The ‘Independent Filmmaking’ workshop led by filmmaker Ali Aabid demystified cinema by presenting film as both a craft and an accessible creative practice. Through immersive, hands on sessions, the workshop guided participants through the full arc of short form storytelling, from the initial spark of an idea to the completion of a video piece.
Across a series of experiential modules, participants explored key components of filmmaking: story conception, camera operation and visual language, lighting fundamentals, sound recording, and basic post-production. Emphasising resourcefulness, the workshop demonstrated how compelling films can be created with the tools at hand, including mobile phones.
His approach foregrounded process over perfection. Participants were encouraged to experiment, observe their environments, and develop their own creative voices. With its emphasis on personal expression and the multivocal nature of urban life, the workshop empowered emerging filmmakers to translate their ideas into resonant visual narratives.
