DOCUMENTARY FILM SEMINAR
Be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and heart to create powerful films that inspire hope and transform lives.
DOCUMENTARY FILM SEMINAR
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: /
TYPE: FLW COURSE
(In Person Learning)
UOFN CREDITS: 1 CREDITS
PREREQUISITE: /
The world is full of stories waiting to be told. Stories of faith, resilience, justice, hope, and transformation. Through documentary film, we have the opportunity to listen deeply, uncover truth, and share stories that inspire people and reveal God’s work in the world.
The Documentary Film Seminar is a hands-on, intensive experience designed to equip aspiring filmmakers, missionaries, creatives, and storytellers with the tools to find, craft, and communicate meaningful stories. Drawing from the core teaching and practical elements of our 12-week Documentary Film School, this seminar offers a condensed introduction to documentary storytelling and filmmaking. Participants will learn the foundations of the craft—from discovering a story and conducting interviews to filming, editing, and creating a compelling narrative.
Whether you are completely new to documentary filmmaking or looking to develop your skills further, this seminar will help you grow as a storyteller and explore how film can be used to bring hope, challenge perspectives, and make a lasting impact.
“MAKE VISIBLE WHAT WITHOUT YOU MIGHT PERHAPS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN”
Step into the world of documentary filmmaking and bring hidden stories to light!
OCTOBER 2026
COSTS: Non YWAM
The seminar runs from 14–23 October (10 days).
Seminar Fee: £145
This covers participation in the seminar only and does not include food or accommodation.
Optional Additional Costs
- Food (10 days): £100
- Accommodation (9 nights): £180
Total Cost Options
- Seminar only: £145
- Seminar + Food: £245
- Seminar + Accommodation: £325
- Seminar + Food + Accommodation: £425
Food and accommodation are optional and can be added according to your needs.
COSTS: YWAM
The seminar runs from 14–23 October (10 days).
Seminar Fee: £105
This covers participation in the seminar only and does not include food or accommodation.
Optional Additional Costs
- Food (10 days): £100
- Accommodation (9 nights): £180
Total Cost Options
- Seminar only: £105
- Seminar + Food: £205
- Seminar + Accommodation: £240
- Seminar + Food + Accommodation: £340
Food and accommodation are optional and can be added according to your needs.
COSTS: YH Staff
The seminar runs from 14–23 October (10 days).
Seminar Fee: £75
This covers participation in the seminar only and does not include food or accommodation.
Optional Additional Costs
- Food (10 days): £100
- Accommodation (9 nights): £180
Total Cost Options
- Seminar only: £75
- Seminar + Food: £175
- Seminar + Accommodation: £210
- Seminar + Food + Accommodation: £310
Food and accommodation are optional and can be added according to your needs.
SEMINAR CONTENT
- Story discovery and development
- Interviewing techniques
- Documentary story structure
- Camera and visual storytelling
- Sound recording
- Editing fundamentals
- Storytelling for mission and social impact
Participants will work together to create a short documentary film, applying what they learn throughout the seminar.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, missionary, content creator, media enthusiast, or simply someone with a passion for meaningful stories, this seminar will equip you with practical documentary storytelling skills and a deeper understanding of how film can be used to communicate truth, inspire hope, and bring transformation.
Film the unseen stories that change lives.
Screening DFS group projects 2026
SEMINAR FACILITATORS
The Documentary Film Seminar is facilitated by members of the Documentary Film Collective at YWAM Harpenden: Jonathan de Jong, Johanneke de Jong, and Matthew Williams.
Rooted in faith and a passion for storytelling, the Collective creates documentary films that reveal hope, highlight transformation, and tell stories that matter. Drawing on years of experience in filmmaking, training, and missions, the team is committed to equipping others to use film as a tool for truth, hope, and positive change.
Their desire is to help a new generation of storytellers learn how to listen well, tell stories with integrity, and create films that make a lasting impact. At the same time, they are committed to producing meaningful documentary stories that reveal hope, highlight transformation, and inspire positive change in the world.