DOCUMENTARY FILM SCHOOL
Give a new generation of passionate storytellers practical tools in the area of visual media
DOCUMENTARY FILM SCHOOL
Give a new generation of passionate storytellers practical tools in the area of visual media
This course is part of the College of Communications from the University of the Nations Colleges and Centres.
COURSE CODE: CMC 273
TYPE: FLW COURSE
(Full learning weeks)
UOFN CREDITS: 12 CREDITS
PREREQUISITE: YWAM-DTS
The Documentary Film School (DFS) is designed to give a new generation of passionate storytellers practical tools in the area of visual media.
It is a course where you can come in as a beginner and leave with some seriously good skills! The DFS is a filmmaking course in the University of the Nations, within the College of Communications.
“A documentary film is a form that allows us to walk in another’s shoes, to build a sense of shared humanity, that gives voice to the marginalised and the scorned, that strives to hold those in power to account.”
During the course, we want to connect to God’s heart and get a bigger understanding of how visual storytelling can contribute to needs in the world and bring kingdom values to life. Through practical assignments and hands-on practice, we will give you an in-depth view of documentary film and video production, from very basic skills to more complex concepts. You will write, shoot, and edit projects using adequate equipment.
Individual and group projects will be screened and critiqued throughout the three month school. Industry professionals will teach and supervise hands on exercises and practical assignments. The school emphasises excellence, relevance, and effective communication.
By the end of the three months, you will have acquired the technical skills necessary to write, produce, and market your story.
ARE YOU READY TO EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE?
This course will help you to grow in your technical skills necessary to write, produce, and market your story.
SCHOOL LEADERS

Jonathan de Jong
Jonathan is from the Netherlands and was living in Brazil until recently. He now makes his home at YWAM Harpenden, England with his wife and daughters. He is passionate about creating visual media that can contribute to bringing change in the lives of others.
Jonathan loves solving visual problems and has a heart for creating bridges through Documentary Film encouraging others to be part of a bigger vision.
AUTUMN 2024
Date: TBC
Cost: £2950 plus £550 (activity fee)
COURSE CONTENT
The DFS provides training in topics such as:
- Pre-production
- Researching documentary subjects.
- Development of concepts
- Writing proposals
- Scriptwriting
- Project funding
- Production
- Interviewing Techniques
- Managing your Production
- Documentary craft
- Camera Techniques
- Graphics
- Lighting and Sound Capture
- Teamwork and film roles
- Post Production
- Preparing for the edit
- Editing
- Distribution and Social Media
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The DFS is planning a field assignment in the final month of the school where we will learn documentary filmmaking in a group project. We are targeting a location with a focus on the Lost, the Least and the Needy. This field assignment will have additional costs depending on the location where we will be spending this time.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this school, please email: admissions@ywamharpenden.org
6 Highfield Oval, Harpenden, AL5 4BX, UK
ywamharpenden.org is the official website of Youth With A Mission Harpenden, a ministry of YWAM International and YWAM England.
Registered charity number 1156783. Company registration number 8807913 in England and Wales.
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