Nepal is one of the finest locations for film and documentary making: it is an ancient civilization that even today maintains its ethnic and cultural diversity, with all their associated rituals, religions, and practices. It is also home to stunning biophysical and biological diversity. In terms of socio-economic life, there are many communities in Nepal that have not been explored yet, with many untold stories to discovered and chronicled. On the other hand, despite the nation being culturally rich, various communities have been marginalized and deprived of basic human needs. In Nepal, 25 percent of the people are living below the poverty line barely surviving on 50 cents per day. But, this part of the story is unknown to many as we lack the skills and expertise to bring them in the field of vision.
As people in the twenty-first century become increasingly busy they do not have time to hear to other people’s stories. However, a short considered message combined with artistic presentation can be effective and influential. Hence, making the audio-visual medium is a powerful tool for communication. In a short period of time you can produce an effective message, create a record of the past or present and inform the opinions of many people.
The major goal of the Film and Documentary Making Project is to produce effective short movies and documentaries which will help us communicate our cause to the world. By doing so, the journalism volunteers and interns will gain more knowledge, expertise, and confidence, while exploring the country’s cultural diversity. The journalism volunteers will have something great to showcase on their resume. The journalism mainly focuses on the most disadvantaged and marginalized population in the rural communities where we work. The project is expected to make these vulnerable people’s voices more powerful.
As a Film and Documentary Making volunteer or intern you will complete a documentary, promotional videos, and/or short film showcasing the story of people’s struggles, and the opportunities for overcoming challenges and building a better future for themselves and their communities. Our volunteers can work in or outside of the communities we support. If you chose to work inside the community, you can choose from any of VIN’s projects. We will support you by providing mentor-ships, project guidelines, a translator, as required. You will be involved in the entire process from research, concept, plan, short list to interview, footage and eventually, editing.
During your film and documentary making volunteer/internship placement you will live in a home stay with a Nepali family, either in Kathmandu or the community preferred by you. This will ensure you are immersed in Nepali life, language and culture and will help to inform your work. The Film and Documentary Making volunteer will do one or more of the following activities:
- Film and documentary making volunteers/ interns will have the opportunity to take videos/photos of communities and people you choose to work with.
- Construct an outline for your film and documentary through detailed conceptualization.
- Choose a subject that you find interesting and accessible to build a strong relevant documentary/film.
- Conduct a thorough background study and create a visionary step to focus a certain subject matter or set priority by VIN.
- Research and study your subject as thoroughly as possible.
- Analyze your interest, expertise and needs for making the documentary and at the same time cross-reference the subject.
- Produce a documentary or short movie focusing on a specific social cause that demands attention.
Project Specific Skills
- Education and working background on Film and documentary making.
- Technical skills (core film production and post production)
- Required to bring your own photographic equipment (Laptop, Video/audio recorder, lightening equipment etc.).
- Video concept / story writing.
- Experience in making high-quality educational and social movies is an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- Time management and leadership qualities
- Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
- Accepting of different ideas and culture
- Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
- Creative
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Video/Flim Shoot |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Work on the videos/film |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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