Client Spotlight: Capturing Stories That Matter Through Film

Photo: Hereditary Chief Francis Johnson of Esk’etemc speaks to the crowd. Photo credit: Kiwi Man Creative

We often say that communication is about sharing ideas and information with one another. Sometimes that happens through written stories and sometimes, it happens through film.

Recently, our team with Liam Hall of Kiwi Man Creative, had the privilege of working alongside Esk’etemc to create a video highlighting Stsmémelt re Esk’et, a gathering focused on celebrating children, strengthening families, and reconnecting community members with their culture, their land, and one another.

While the finished film is only a few minutes long, the journey to get to the finished story involved weeks of planning, collaboration, and care, on top of the months of planning by the organizers to create an amazing event!

In our work as communicators, we see how film or video have a unique ability to tell stories in a way that words alone cannot. It allows people to hear voices, see expressions, witness emotions, and experience moments as they unfold, sometimes in locations they’ll never have the chance to visit. Using film to share this story, it was our hope that audiences could feel the excitement of children participating in traditional dance, learning, and land tours, the pride of Elders sharing their knowledge, and the emotion that comes with families reconnecting through culture and community.

These are the moments that matter.

What many people don't see is everything that happens behind the scenes before a camera is ever turned on.

Projects like this begin with conversations. We spend time listening and learning about the objectives of the project, the people involved, and the stories that need to be told. From there, our team develops storyboards, identifies interview opportunities, coordinates filming logistics, and works through approvals to ensure everyone is comfortable and represented respectfully.

For a project involving children and families, there are additional considerations. Permissions and approvals need to be secured, filming plans carefully coordinated, and every step approached with sensitivity and respect for the community.

Once filming is complete, the real storytelling begins.

Hours of footage are reviewed. Interviews are carefully woven together. Music, imagery, and pacing are selected to reflect the spirit of the story. Multiple rounds of edits help ensure the final product accurately reflects the voices, experiences, and vision of the people involved. The result is more than a film.

Photo: A grandfather and grandson sharing a traditional dance. Photo credit: Kiwi Man Creative

It becomes a record of a moment in time. A way to preserve stories. A tool for sharing culture, celebrating progress, and helping others understand the importance of the work being done.

We are incredibly grateful to Esk’etemc for trusting our team to help tell this story.

For us in watching the final video, what stands out most is not the production itself. It is the joy of the children, the pride of families, the strength of community, and the connection to culture and land. These are the stories we love telling because we’re learning right alongside you!

We invite you to enjoy this beautiful film >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LGG5PLjbug 

Photo: Elders gathered for the Stsmémelt event welcoming ceremony. Photo credit: Kiwi Man Creative