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Our Trainings Around the Globe

If Not Us Then Who? works with Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local community creatives—filmmakers and photographers—supporting their journey to becoming professional storytellers. Since 2013, we’ve amplified voices from across the tropical forest regions through curated peer-to-peer learning spaces, mentorship, training, and global distribution opportunities.

Our Training Programs foster authentic, participatory storytelling, rooted in land rights, local sovereignty, and ancestral knowledge. Participants collaborate with Indigenous and non-Indigenous mentors, engage in peer learning, and develop impactful creative projects.

In 2024, we expanded our reach across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, working with emerging filmmakers in India, Kenya, Uganda, Belize, Mexico, Chile, Indonesia, and the DRC—continuing our commitment to storytelling that shifts narratives and drives change.

Through regional partnerships, our training sessions reached more than 75 additional participants. Each of these programs was designed with deep respect for the cultural contexts of the regions involved.

Strengthening our Community Storytelling

INUTW Microgrants Program

A funding initiative developed in early 2025 by our Training Department – the Microgrants Program’s goal is to support Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Local Community communicators and storytellers from around the globe. This initiative is exclusively for individuals and collectives who have graduated from our programs or are part of our network of creatives.

Bridging the funding gap for on-the-ground filmmakers and photographers, enabling alumni and network members to continue their storytelling, creative work, and career development. Through direct financial support, we support strengthening community-led storytelling.

This is a trust-based, low-bureaucracy fund. Selected creatives receive funds directly without needing approvals for specific purchases. As deliverables, the creatives complete surveys throughout the year to share project updates and reflect on progress.

Supported by the Perspective Fund, in 2025, we awarded 20 grants of up to $2,000 USD each, supporting 20 independent film and photography projects aligned with INUTW’s mission. Applications were open to projects at any stage, from development to distribution.

Images: Samai Gualinga

Our Training Programs

The Residency Program

A next-level program for Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local filmmakers and photographers. Building on the success of our Emerging Filmmakers Program, this residency supports artists ready to deepen their storytelling and artistic expression.

Participants develop projects that highlight their communities and tackle urgent social and environmental issues. The program provides the tools, skills, and platforms to amplify their voices and expand the reach and impact of their stories.

In partnership with AMAN and the Land Tenure Facility.


Emerging Filmmakers Mentorship Program

An online entry-level mentorship initiative designed to guide aspiring filmmakers to build their skills and confidence. The program offers tailored guidance for new filmmakers to build their skills, confidence, and creative vision. Through one-on-one mentorship and masterclasses with industry professionals, participants learn the essential tools for creating impactful short films and growing within a supportive community of filmmakers.

Supported by the Climate and Land Use Alliance (CLUA), the Perspective Fund, and the Tenure Facility.


Community Thriving Narratives

Launched with Health In Harmony, this peer-led initiative trained over 40 participants from the Indigenous communities of Alto Playón, Puerto Lara (including the Emberá), and Arimae. Through three-day in-person workshops, participants received smartphones, editing tools, and ongoing mentorship to create short films highlighting conservation, traditional knowledge, and economic resilience. As part of the “Promoting Indigenous Nature-Based Business Models” project, the initiative promotes narrative sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development within Indigenous communities.


Congo Training: Communication and Leadership Program

Launched with REPALEAC, this program trained 22 communicators from their network in Douala, Cameroon. Using a hybrid format of virtual and in-person workshops, participants received mobile journalism kits and developed leadership and strategic communication skills to amplify conservation messages for sustainable management of the Congo Basin’s ecosystems. This initiative is made possible with support from the Skoll Foundation and the Tenure Facility.


The program culminated in a final showcase at the First Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and local communities from the Forest Basins in May 2025, highlighting participants’ achievements and impact.

Our work has been to support community media creators with the tools, capacity building, and connections they need to protect their land, celebrate their culture, and challenge dominant narratives through powerful audiovisuals. From mentorships to microgrants, from residencies to on-the-ground filmmaking Workshop — our programs are rooted in respect, autonomy, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

Yurshell Rodríguez I Head of The Global Training Programs

Meet the Training Team

Support the journey

Support the next round of Microgrants & Training Programs cohorts by contributing to capacity-building and direct funding for Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Local Community creatives.

Donate

Contact us

Do you have questions or would like to get in touch with us about our training programs? Please feel free to reach out through the provided contact information, and we’ll be delighted to connect with you.

Contact us here