Launched in December 2024, this initiative was developed by INUTW and Health In Harmony to amplify the voice of Indigenous communities in Panama through storytelling and media training.
The program supported more than 40 individuals from three Indigenous communities: Alto Playón, Puerto Lara (including the Emberá community), and four representatives from Arimae.
Participants engaged in three-day in-person workshops in each community, where they received hands-on training to develop their own narratives.
To enhance their storytelling capabilities, participants were provided with essential tools, including smartphones and app licenses for video editing.
These workshops were part of the project “Promoting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models,” aimed at strengthening narrative sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development within Indigenous communities.
Our Purpose
To support Indigenous communities in Panama by amplifying their voices through culturally rooted storytelling that connects environmental protection with community health and sustainable livelihoods.
In alignment with Health In Harmony’s approaches for health and ecosystem protection, and If Not Us Then Who’s commitment to narrative sovereignty and climate justice, this initiative supports locally led content creation, and legal integrity through Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)— connecting storytelling with systems change, community resilience, and climate justice.
Workshops
The agenda introduced participants to the foundational principles of community cinema and its relevance in preserving and sharing local stories. Hands-on training covered the use of mobile phones and cameras, along with essential techniques in framing, lighting, and sound. Participants also worked on developing ideas, writing scripts, and planning production workflows. The workshop concluded with an overview of shooting and editing processes, providing participants with a comprehensive introduction to community-based audiovisual storytelling.
Watch the Films
Short films produced during the workshop, demonstrating participants’ ability to apply cinematic techniques and collaborate creatively.
Premiere on November 3rd at 9AM PT // 6PM CEST
Our Impact: Promoting Dialogue & Shared Learning
To foster creative collaboration, WhatsApp groups were created, serving as platforms for continued communication, idea exchange, and peer support in content creation. The workshop also played a key role in strengthening relationships between Local communities, promoting dialogue, shared learning, and social cohesion. The active participation of 40 individuals reflected a strong community commitment to storytelling and reinforced the potential for sustaining and expanding future audiovisual initiatives.
Meet the Mentors
To amplify the voices of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Latin America within global conversations, we are proud to introduce two mentors who will guide participants through the development of their cinematographic projects.
These mentors will support participants at every stage of the creative process, including introducing cinematographic projects, brainstorming ideas, writing, production, pre- and post-production, editing, and on-the-field sessions to bring their ideas to life.
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Ulu Films Alcibíades Rodríguez is a photographer, filmmaker, and community facilitator. He is a co-founder of the collective group Ul…
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Ulu Films Julieth Arias is an Indigenous Guna Dule visual artist from Panama, working across photography, digital art, and filmmaking w…
Supported by
INUTW is working with Health in Harmony and trusted local partners—including Indigenous organizations, cultural facilitators, and artists to co-design and implement this Training. These partnerships ensure that our training remains contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and responsive to local needs and honoring their traditions.
Contact us
Do you have questions or would you like to get in touch with us about this training program? Please feel free to reach out through the provided contact information, and we’ll be delighted to connect with you.