Four years and 111 film festivals later, we think it is time to expand and try to set up the Cine Campesino Photo and Film Institute. The Institute will consist of the following proyects and programs.

Festivals will be continually produced throughout Honduras. These day events will celebrate the difficult yet beautiful life of the Campesino (farmer). Content and process is designed to stimulate the self-awareness, creativity, and cooperation at the heart of the development process. Post-film discussion will focus on the power of freedom of expression and honest dialogue. Marginalized communities we serve with our films and festivals will become a major part of the Institute, for the very reason that there can be no true revolution without the people.

One week introductory programs are open to youth from marginalized communities throughout Honduras. These programs introduce students to an over-view of film making; the history of the international and Latin American film industry; the funding, distribution, and consumption of film; as well as a hands-on film making experience. This program is free to students and includes food, lodging, transport, and all materials. Honduran youth making up our workshops will be the real stars of the Cine Campesino Photo and Film Institute.

Advanced study programs are open to youth showing promise and interest in film making. The advanced study program begins with an in-depth examination of the topics covered in the introductory program. Students then begin to work on their own projects, under the one-on-one tutelage of the Institute Director. These local youths will be trained to eventually run the institute, conforming to our commitment to promote self-sufficiency.

Coordination of Honduran film community events will take place at the Institute. The Institute’s open door policy aims to foster a national film culture. We will host workshops, seminars, and members of the international film community will contribute to the Institute with their experience and expertise. We will also promote inter- and intra-national cultural exchanges. Our collaborators include the New Latin American Film Institute in Cuba, a group of budding Honduran film makers, development organizations actively promoting the arts in Honduras, and the film departments of several major universities in several countries. Our board of directors will represent the various communities that comprise the Institute. A full-time Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Institute.

The Cine Campesino Photo and Film Institute is a collaborative effort.