Scottish Book Trust engaged me as a Digital Storyteller in residence in two flagship projects. The first residency took place in North Ayrshire to deliver the StoryBird Project and the second residency took place in Falkirk District where I delivered the People’s Story Project. As part of this Scottish Government funded undertaking I had to set up and manage workshops with various local community groups. At the end of these 6 and 9-months projects, premiere screenings were organised with all the community groups coming together to watch a selection of their digital stories on the big screen. The projects were a great success and revealed touching, inspirational and honest insights into people’s lives.
“Sabine has been a joy to work with. She was based in North Ayrshire facilitating the StoryBird Project, an initiative that worked with participants from the local community. Sabine approached this work with great sensitivity and care, supporting and encouraging participants to find their own voice to create their unique, individual stories. She also enabled them to gain additional digital skills and confidence at the same time. Sabine adapted her approach to accommodate a variety of circumstances in a professional manner and produced quality results on time and within budget. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her commitment and dedication is first class.”
Koren Calder, Adult Learning Programme Manager, Scottish Book Trust
I have been working with The James Hutton Institute (formerly Macauley Land Use Research Institute) alongside Climate Futures during my Masters degree. For the Scottish Government funded Janeemo Project I made the documentary Joseph’s Road and designed displays and several communication materials. Our productive work relationship continued with the CSA – Climate Smart Agriculture project in central Malawi from 2013 – 16. I planned and executed the qualitative monitoring and evaluation component using participatory video – training rural farmers in filmmaking and collecting over 270 stories of change.
“The infectious enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that Sabine contributes, adds significantly to every project we work on together.”
Grant Davidson, International Development Coordinator, The James Hutton Institute
For ChristianAid and its partners I created 3-minute photo-documen- taries about 2 beneficiaries Grace and Deliya in Malawi. The focus of the ECRP programme lies on enhancing community resilience in the face of climate change through economic stability. Peasant farmers are learning how to diversify their income as well as preparing for disas- trous environmental changes, like the recent floods.
“Sabine Hellmann came recommended to us as a photographer to create two short photo-documentaries. She was able to engage with the communities, and depict the many activities that are being undertaken. This was all accomplished in a minimum of time, Sabine was very quick to respond to queries, changes, suggestions and the collaboration worked very well. In short, Sabine was able to quickly and effectively capture the essence of our resilience project both in theory as in making the pictures and editing them. I would highly recommend Sabine for any similar work.”
Sabine Joukes, Chief of Party ECRP, ChristianAid
For the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh I designed several large exhibition displays, as well as posters, invites and a logo design for a special event. The most recent collaboration resulted in a short documentary film about a research project on child play in the outdoors based at the Gardens. Nature Play : Nature Conservation gives an observational account of the main findings of several research play sessions in 2014.
“Sabine has worked as a consultant to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on a variety of exhibition and community projects. Her work as a graphic designer, photographer and film-maker has always been of the highest standard. She takes a genuine interest in the project and applies her creative talents with careful and considered energy and enthusiasm. Her ability to move between creative media is a considerable advantage when working within a small team.”
Ian Edwards, Head of Exhibitions and Events, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
For Climate Futures‘ CSA project I planned and facilitated Participatory Video workshops in Malawi in conjunction with the James Hutton Institute. I also lead on the development of communications materials and designed flyers, created promos, calendars and documented the project through video and photography.
“Sabine never fails to amaze with her design, film and participatory teaching talents, and the results are always great!”
Charles Henderson, Managing Director, Climate Futures
Kusamala are working with The James Hutton Institute and Climate Futures on the CSA project and through our collaboration I have created their communication materials and a promotional video. This permaculture hub in Malawi is training farmers, engages communities, grows organic food and researches into the viability of permaculture techniques in sub saharan Africa.
