There are so many true stories out there that would make great films: a family member’s struggles to immigrate to a country, how a friend coped with a life event that changed everything, or the passion of that somebody who inspires you. These narratives require more than a snapshot to tell. But for a lack of time, money or belief often nobody has ever bothered to document these personal stories. After all, it takes the initiative from somebody within the community to sit down and start listening. And usually that person didn’t go to film school.

What would it take to encourage more people to pick up their smartphone and explore their community? For them to engage with the creative process to create a short film that describes what matters to them?

During my 17 week thesis at Umeå Institute of Design I would like to explore how to encourage the amateur film maker in all of us.