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Community Documentary Workshop

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Community Documentary Workshop

A hands-on community documentary workshop where students learn to uncover local stories through research, fieldwork, oral history, and visual storytelling.

In-school

60 minutes each

Topic 1: Introduction to Community and Documentary Storytelling

This opening workshop introduces the core concepts of “community” and “documentary photography.” Through inspiring examples of community-based documentary work, students will learn how images can record everyday life, preserve memory, and highlight social realities. Participants will also reflect on the meaning and purpose of documentary storytelling from multiple perspectives.

Topic 2: Documentary Production and Theme Development

This workshop guides students through the key steps of producing documentary photography and video. Participants will learn how to define an overall theme for a community documentary, conduct desk-based research, and understand the background of the neighbourhood they wish to document. The session builds a strong foundation for meaningful and focused storytelling.

Topic 3: Fieldwork and Community Observation

Documentary storytelling begins in the field. In this workshop, students will learn the principles and practical applications of fieldwork, including how to observe local characteristics, engage respectfully with communities, and capture authentic moments. The session also covers key preparation and focus points for successful on-site exploration.

Topic 4: Oral History and Documentary Planning

This workshop introduces the role of oral history in documentary work. Students will learn how interviews can capture historically meaningful perspectives and personal memories that images alone cannot convey. Participants will also practise finding oral history materials, conducting and recording interviews, and developing a filming outline and production plan for their community documentary project.

Topic 5: Group Sharing and Documentary Presentation

In the final workshop, student groups will present and share their community documentary. Through peer feedback and guided reflection, participants will learn from one another’s approaches, storytelling choices, and community perspectives. This session celebrates student creativity while encouraging thoughtful improvement and dialogue.

Training overview

Topic 1: Introduction to Community and Documentary Storytelling

What makes documentary photography different from ordinary images?
How can documentary work reveal community life and identity?
Why does documenting everyday stories matter?

Topic 2: Documentary Production and Theme Development

What are the essential steps in creating a community documentary?
How do we choose a theme that gives a project focus and meaning?
How can research help us understand a community before filming?

Topic 3: Fieldwork and Community Observation

What should we pay attention to when documenting a community on-site?
How can observation help us capture authentic local stories?
What ethical considerations matter during fieldwork?

Topic 4: Oral History and Documentary Planning

How does oral history add historical depth to documentary storytelling?
What makes an interview meaningful and respectful?
How can we turn research and interviews into a clear filming plan?

Topic 5: Group Sharing and Documentary Presentation

How can documentaries communicate community stories to others?
What can we learn from different groups’ storytelling approaches?
How does sharing help improve and deepen documentary work?

Tour Information

We reserve the right to make changes to the information, prices and itineraries of the tours as set out in our website and all printed promotional materials. Provided that such changes have been made prior to the confirmation of a booking, such changes shall be binding on the participants.
Any information or advice provided by us on matters including but not limited to walking routes, climate, clothing, travel documents, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of us.
All information provided on our website is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot assure that such information would be free from errors or omission and we shall assume no responsibilities for any such errors of omission.
Our website may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned and operated by third parties. We have no control over, or associate with, such sites and we assume no responsibilities for the contents of such sites. The inclusion of such sites on our website does not imply our endorsement of such sites.
We do not warrant that our website would be free from computer viruses and we accept no liabilities or responsibilities for any loss or damage that may arise as a result.

Bad Weather Policy

If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued three hours before the tour starts, the tour will be canceled.
If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued during the tour, the tour will be canceled immediately.
If the tour needs to be canceled due to other adverse weather conditions, we will contact you by phone at least 2.5 hours before the tour. (If there is no response, we will follow up with an SMS or email.)
If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather on the day, we will work with you to reschedule a new date within six months from the original tour date.

Tour Reminder

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
Each participant may bring their own 3.5mm plug headphone if they have one for the wireless transmitter/receiver system which will be used on the tour. The guide will provide them a new one otherwise, but for hygienic and environmental reasons participants are strongly suggested to bring their own earphones if possible.
There is a possibility that our organization may take photographs or videos during the guided tour, and these captured images or footage may be used for future promotion and publicity. If participants do not agree with this arrangement, please inform the tour guide or organizer during registration and on the day of the event.

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