WeOwnTV: Idriss Kpange Filmmaker Fellowship

Dear GlobalGiving Community,

Thank you all so much for your support of the WeOwnTV: Idriss Kpange Filmmaker Fellowship. This is a projhect that is especially important to me and your support means the world. In this report we want to let you know about a special interim fellow who is receiving support through your generosity. 

Jonathan, the son of Idriss Kpange, has had an especially difficult time since his father's passing. Like his father, and many youth in Freetown today, he has been struggling to free himself from the clutches of drug abuse. Jonathan approached the team at WeOwnTV, looking for guidance and support for a film he wanted to make about his personal struggles and the larger epidemic the country is facing. We decided there could not be a more special fellow to receive our support and mentorship the year we are relaunching the fellowship in his father's name. We presented him this idea earlier in the summer. The timely intervention of this fellowship will in many ways play two key important roles. One, engage and support Jonathan within his craft. As a young aspiring filmmaker Jonathan has been fascinated with storytelling, and his life story as a young man in the crossroads serves as a cautionary tale for the youth of this country. Two, the making of this film through his eyes will open a conversation around young people and substance abuse whilst affecting the wider policy conversation around drug use in this country.

We are providing Jonathan a one year mentorship plan with equipment support for him to tell his story. We will use the funds of the fellowship for the purchase of basic camera and editing equipment which will be used in the production of Jonathan's story. At the end of the production and upon submission of the final film, we will release the equipment to Jonathan to continue the legacy of his father. We look forward to sharing updates.

With deepest gratitude,

Barmmy