DOCUMENTARY FILM SCHOOL
Be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and heart to create powerful films that inspire hope and transform lives.
DOCUMENTARY FILM SCHOOL
Be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and heart to create powerful films that inspire hope and transform lives.
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 an intensive training program designed to equip a new generation of passionate storytellers with the skills, knowledge, and heart needed to create impactful documentary films. As a filmmaking course within the University of the Nations (UofN), under the College of Communications, the DFS is a place where even beginners can develop strong technical skills and gain hands-on experience in every stage of the filmmaking process.
Through a combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exploration of God’s heart for storytelling, students will gain an in-depth foundation in documentary film and video production, from concept development to production and post-production. The school focuses on using film as a tool for transformation, helping students craft compelling stories that bring hope and inspire change.
“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 seek to connect to God’s heart and gain a deeper understanding of how visual storytelling can address real needs in the world and bring Kingdom values to life. Through practical assignments and hands-on experience, students will write, shoot, and edit projects using professional equipment, while working both individually and in teams.
“MAKE VISIBLE WHAT WITHOUT YOU MIGHT PERHAPS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN”
Step into the world of documentary filmmaking and bring hidden stories to light!
JANUARY 2026
Arrival Date: Wednesday, 7 January, 2026
Departure Date: Saturday, 4 April, 2026
Cost: £2950 plus £550 (lab fee)
COURSE CONTENT
What you will learn:
- Pre-Production: Researching documentary subjects, developing story concepts, writing proposals, scriptwriting and production planning.
- Production: Interviewing techniques, managing a production, camera techniques, lighting and sound capture, graphics and teamwork in collaborative projects.
- Post-Production & Distribution: Preparing for the edit, project organisation, editing, sound design, color correction, crafting a compelling narrative, and strategies for distribution and social media impact.
- Spirit-Led Filmmaking: Listening for God’s direction in the creative process and using film as a tool for transformation and social impact.
Throughout the three-month school, students will screen and critique individual and group projects, receiving mentorship and guidance from teachers who teach and supervise hands-on exercises. The school emphasises excellence, relevance, and effective communication, ensuring that by the end of the course, students will have acquired the technical skills necessary to write, produce, and market their own documentary stories.
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. This field assignment may have additional costs depending on the location where we will be spending this time.
OPTIONAL INTERNSHIP
Beyond the course, we also offer a Documentary Film Internship for those who want to further develop their skills through hands-on experience in real-world projects. Internships can take place on campus or in external locations, depending on the project and individual arrangements. Details about the internship can be discussed during the course.
SCHOOL LEADERS
Jonathan and Johanneke de Jong
Jonathan and Johanneke de Jong are the leaders of the Documentary Film School at YWAM Harpenden, where they bring their experience and passion for using storytelling to impact lives. Originally from the Netherlands and Brazil, they have dedicated themselves to leveraging the power of documentary filmmaking as a means of social transformation and spreading God’s love. Their work focuses on training students to find and tell compelling stories that are rooted in God’s heart and truth, leading Spirit-led productions that inspire hope and understanding.
With years of experience in organising and leading documentary seminars across the world, Jonathan and Johanneke are deeply committed to equipping others to use film as a tool for social change. Their passion is to guide students in discovering their unique voices, empowering them to craft stories that contribute to the Kingdom of God and make a lasting difference in the world.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this school, please email: admissions@ywamharpenden.org