me to capture what I am experienc-
ing here and give others an opportu-
nity to shift any preconceived ideas
around what it means to be a refugee,
for example, and hopefully be in-
spired and deepen as a human being.
In the process of raising awareness,
documentary films can also serve
to raise funds, and often inspire real
activism and change.
Documentary can create a truly
independent media that inspires
change outside of the traditional
corporate media structure we are
familiar with. If equipment could be
made available to even more people
around the world, an infinite number
of unheard stories would be brought
to the surface. James, a young film-
maker we met in Nakivale, told us
that he just wants to make people
laugh and feel happy, if only for a few
moments. “If I can make them smile
or laugh, in that moment they are not
traumatized—they are alive.“
I think that perfectly sums up
the power of making and watching
documentary films. It allows you to
become immersed in a special story
and to forget yourself for a moment in
such a way that when you do return
to yourself, you are more inspired,
more alive and with heart wide open.
“That’s what I like about Opportu-
nigee and all of these projects. We are
supporting each other. Without that
we can’t survive,” Patrick noted. This
is what documentary can do. It raises
awareness and dissolves boundaries
to help us realize that we are all in it
together. We are able to support and
empower each other which in turn
will help us to work towards a more
peaceful and caring world.
Jacob Wise is a documentary filmmaker who
focuses on projects championing social and en-
vironmental causes. He is returning to Uganda to
continue the project in early 2018. You can view
his work at www.jwiseproductions.com.
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