A transformative journey that turns storytelling into social impact

Start your documentary journey with an immersive cultural experience in Colombia! This unique venture combines conscious travel, cultural exploration, and hands-on education in the art of documentary filmmaking, allowing participants to learn and create an author-driven short documentary. As an Independent Travel Designer, Narratives Abroad crafts each journey with personal and cultural enrichment in mind, ensuring an impactful and meaningful travel experience.

Why

Because learning documentary filmmaking creates a shared space where interviewees, filmmakers, and audiences engage in transformation. It validates experiences, challenges perspectives, and uncovers pathways for change. More than storytelling, it fosters empathy and action, proving that change is possible.

Such transformative experience goes beyond filmmaking—it’s a journey of meaningful travel, fostering connections, and using storytelling as a tool for political change.

How

Join a small, close-knit purpose-driven group led by anthropologist and filmmaker Camilo Gomez Duran. Learn to create a compelling short documentary using just a smartphone and a compact shotgun microphone, while exploring storytelling through a compassionate lens.

 

Where

Together, we will immerse ourselves in the inspiring stories of a remarkable network of over 300 women dedicated to empowerment and resilience in Comuna 13, in Medellín, Colombia. Originally formed as a small network, these women have come together to uplift those affected by violence and injustice, creating sustainable livelihoods through artisanal crafts and souvenirs. In 2016, these courageous group of women took a bold step forward by launching a social enterprise designed to generate income, provide economic opportunities, and strengthen their community. 

Through this immersive experience, you’ll not only develop hands-on documentary filmmaking skills but also cultivate empathy, joining a movement that strengthens human connection and harnesses the power of storytelling to inspire healing and social change.

We will also explore renowned cultural landmarks and visit nearby towns with a local guide. 

When

Day 1

  • Arrival to Medellín early morning via Bogotá (Avianca or other)
  • Acquire MobiMatter for a 7-day stay (Data for WhatsApp use)
  • Explore Botero Plaza and visit the Museo de Antioquia
  • Stroll through Pasaje Junín, visit the Astor Pastry and Salón Versalles
  • Instructions for the first Comuna 13 visit and review of personal smartphone video settings

Day 2

  • Documentary instructive
  • First visit to Comuna 13 to meet interviewees and gather B-roll footage
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens of Medellín
  • Optional Visit to Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín

Day 3

  • Documentary instructive
  • Second visit to Comuna 13 for interviews
  • Connect with local hip-hop groups
  • Visit Teatro Pablo Tobón Uribe
  • Evening visit to Teatro Matacandelas

Day 4

  • Documentary instructive
  • Review collected material and assess additional footage needs
  • Third visit to Comuna 13 to capture extra footage (if necessary)
  • Explore El Poblado neighbourhood
  • Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín– MAMM

Day 5

  • Documentary instructive
  • Take the streetcar to Buenos Aires and the cable car to Santa Cruz neighborhoods
  • Explore the Ayacucho Avenue area
  • Visit to the Museo de la memoria
  • Evening visit to Salón Málaga (Carlos Gardel’s tango and vintage music)

Day 6

  • Day excursion to Santa Fe de Antioquia
  • Alternative: Visit to Sabaneta and Envigado, Medellín’s outskirts
  • Alternative: Visit to Río Melcocho and its surrounding natural environments

Day 7

  • Documentary instructive & project evaluation
  • Visit Parques del Río
  • Explore Cerro Nutibara
  • Visit Plazuela San Ignacio

Day 8

  • After breakfast participants are free to continue their travels
Narratives Abroad invites you to be a hero for the people of Comuna 13. Cocreate with us a world where no one is left behind.


At Narratives Abroad, we are committed to minimizing environmental impact by when possible, using sustainable transportation, selecting eco-friendly accommodations, and reducing waste. We support local communities by staying in locally-owned businesses, purchasing local products, and practicing ethical tourism. We respect local cultures by learning about and honoring customs, traditions, and beliefs. We also promote sustainable practices by choosing tours and activities that prioritize conservation and supporting organizations dedicated to protecting the environment and local communities.

  • Where: The program starts and ends in Medellín, Colombia
  • Theme: Sociocultural tourism enriched with a component of documentary filmmaking
  • Way to go: Tourist-class hotel with double accommodations, enhanced by a range of authentic urban and nature-focused tourism experiences. Please note that single accommodations are available for an additional cost.
  • Accommodation: 7 nights
  • Days: 7
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts (Early arrive breakfast on day 1 included)
  • Transport: Private vehicle, public vehicle and bus
  • Group Size: Min 2 – Max 7
  • Minimum Age: 15

Your trip is confirmed to depart once at least two travelers have paid in full.

The two 40-minute individual Zoom sessions before the trip, will cover documentary theme preparation, conceptual design (observational, expository, participatory, reflexive, performative, or poetic), and technical preparation to capture sufficient footage for editing a 5 to 10-minute short documentary using your personal smartphone and a loaned or self-owned smartphone shotgun microphone.

 

Participants should practice recording videos using the highest smartphone settings and transferring the footage to their personal computer.

On the history of Comuna 13 in Medellín and insights into the local culture:

 

https://retrospectjournal.com/2023/11/19/comuna-13-exploring-the-history-of-medellins-most-famous-district/#:~:text=During%20this%20brutal%20intervention%2C%20it,2000%20people%20were%20forcibly%20displaced  

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comuna_13,_Medellín#:~:text=Operation%20Orion%20aimed%20to%20finish,%2C%20tanks%2C%20and%20automatic%20weapons 

 

https://www.flashpack.com/us/solo/travel/paola-rivas-comuna-13/#   

 

https://www.urbanet.info/colombia-medellin-social-infrastructure/

Smartphone settings

  • The BEST iPhone Video Settings for Quality Footage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7cTaHbaCNI 

  • Simple, Easy Settings for the Best Video Quality on Galaxy S23 Ultra – Beginners Guide

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F84kwbd2iI 

  • How to Film like a PRO with Android Smartphones [Updated Guide!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pjYP9xpApc 

Files transfer  

  • How To Transfer Files from Android to Mac (Mac and Android File Transfer Tutorial!)

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxpIJeU0A9M&t=137s 

  • How to Transfer Video from iPhone to PC (& PC to iPhone) – Updated Tutorial!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcTBPbJcMeg  

Mobile videography

  • 10 Mobile Videography Tips for Beginners

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nG7pAXRgvE 

  • Top 10 Smartphone Moves (Handheld) | Beginner to Pro Demonstration!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y-hasHqCK8  

Gimbal use

  • 10 Smartphone Gimbal Moves for Beginners | Master the Basics in 5mins

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoXV6JexQeY 

Creative ideas

  • 5 Creative Smartphone Video Ideas you NEED TO TRY!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBwYe4gWUzw 

Stop Motion

  • How to MAKE a STOP-MOTION VIDEO with a PHONE

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5wgXmOqcMY

Hyperlapse

  • How To Shoot a HYPERLAPSE with your PHONE | Mobile Filmmaking Tips For Beginners

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNQByObxcAA  

  • EPIC Hyperlapse with a Phone – Fast, Easy, No After Effects, no App!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWNz_EAnktM 

Interview Tips

  • TOP DOCUMENTARY INTERVIEW TIPS: How to Get Better, Deeper Responses

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5f5c_7isbw 

  • 10 Most Underrated Documentary Filmmaking Tips

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2gV_-YGaZQ 

Editing

  • iMovie Tutorial for Beginners 2025 – Everything You NEED to KNOW! (UPDATED)

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhGG7ypIW_w 

  • BEST CapCut Video Editing Tips and Tricks

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol7PQ_arWPg 

  • LEARN CAPCUT IN 15 MINUTES // COMPLETE MOBILE VIDEO EDITING TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=924il_WauMk 

  • Adobe Rush Tutorial [UPDATED] – How to Edit Videos with Premiere Rush!

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsGQ_Bwi6Zg 

  • Adobe Premiere Pro Tutorial for Beginners – Complete Guide! (2024)

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihHwLfIg_Dk 

  • Premiere Pro Beginner Tutorial

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOWlZhF4IYM&list=PLoyECfvEFOjZIENp7cG58K8gn3WG1H3js 

The most commonly used video editing suites vary based on skill level, platform, and professional needs:

 

Beginner-Friendly & Mobile: 

  1. iMovie (macOS & iOS) – Free and simple for Apple users.
  2. CapCut (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) – Popular for social media creators.
  3. Kinemaster (iOS & Android) – Mobile-friendly with great features.

Intermediate & Semi-Pro:

  1. Adobe Premiere Elements (Windows & macOS) – A simpler version of Premiere Pro.
  2. Filmora (Windows & macOS) – Easy-to-use, with good effects and transitions.
  3. HitFilm Express (Windows & macOS) – Free, with powerful VFX tools.

Professional & Industry-Standard:

  1. Adobe Premiere Pro (Windows & macOS) – Widely used in film, TV, and content creation.
  2. Final Cut Pro (macOS) – Favored by Mac users, especially for high-end editing.
  3. DaVinci Resolve (Windows, macOS, Linux) – Known for powerful color correction and free version.
  4. Avid Media Composer (Windows & macOS) – Used in Hollywood and broadcast TV.

Smartphone Documentary Filmmaking: A Hands-On Course

Course Objective:

This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to create compelling documentary films using only a smartphone. By the end of the program, they will apply learned techniques to produce their own short documentary. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in their learning, using the detailed instructional materials provided upon booking. Workshops will be held every evening at the Medellín hotel to review concepts and techniques, which will also be reinforced through hands-on fieldwork, following a “learning by doing” approach.

 

Session 1: Introduction to Smartphone Filmmaking

  • The Advantages of Smartphone Filmmaking
  • Essential Tools and Equipment
  • Capturing High-Quality Audio

Session 2: Foundations of Documentary, Storytelling and Pre-Production

  • Exploring Documentary Styles
  • Researching Your Subject
  • Structuring Your Narrative
  • Pre-Production Planning

Session 3: Advanced Cinematography and Adapting to Production Challenges

  • Mastering Cinematic Smartphone Filmmaking
  • Capturing High-Quality Audio
  • Establishing Scene and Theme B-Roll

Session 4: Interview Techniques and Visual Storytelling

  • Assessing and Preparing Interviewees
  • Defining Interview Goals
  • Crafting Effective Questions
  • Creating a Comfortable Environment
  • Building Trust and Rapport
  • Encouraging Storytelling and Emotion
  • Navigating the Flow of Conversation
  • Avoiding Interruptions and Embracing Silence
  • Capturing Interview B-Roll

Session 5: Post-Production

  • Organizing Footage and Files
  • Preparing for the Editing Process

Android or iOS smartphone with video recording capabilities and sufficient storage capacity

 

Recommended memory devices for video file storage (choose one):

  • MFi Certified Flash Drive 512GB USB 3.0
  • Apple MFi Certified 512GB Photo Stick for iPhone
  • SanDisk 512GB Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive
  • SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
  • NewQ Filehub AC750

Recommended optional Items to Bring:

  • ULANZI MT-33 Phone Tripod (Mini Flexible Tripod with Cold Shoe & Universal Clip) or a similar model
  • DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer

Items Provided on Loan by the Program:

  • Rode Shotgun VideoMic Microphones with Lightning or USB-C Connectors

  • One standard carry-on bag (to avoid waiting for checked luggage at the airport)
  • 1 Day backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Hot weather clothing
  • Waterproof trail light running shoes
  • Money belt
  • Waist bag
  • Shower sandals
  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Umbrella
  • 2 TSA luggage locks
  • Small torch
  • Sunblock
  • Hat or cap
  • Notebook

Vaccines:

  • The Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory for entry to certain regions of Colombia, such as the Amazon and surrounding areas, and strongly recommended for all travelers.

At Narratives Abroad, we believe travel should be safe, respectful, and culturally enriching. To ensure a positive and safe experience for all, respecting difference all while keeping community, people, and cultural exchange at the heart of our journey, we expect participants to uphold local laws and adhere to the following guidelines:

 

  • Respect Cultures & Communities: Honor the traditions and sacred sites of the places you visit. Follow local customs, dress codes, and ask permission before photographing people. Keep noise levels respectful, especially in residential areas.
  • Respect Each Other: Discrimination, bullying, or harassment of any kind— including racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ableism, or ageism— is not tolerated.
  • Sensitive to Comuna 13 history: The people you will be interviewing have suffered the loss of loved ones due to gang wars.
  • Child Welfare: Do not support businesses or organizations that exploit child labor.
  • Alcohol & Drugs: Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use (legal or illegal) that endangers yourself or others will result in removal from the program.
  • Abusive Behavior & Violence: Any form of harassment, threats, vandalism, theft, or violence will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Any form of sexual harassment, violence, or exploitation, including engagement in sex tourism or prostitution, is strictly prohibited.
  • Animal Welfare: Avoid businesses that mistreat animals or sell products made from endangered species.
  • Sustainability: Reduce waste, avoid plastic use, and respect natural and historical sites by not removing artifacts or littering.
  • Health & Hydration: Maintain proper hygiene, report any safety concerns promptly, and adhere to local health regulations. It is essential to take water safety precautions seriously.
  • Safety: Participants must adhere to safety guidelines, remain with the group, and avoid leaving alone at night.
  • Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival at the program destination.
  • Standards: The prevailing costumes and conditions in the destination country may differ from those in force in your country of origin.

By joining Narratives Abroad, you commit to these principles, ensuring a meaningful and responsible travel experience for yourself and others.

 

Consequences of misconduct

If a traveller violates this policy and poses a safety or security concern, Narratives Abroad may remove them from the tour, report the incident to authorities, and pursue legal action if necessary. The traveller will bear all costs for their removal, including accommodation and transportation, with no refunds issued.

A personalized workshop will also be available, offering editing skills training or professional editing services to help finalize your documentary project. Whether you’re looking for guidance on editing techniques or prefer professional post-production assistance, we will tailor the experience to suit your needs, ensuring you walk away with a polished, high-quality final product. This service is optional and not included in the program.

Cancellation by Narratives Abroad:

If Narratives Abroad cancels a tour for any reason, the Client will receive a full refund of all ground costs paid, minus any non-refundable third-party expenses incurred on the Client’s behalf (e.g., hotel deposits or vendor fees). These costs are unrecoverable due to advance payments made to secure program services.

Cancellation by the Client:
If the Client chooses to cancel their participation, the following fees apply based on the number of days’ notice provided before the tour start date:

  • 61+ days prior to departure:
    30% cancellation fee; 70% of the total amount paid is refundable or may be applied as a credit toward a future program.
  • 16–60 days prior to departure:
    50% cancellation fee; 50% of the total amount paid is refundable or may be applied as a credit toward a future program.
  • 1–15 days prior to departure:
    75% cancellation fee; 25% of the total amount paid is refundable or may be applied as a credit toward a future program.

Additional Notes:

  • Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receiving written cancellation notice.
  • Credits for future programs must be used within 12 months of the original tour start date and are subject to availability.
  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

When Narratives Abroad cancels a tour, it is typically due to unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances, such as:

  • Political instability or civil unrest in the destination
  • Natural disasters or severe weather
  • Not meeting the minimum number of participants
  • A global health emergency (e.g., COVID-19)
  • A Force Majeure event (covered elsewhere in your agreement)

In preparation for the tour, Narratives Abroad may have already paid deposits or full fees to local providers (hotels, drivers, guides, workshop venues) to secure bookings. These payments are made on behalf of the client, often well in advance.

As an act of reciprocity for the openness and generosity of these women in sharing their voices to document resilience and progress, the program director will lead a workshop designed to empower them to use the smartphones and cameras at their disposal to capture and shape their own narratives. This initiative ensures that the memory of Comuna 13 is preserved and told from within the community, free from external influence.

Booking Form and Tour Agreement PDFs are available upon request.

If you’re connecting through Bogotá and plan to stay overnight, we can arrange, upon request, to have you picked up at the airport, taken to a hotel suggested by us, and returned to the airport for your flight to Medellín. This optional service—offered for your comfort and safety—is not included in the base program fee but can be arranged in advance if needed.