Sister Crispina, a subject of The Pamoja Project

Kallan Benjamin ’14 is the associate producer of  The Pamoja Project, a documentary film that will be shot this summer in Tanzania. The filmmaking team has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund their flights, baggage fees, and equipment purchase and rental. Donations to the campaign go directly to production via the fiscal sponsor From the Heart Productions, a non-profit organization. Every team and crew member is volunteering their time and talents and 100% of any profits made will go toward supporting the women in the film and other community leaders in Tanzania. Pamoja means “together” in Swahili, and together with crowdfunding supporters they hope to make this film a success.

Though still in pre-production, The Pamoja Project will be a 30 minute documentary film that shares the incredible story of three Tanzanian women working tirelessly to create real change for the people of Tanzania. Along with promoting cross cultural understanding, it will illuminate what these women have to teach about development, leadership, and improving one’s community. By shadowing the women on a day-to-day basis and listening to their obstacles and victories, the film will paint a vivid image of an untold story of Africa — one filled with hope, love, and positive change. These women hold the answers and it’s their turn to talk.

Director Audrey Emerson says, “We decided to launch an Indiegogo campaign because we wanted to get as many people as possible involved in this project. This film is part of a movement that’s going to change how we view developing countries and how we view women in developing countries.” The team is excited to use the power of crowdfunding to involve supporters in the whole process of creating this powerful film, from pre-production through post.

The team is hoping to bring a crew of four people to shoot in Tanzania in June, dependent on fundraising success. In addition to perks like behind-the-scenes photos and videos, gifts from Tanzania, and producer credits, supporters received the unquantifiable perk of changing the perception of women and social change in Tanzania.