had the announcement that there will be an onsite film training coming off. So, I immediately signed up and the rest was history.
My plans for filmmaking prior to the workshop was to be able to master the art of documentary production. I and the research department of the organisation I am with are working on a study about COVID-19 and its impact on children’s education. We decided, as part of the data collection tool, we want to tell the story of a child who has been negatively affected by the pandemic through the film medium.
I have learnt to appreciate the power of teamwork; having more than one person working on a project is more fruitful and successful than doing it alone. Diversity is very imperative in filmmaking especially. I have also learnt about how to set agenda through filmmaking. One of the key things I also had from the training is the Non-violent communication; this allows people from diverse backgrounds work together in harmony to ensure success. Aside the things I learned from the training, I met wonderful people who in their own right are trying to change the narrative of filmmaking in the country. I also now have genuine people I can rely on forever.
Initially I thought filmmaking was easy, but now I appreciate the efforts filmmakers put in to ensure we are educated, informed, and entertained. I have decided to work with some of the trainees and trainers after the Right On Workshop.
YMCA/WELTFILME can develop a space where young and enthusiastic filmmakers like myself can share their ideas and experience among themselves.
First and foremost, I am grateful to the Almighty for making me a part of the Ghana YMCA/Weltfilme workshop. Secondly to the abled and down to earth facilitators: Mr. Goddy, Mr. Nkrumah, Mr. Mankata, Mr. Shakiru, Mr. Asare, and the rest of the YMCA family. I am forever indebted to them for making me benefit from their knowledge and experience.
Meda moase! Akpena! Oyiwalador! Vielin Danke!
Nuhu Hakeem,
Participant, Right On Film Training workshop (Accra)
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