Learning, growing and making films in a diverse setting: Collaboration and reflection in a community-engagement video training programme

Abstract Stepping Stone community-engagement video training was launched in 2012 to open University of Cape Town film and media facilities, equipment and knowledge to a wider audience, linking university with non-university communities, and creating opportunities for creative collaboration and social interaction between diverse participants. The current curriculum and approach are the result of ongoing action research aimed at evolving the programme based on observation and reflection to best serve the diverse group of participants. One of the course assignments challenges participants to identify original concepts about their geographical communities and communities of interest, and generate content that will appeal to niche audiences that they are uniquely positioned to access. Another provides opportunities for in-service learning in a supportive environment. The aim of this article is to reflect on the ongoing design, implementation and impact of the project by asking: What strategies have been used to inform the design the course? Have they fostered an environment conducive to creative collaboration between diverse participants? And what impact has this had on the participants and their potential to work in the South African film and television industries?