The Workshops

VERTICAL CONTENT CREATION WORKSHOP

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC), in collaboration with Colibri Films Mauritius & Reel Afrika, successfully organised a three-day Vertical Content Creation Workshop aimed at strengthening the skills of Mauritian filmmakers, content creators and digital storytellers in producing engaging, mobile-first content for today’s digital platforms.

Led by internationally experienced filmmaker, content strategist and digital media professional Mr. Alwyn van den Heever, the workshop combined theoretical learning with practical production, editing and the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into modern content creation. Participation was offered free of charge to all selected attendees.

Presenter

Mr. Alwyn van den Heever – Producer/ServiceProducer/1st Assistant Director, content strategist and digital media professional with extensive experience in digital storytelling, audience engagement and vertical content production.

Workshop Highlights

Day 1 – Building the Foundation

The workshop commenced with an in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of vertical content creation. Participants gained valuable insights into the evolving digital media landscape, modern storytelling techniques, audience engagement strategies and effective content planning for mobile-first platforms. Through interactive discussions and real-world industry examples, Mr. Alwyn van den Heever shared practical knowledge and professional experiences that established a strong foundation for the hands-on sessions that followed.

Day 2 – Practical Production & AI Integration

Building on the knowledge acquired during the first day, participants transitioned into practical production exercises. Working collaboratively in teams, they developed creative concepts, planned productions and captured professional-quality footage tailored for vertical formats. A key feature of the day was the introduction of AI-powered tools, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can enhance ideation, scripting and production workflows while supporting creativity and maintaining professional production standards.

Day 3 – Post-Production & Project Showcase

The final day focused on editing, post-production and the presentation of participants’ completed projects. Teams refined their footage using professional editing techniques and AI-assisted workflows before showcasing their vertical content to fellow participants. The project presentations encouraged constructive feedback, collaboration and the celebration of each team’s creativity, technical development and storytelling achievements.

MFDC extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Alwyn van den Heever for sharing his expertise, guidance and passion throughout the programme. The Corporation also expresses its gratitude to Mr. Henry van der Berg of Reel Afrika for his valued support, which further enriched the learning experience and contributed to the success of the workshop.

Outcomes & Benefits

Throughout the three-day workshop, participants developed a comprehensive understanding of the complete vertical content production process—from concept development and storytelling to filming, editing and final delivery. They strengthened their technical abilities, enhanced their creative thinking, gained practical experience using AI responsibly within content production, and improved their collaboration and project management skills.

The workshop also highlighted the growing importance of vertical content in today’s digital ecosystem, equipping participants with the knowledge to create engaging, platform-optimised content for social media, digital marketing and online storytelling. By combining creativity with emerging technologies and industry best practices, participants left with practical skills that can be immediately applied in professional audiovisual production.

The Vertical Content Creation Workshop reflects MFDC’s continued commitment to developing local talent, encouraging innovation and strengthening the capacity of Mauritius’ audiovisual and creative industries through high-quality professional training initiatives.

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC), in collaboration with Aestetika Studio, proudly launched the Generative AI Masterclass Series to build professional capacity and innovation in Mauritius’ film and creative sectors. The series offers six immersive masterclasses designed to equip local creatives, production teams and students with practical and ethical skills in using AI for television, digital storytelling and content creation. Participation is free for all selected attendees.

Presenters included:

  • Ingrid Bell – Award-winning Showrunner and Brand Strategist with over 35 years of experience in broadcast branding and content creation.
  • Chad Bell – Award-winning Motion Designer and Animation Director with 30 years of international experience in high-impact content production.​

The masterclasses provide live demonstrations on AI-enhanced workstations, opportunities for hands-on participation and ready-to-use AI workflows. Participants learn to use AI tools ethically to reconstruct historical narratives, create mobile-friendly streaming content and support storytelling while fostering local creativity.

The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC) proudly partnered with Sony Middle East & Africa (MEA) to deliver a series of professional masterclasses aimed at building technical skills and capacity in the Mauritian film industry.

Launched as part of MFDC’s ongoing efforts to develop local talent and foster industry excellence, the Sony Masterclass series has provided hands-on training across multiple disciplines, including cinematography, camera operation, lighting, post-production and acting workshops. Participation is free for all selected attendees.

Presenters included:

  • Alister Chapman – UK Freelance cinematographer, DIT and editor/colorist with decades of experience and Sony Ambassador.
  • Jorrie van der Walt – South African cinematographer, director and mentor to emerging talent.
  • Mostafa Fahmy – Egyptian cinematographer with experience on over 100 projects worldwide.
  • Fahema Hendricks – South African Director of Photography and technical expert.
  • Chris Lotz – Cape Town-based cinematographer with industry experience.

Through these sessions, local filmmakers, technicians, and aspiring professionals have had the opportunity to learn directly from international experts while also benefiting from insights shared by experienced Mauritian practitioners. Each masterclass combines practical demonstrations, interactive workshops, and real-world industry techniques, ensuring participants gain skills that can be immediately applied in professional film production.

The collaboration highlights MFDC’s commitment to capacity building, knowledge exchange, and professional development in Mauritius’ growing film sector. The series continues to inspire creativity, elevate technical standards, and strengthen the country’s position as a film-friendly destination.

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