A Platform For

Creative Expression

In Social Justice Media

Participants in a Third World Newsreel advanced training session, highlighting TWN’s focus on hands-on learning in film and media production.

A Platform For

Creative Expression

In Social Justice Media

The TWN Production Workshop is a focused six-month initiative supporting aspiring filmmakers who are committed to social justice media. Now in its 47th year, the workshop is designed to develop practical skills within a collaborative environment. It targets participants from historically underrepresented communities, providing access to essential filmmaking resources and opportunities. The deadline to send applications is January 31st, 2025.

Join Us At A Production Workshop

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Duration

6-month intensive course, with weekly classes and bi-weekly Saturday labs starting in March.

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Comprehensive Curriculum

Covers research, scripting, production, and editing. Participants create their own short film.

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Expert Instructors

Learn from professionals active in the industry.

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Focus

Ideal for those interested in creating films about social issues.

Commitment & Requirements

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Time Commitment

Classes meet virtually once a week at 6:00 PM, plus every other Saturday for in-person equipment training labs.

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Requirements

Attend all sessions and fulfill pre-production to post-production demands. Previous production is beneficial but not mandatory. Essential qualities include self-initiative, openness to feedback, collaboration, and meeting deadlines.

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Capacity

Up to 10 participants. Selection involves a written application, interview and recommendations.

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Cost

$600 (payment in installments available).

Celebrating Our
Graduates

Step into our gallery of Production Workshop graduates, where we applaud their commitment to social justice media. Whether they're just beginning their adventures or already leaving a mark on the world, we recognize and celebrate their unique paths.

Celebrating Our
Graduates

Celebrating Our Graduates

Their Words: Stories Of Transformation And Impact

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story.

Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee
,
Documentary Filmmaker & twn Workshop Graduate

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee, Documentary Filmmaker & twn Workshop Graduate

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee, Documentary Filmmaker & twn Workshop Graduate

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee, Documentary Filmmaker & twn Workshop Graduate

“It wasn’t until I took a film workshop at TWN that I actually believed that I could make a film.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Yance Ford
,
Oscar-Nominated Director and TWN Production Workshop Graduate

“Technique for us is secondary. The people themselves have a rich life experience, a knowledge of history and their culture and community organization. And these people are far more qualified to make films than people who have learned their skills in a school."

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Christine Choy
,
Co-Founder of Third World Newsreel and Oscar Nominated Director

“I learned to shoot and edit on video, but the most important thing I learned was how to collaborate with people on the stories that mattered to us.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Grace Lee
,
Director of American Revolutionary (2014) & The Grace Lee Project (2005)

“TWN Production Program serves as a gateway for emerging makers to move forward – several have managed with their workshop film projects to then enter the elite film schools, others have gone straight into the field, including colleagues that I work with in the industry now.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Sam Pollard
,
Oscar and Emmy nominated Director/Producer/Editor

“It was a great experience that I continue to cherish."

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Cyrille Phipps
,
Independent Filmmaker

“I learned so much both technically and artistically and now feel connected to a community of people who share my values as a filmmaker.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

​Zahida Pirani
,
2014 TWN Production Workshop​ Graduate

“I always felt supported by the facilitators Chrystian Rodriguez, Danny Kim and JT Takagi. They helped me develop my proposal further and taught me the technical aspects to bring it to life.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Francheska Alcantara
,
2016 TWN Production Workshop Graduate and independent artist/media maker

“The strength and value of TWN’s production program continues to impact other filmmakers like me, in finding community, mentorship, resources, and education in filmmaking.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Corinne Cueva
,
Filmmaker & Program Coordinator of Camp Reel Stories

“I made lifelong collaborators and found a rich filmmaking community through the fellowship cohort. I am so grateful for my experience with TWN for helping me find my creative voice and a BIPOC queer filmmaking community.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Vi Tuong Bui
,
2022 TWN Production Workshop Graduate and Director of Thời Thơ Ấu (Childhood)

“It was refreshing and inspiring to be around other value-driven, community-oriented, and social-justice-oriented filmmakers.”

When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Phoenix Ra
,
2023 TWN Production Workshop Graduate

From Concept to Screen: The Journey of Our Workshops

Two women filming outdoors in a Third World Newsreel workshop, focusing on director-centered, hands-on training for aspiring filmmakers.

From Concept To Screen: The Journey Of Our Workshops

Joining our Production Workshop begins with a simple application. Our program involves practical training, mentorship, and collaborative project work, culminating in a finished project that speaks to social justice issues. Expect an experience that enriches both your skills and your perspective.

Apply Now