Kristen McNaule, Documentary Production, Class of 2010
Posted on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Kristen McNaule, Graduate of the Documentary Production Program shot a film in Sierra Leone
My experience in Sierra Leone was amazing. I spent a few weeks with a partner from the Documentary Production Program producing a documentary about social entrepreneurship in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. We met with a variety of organizations, including: AUCAYD, a youth led organization that uses music to heal war affected young people, as well as provide IT training and education free to people who otherwise would not be able to afford it; Mind To Change is run by a former child soldier and helps provide a social network and skills training to other former child combatants which are numerous in Sierra Leone; Good Shepherds School for Orphans, which provides free access to education for orphans, as well as vocational training for some of the large percentage of women who have been condemned to prostitution due to economic hardships in the country; and Amputee and War Wounded Association provides lodging, support and activities for those amputated or injured during the war. We were able to watch an amputee soccer game, which was incredible to see because all of the players have only one leg.
We were fortunate to be working with WWOOF, an organization that provides accommodation to community volunteers. They helped us connect with a lot of these different organizations, so we had a very diverse range of experiences. We even had an interview with a regional representative for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which was exciting for me because I am a huge United Nations geek. It was very strange for me to see such a huge UN presence, particularly in Kenema, because I have only ever seen their headquarters in New York City, never what it is like on the ground in countries in need. In Kenema we stayed around the corner from a UNHCR (High Commission for Refugees) location, and we were down the road from a World Food Program and Development Program site. It was strange to see because I’m not used to being somewhere so dependent on foreign aid. Another thing that was very exciting for me was being given the key to the city of Kenema by the Deputy Mayor. I’ve never held the key to the city before!
Everyone in Sierra Leone wanted to make sure we felt very safe and welcome in their communities. There were a lot of very generous people we met. The editing of the documentary was completed about two weeks ago, just in time for the deadline for the Cannes Short Film Corner. I am very excited that my video will be part of Cannes Film Festival, and am looking forward to leaving for France one week from tomorrow! The people I worked with in Sierra Leone are also very excited to have representation at such a large and prestigious event because they are happy to show the world how far Sierra Leone has come since their brutal decade long civil war.
My partner Reagan and I both had an incredible time. It was great meeting some of the most ambitious people I’ve ever seen, and their hope and perseverance was inspiring. Despite all the hardships they have faced in their lives, and continue to face as the country ranked third lowest on the United Nations Human Development Index, they “keep the fire burning”.
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