Telling Our Truths: Lessons from Dieudo Hamadi on Film, Fear, and the Power of Storytelling

“Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart larger.” – Ben Okri

On 19^th and 20^th June,  I had the privilege of attending a two-day documentary filmmaking workshop hosted by Docubox Kenya, featuring acclaimed Congolese filmmaker Dieudo Hamadi. As someone passionate about advancing climate education in Kenyan schools, I arrived eager to learn the mechanics of documentary film. I left with something much deeper,a renewed belief in the power of stories, the urgency of voice, and the responsibility every creator has to protect their work.

Day One: When All You Have Is a Story

Dieudo opened with his own journey,raw, honest, and deeply human. He began his filmmaking career with no money, no formal training, no fancy equipment, and no professional crew. Yet, with nothing but his truth and a burning sense of purpose, he created “National Diploma.” It wasn’t polished or studio-backed, but it had soul. That soul carried it across the globe, outshining even the most well-funded productions

His third film, “Mama Colonel,” made under equally modest conditions, went on to win over 600 international awards. Not because he had the best tools, but because he had a story that mattered.

Yet, at home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dieudo faced harsh criticism for “exposing” his country’s flaws. He was forced to ask himself: “Who am I making these films for?” His answer, delivered with quiet defiance, was simple: “If you don’t like my films, why not make your own?” It wasn’t arrogance,it was a call to action.

For Dieudo, filmmaking is self-expression. The best films aren’t just information or art,they are expressions of truth. You don’t need luxury to make a great film. What you need is:

• Purpose: A driving reason.

• Honesty: A commitment to truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Emotion: A story that connects.

• A Call to Action: A reason for the audience to care—and act.

• Courage: Above all, the bravery to keep going.

“Success brings support,” he reminded us, “but when you fail, you are often alone. Never take anything for granted.”

Day Two: Crafting Documentaries with Intention

The second day dove into the craft itself. As someone eager to use film to amplify climate education, I found Dieudo’s approach invaluable:

• Start with Reality: Choose a topic that is lived, urgent, and relevant.

• Find Your Character: Not the most popular, but the most real.

• Build Trust: Storytelling is relationship, not extraction.

• Enter Their World: Be present, physically and emotionally.

• Use What You Have: Simplicity with purpose beats complexity without heart.

• Be Precise: In documentary, every shot must be intentional.

• Edit with Integrity: Don’t manipulate,reveal. Let the truth speak.

Above all, “the filmmaker must disappear behind the story.” The story and the subject are the true heroes.

Dieudo’s final lesson: “Talent is not enough. You have to be four times stronger.” In Africa, where resources are scarce and support inconsistent, filmmaking demands resilience, vision, clarity, and above all,truth.

Protecting Your Work: A Hard Lesson

One of the most sobering topics was intellectual property. Early in his career, Dieudo lost significant income,not because his films weren’t good, but because he didn’t know how to protect them. His films were screened internationally, often without compensation.

His advice is clear:

• Register your work.

• Read contracts carefully or seek legal support.

• Know your rights.

• Never underestimate the value of your intellectual property.

• Your film is more than art. It’s an asset.

 Why Stories Matter for Climate Action

I didn’t attend this workshop just to learn film technique. I came because I believe stories can transform climate education in Kenya and beyond. Facts inform, but stories transform. Children may not remember statistics, but they remember stories:of peers planting trees, schools going solar, or communities building resilience.

These are the stories that need to be told,honestly, powerfully, and purposefully.

To You, Reading This

Dieudo Hamadi made globally celebrated films with little more than vision, grit, and his story. So, what are you waiting for?

You don’t need perfect tools, permission, or the “right time.”

You just need to believe your voice, your vision, your story matters and you must protect it. Because it does.

Thank you, Docubox Kenya, for this incredible space of learning.

And to Dieudo Hamadi,thank you for your truth, your courage, and your art.