For impact-driven storytellers who want to travel the world and tell stories that matter.
Documentary Outreach FAQs
Q: "Where or how do we 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 in country?"
A: "On the first day of the trip you will be met at the international airport and driven by private transport to our guesthouse to meet up with your Actuality Producer and the rest of the crew members."
Got another question we can answer? Comment below or send us a DM.
Apply now to join an upcoming crew - www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach/
"The program kicked my butt but a good way. I learned a lot of things that I wouldn't know otherwise and I would recommend it to anybody."
Filmmaker Maxime Jean-Louis on his experience traveling with Actuality Abroad as a Cinematographer for the film "Ciclo de Cambio" on a Documentary Outreach to Guatemala.
Apply now to join in on an upcoming crew at www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach/
Storytelling Expedition FAQs
Q: "What 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 to the content we create?"
A: "The Storytelling Expedition ends with an editing workshop on location where you can begin creating deliverables. The stories that are not delivered in country can be completed once you return home, or you can allow the our team at Actuality Abroad to handle the post production. Either way, we will work together to make sure that the stories we documented are finished, approved by all stakeholders, shared with everyone who wants access to the finished content and also distributed online to mutually agreed upon platforms. What these platforms are will be discussed between everyone involved in producing the story."
Got another question we can answer? Comment below or send us a DM.
Apply now to join an upcoming crew - www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach/
"Traveling with Actuality Abroad helped me feel comfortable being in an unknown place with new people. Feeling safe was a big part of why I enjoyed the trip and I believe our mentor had a lot to do with that.
I will be talking about my experience for the rest of my life, in hopes of being able to attend another expedition in the future."
Filmmaker Leonardo Castillo on his experience traveling with Actuality Abroad, working on multiple media projects on a Storytelling Expedition to Mexico.
Apply now to join in on an upcoming Storytelling Expedition at https://www.actualityabroad.org/storytelling-expedition/
Documentary Outreach FAQs
Q: "Do I 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 to speak the local language?"
A: "No. We arrange English translators and translating technology as part of the course."
Got another question we can answer? Comment below or send us a DM.
Apply now to join an upcoming crew - www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach/
This isn’t just a scholarship. This $2000 award is an invitation to transform your life. It can help you join any 2025 Actuality Abroad Documentary Outreach program and travel as a storyteller. For aspiring mediamakers with the passion, drive, and talent to make a real impact through documentary storytelling, it’s your opportunity to launch.
The deadline is July 1st—just a few weeks away. It’s your only chance to secure funding for our 2025 Documentary Outreach trips.
We have quite a few scholarships to give out.
Spread the word.
https://www.actualityabroad.org/scholarship/
Glimpses of the documentary film, “Hearing & Beyond” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Hearing & Beyond in Vietnam is a small, privately funded NGO that assists Deaf & Hard of Hearing children in Hội An. This is the story of Lanh, a young deaf woman whose involvement with the school introduced her to a community she had never known before.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/911999940.
Producers: Jacob Hathcock
Director: Jaime Torres
Cinematographer: Shelby Kalista
Editor: Alexus Anderson
Glimpses of the documentary film, “The Happiness Shop” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
The Happiness Shop was founded with a unique mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities for women with disabilities. Through their work crafting souvenirs from recycled materials, these remarkable individuals not only earn livelihoods but also gain a sense of purpose and independence.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/909005589
Producers: Jacob Willet, Brianna Avnell
Director: Brianna Avnell
Cinematographer: Hanna Rhody
Editor: Ariel Roberts
Storytelling Expedition FAQs
Q: "What 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 do I need to bring?"
A: "Each storyteller should bring a digital camera they are comfortable using for photography. Any kind of digital camera can be suitable, even most smart phone cameras. The most important thing is that you already know how it use it.
Actuality Abroad will provide video production equipment including cameras and sound recording equipment. If members of the video team would like to bring personal video cameras to utilize or accessories, you are welcome to.
You can also bring a laptop computer to review your media each day, but Actuality Abroad will have laptops on site for downloading, duplicating and processing.
Everyone will need a 4TB+ hard drive to back up and bring their data home."
Got another question we can answer? Comment below or send us a DM.
Apply now to join an upcoming crew - www.actualityabroad.org/storytelling-expedition
Glimpses of the documentary, “Mama CHIA” produced on location in Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Based in Hoi An, Children’s Hope in Action is a long-running NGO that works with local impaired youth, as well as oversees programs across the area to assist impoverished families. The daily operations at the main office are over seen by a circle of women who are the mothers of the operation.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/910450717
Producer: Bella Galvez
Director: Amelia Purvis
Cinematographer: Sydney Villa
Editor: Jessica Lee
At Actuality Abroad, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Our unique educational travel experiences—Documentary Outreach and Storytelling Expedition—are designed to immerse participants in the art of documentary storytelling while exploring vibrant cultures and communities around the globe.
The Documentary Outreach is a four-week immersive program where participants focus on creating a single, impactful short documentary.
The Storytelling Expedition is a dynamic 10-day trip designed for working professionals who wish to enhance their storytelling skills.
The Storytelling Expedition is designed for people who “travel for the stories,” while the Docuementary Outreach is ideal for aspiring documentary filmmakers and photographers (and lifelong learners pursuing documentary storytelling).
Both the Documentary Outreach and Storytelling Expedition are grounded in our commitment to ethical, impactful storytelling.
Read the full essay on 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦? 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘷𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 on our blog at https://bit.ly/outreachVexpedition
“it was the most work I've ever put into a project, and it was one of the greatest times of my life.”
Filmmaker Tugg Gadd on his experience traveling with Actuality Abroad as an Editor for the film "Colorful Souls" on a Documentary Outreach to Guatemala.
Apply now to join in on an upcoming crew at www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach/
Glimpses of the promotional video, “Hearing & Beyond Promo” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Hearing & Beyond in Vietnam is a small, privately funded NGO that assists Deaf & Hard of Hearing children in Hội An. They are also the subject of a short documentary by the same crew.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/912105354
Producers: Jacob Hathcock
Director: Jaime Torres
Cinematographer: Shelby Kalista
Editor: Alexus Anderson
Glimpses of the promotional video, “Bà Năm Garden” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Bà Năm Garden - host to The Happiness Shop - is beautiful cafe with a vibrant garden, tasty drinks, comfortable space to work or hang out, and a wonderful family atmosphere.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/910456572
Producers: Jacob Willet
Director: Brianna Avnell
Cinematographer: Hanna Rhody
Editor: Ariel Roberts
Documentary Outreach FAQs
Q: "Is the 𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 shared or can I get a private room?"
A: "The accommodations are semiprivate bedrooms. You will share with other crew members of the same gender. If you prefer to have a private bedroom, you can upgrade for an additional cost."
Got another question we can answer? Comment below or send us a DM.
Apply now to join an upcoming crew - https://www.actualityabroad.org/documentary-outreach
Glimpses of the microdocumentary, “Delivering Tet Lunar New Year Packages From Hoi An” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Each year CHIA delivers Tet Lunar New Year boxes for children in Quang Nam province. These boxes include essentials like rice and oil, and also treats like jelly and juice.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/907681109
Producer: Bella Galvez
Director: Amelia Purvis
Cinematographer: Sydney Villa
Editor: Jessica Lee
A story – at its core – is a telling of an event crafted to engage an audience.
Creating the story summary is crucial moment when you finally able to define the backbone of your narrative. This is not merely a step in the process; it’s an art form that involves weaving together crucial elements to ensure your audience is not just watching, but experiencing and engaging with your narrative.
To create your story summary you must:
- Identify Your Protagonist
- Unravel The Conflict
- Elevate The Stakes
- Chart The Arc
- Craft The Resolution
Read the full essay 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺: 𝘈𝘯 𝘌𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵 on our blog at https://bit.ly/DocStorySummary
Glimpses of the microdocumentary, “Preparing for Tet Lunar New Year in Hoi An” produced on location in Hoi An, Vietnam, during a Documentary Outreach with Actuality Abroad in 2024.
Each year CHIA (Children's Hope In Action) prepare Tet Lunar New Year boxes for children in Quang Nam province. These boxes include essentials like rice and oil, and also treats like jelly and juice.
Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/905869131
Producer: Bella Galvez
Director: Amelia Purvis
Cinematographer: Sydney Villa
Editor: Jessica Lee
"It was a great cultural immersion experience. I liked that we all have strong interests in filmmaking or are filmmakers, so we had a similar lens through that."
Filmmaker Jessica Lee on her experience traveling with Actuality Abroad, working on multiple media projects on a Storytelling Expedition to Guatemala.
Apply now to join in on an upcoming Storytelling Expedition at https://www.actualityabroad.org/storytelling-expedition/
On the Documentary Outreach to Guatemala one of our crews collaborated with the local changemaker ‘Alma De Colores’ to produce their film “Colorful Souls.”
Alma De Colores is a restaurant that creates meaningful employment opportunities for deaf and disabled individuals in their community.
The film our crew produced tells the story of Marta, a deaf cook at Alma de Colores, and how her life has been radically improved through her work.
Watch the film “Colorful Souls” at https://vimeo.com/851027295
Colorful Souls Crew
Producer: Charlie Schaff
Director: Abby Cannon
Cinematographer: Anneka Keller
Editor: Thomas "Tugg" Gadd
Want to learn more about the crew experience on a Documentary Outreach? Read the full wrap report of the Documentary Outreach to Guatemala on our blog at https://www.actualityabroad.org/wrap-report-documentary.../
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In the late 1970s, the Cambodian people suffered through one of the most horrifying events in modern history. The Khmer Rouge regime's brutal reign of terror left millions dead, many of whom perished in the notorious Killing Fields. The legacy of this tragedy still looms large today, and the scars it left on the country and its people will never fully heal. Yet amidst the pain and loss, there are stories of hope and resilience. One such story is that of AMMO, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving the memory of the Cambodian genocide through art. By repurposing bullet casings from the war to create beautiful brass jewelry, AMMO is not only keeping the memory of the past alive but also providing a brighter future for the Cambodian people. As part of our Documentary Outreach to Cambodia, our crew had the opportunity to visit AMMO's workshop and hear the stories behind the organization. It was a chance to connect with the people behind the jewelry and learn about the remarkable journey that led them to create such a powerful symbol of hope in the face of unspeakable tragedy. #travel #documentary #storytelling
Location scouting in Cambodia took us down the most beautiful paths. Behind the scenes from our Documentary Outreach to Cambodia. . . . . . . #travelwithpurpose #meaningfultravel #documentaryphotography #ethicaltravel #traveldeeper #storyteller #traveldocumentary #storytelling #transformativetravel #transformationaltravel #growthmindset #travel #documentary #studyabroad #filmschool #traveldeeper #internabroad #film #photography #travelphotography #filmmaking #filmmaker #traveltheworld #documentaryphotography #adventure #documentaryfilmmaker
Who needs a production van when you have a fleet of tuk tuks? We loved experiencing the convenience and charm of Cambodia's efficient public transportation system. Behind the scenes from our Documentary Outreach to Cambodia . . . . . . . #travelwithpurpose #meaningfultravel #documentaryphotography #ethicaltravel #traveldeeper #storyteller #traveldocumentary #storytelling #transformativetravel #transformationaltravel #growthmindset #travel #documentary #studyabroad #filmschool #traveldeeper #internabroad #film #photography #travelphotography #filmmaking #filmmaker #traveltheworld #documentaryphotography #adventure #documentaryfilmmaker
Life on location from our documentary filmmaking travel course to Da Nang, Vietnam. #traveltheworld #documentaryphotography #documentaryfilmmaker #travelcreator #filmmaking #photojournalism #travelphotography #filmschool #studyabroad #internabroad #travelstories
5 reasons you should travel like a storyteller. 1. go unexpected places. 2. meet remarkable people. 3. learn to listen. 4. understand things differently. 5. discover what is important. #documentarystorytelling #filmmaker #traveltheworld #travellikeastoryteller #travel
Our Storytelling Expedition crew on location in Oaxaca, Mexico. On this trip we partnered with En Via Foundation and their responsible tourism initiatives to interview the women entrepreneurs who have been empowered by their training and opportunities. #traveltheworld #documentaryphotography #documentaryfilmmaking #travelcreator #travelphotography #travelstories
Why do I travel? I like who I AM when I am traveling. I like who I BECOME. #documentarystorytelling #documentaryphotography #documentaryfilmmaking #traveltheworld #travellikeastoryteller #travelcreator
A Documentary Outreach crew member reflects on her Actuality Abroad experience in Istanbul, Turkey. #documentarystorytelling #filmmaker #traveltheworld #travellikeastoryteller #travel
Last call for the Storytelling Expedition to Morocco. We have JUST ONE SPOT left for this incredible documentary tour + workshop, collaborating with women's cooperatives across the country. #documentarystorytelling #filmmaker #traveltheworld #TravelLikeAStoryteller
Glimpses of life on location from our past documentary travel course to Jodhpur, India.
Wandering Discourse - our 2x monthly digital dispatch - was sent out today to all email subscribers. To get in on the next issue - subscribe at the link below. http://actuality.link/wandering-discourse
Explore the world. Tell powerful stories. Travel with us in 2018!
Throwback to scaling Cerro de Oro (March, 2017) on a day off from filming with @univmiami students. Across the water from San Marcos la Laguna is the Hill of Gold - a Mayan gateway to the underworld. Unfortunately the view from the top isn't fantastic - but it's a great short hike. Join us this year in Guatemala for a Documentary Outreach at Lake Atitlán. #ThursdayThrowback #Guatemala #CerroDeOro #studyabroad2017 #studyabroad2018 #studyabroad #filmabroad #explore #seetheworld #instadaily #drone #video #actualitymedia #lakeAtitlán
Share your Impact Story→ https://goo.gl/NI22wC #UPTOGOODImpactFilmFestival invites young people to share their stories about #SocialIssues they care about while inspiring #SocialAction. Tell us what you are doing to promote actions, offer solutions and inspire positive change to make an #impact. Submit your video today. Be part of the change you want to see in the world. Actuality Media is proud to support this unique film festival for GOOD! cc: UPTOGOOD.org New Roads School
With our next Documentary Outreach programs drawing near, we're celebrating highlights from all the films that have come before.
Rack'em Up. Someone thought they should be recording while they racked up for a game of billiards in Costa Rica.
When heading to a village in the jungles of Costa Rica, one must walk - or catch a bus, to another bus, to a canoe. A research trip for the crew of "¿Qué Será del Caribe" - Costa Rica, 2012.
The Break Dance Project at Los Patojos makes for many great performances near Antigua, Guatemala. All pictures and video were captured in August of 2011. The youth in this video are friendly and talented - you can read more about their story at http://www.lospatojoscrew.blogspot.com/ Find out more about Los Patojos at http://www.lospatojos.org.gt/ The music in this video is a remix of the song "Remember The Name (Probe Joker v2)" by 7OOP3D - http://ccmixter.org/files/7OOP3D/28200
One fateful day two crews from Actuality Media began the ascent of a Guatemalan volcano named Pacaya... Don't forget to check out the movies these crews made while they were in Guatemala on the Actuality Media page at Vimeo.
A short showcase of a our Canopy Tour excursion from Antigua, Guatemala in August, 2011. Don't forget to check out the films that these crews made on our Vimeo page.
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With Actuality Media, students travel to a developing country to tell the story of a changemaker in that community. In each study abroad experience crews research, write, shoot and edit a 5 to 15 minute short documentary.
