EXPERIENCE
The goal of the Documentary Outreach is for crews to learn a reliable, replicable production process that they can continually leverage to tell engaging stories about real life anywhere around the globe. Crews are instructed in nonfiction storytelling that has a focus on visual, character driven narratives. Instructional briefings cover research methods, casting, dramatic elements, creating meaning, story outlines, shooting for visual motivation, interviewing techniques, ethical concerns, digital workflow, visual assembly, sound design and more.
In each stage of production there are hands-on workshops and classroom instruction. Both short format and feature length documentaries are screened throughout the program. Every person is actively involved in every stage of production, including providing feedback for the whole group. All production equipment necessary will be provided on location however crew may elect to bring personal gear.
Actuality Abroad crew will reside in a locally owned guesthouse and sleep in shared dormitory rooms. The guesthouse will have a secure, guests-only space to work and relax in, with staff on duty day and night in case you need assistance. Staff members will also be able to answer questions on places worth visiting, where to go to make specific purchase, and even how local customs work. These rooms will be private for Actuality Abroad crew, but other travelers will be staying at the guesthouse.
The group will gather for a shared breakfast and dinner each day, prepared by the kitchens at the guesthouse. For breakfast each day you will have options of a western-style breakfast with eggs, beans, and bread, a more simple breakfast of breads and local fruits (such as fresh papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple, berries, plums, zapote, granadilla, babaco, and chirimoya), or a more typical breakfast based on plantains, yucca, and corn. Dinners will be a set dish (with vegetarian options) chosen by the guesthouse ranging from regional cuisine to local versions of international dishes. Regional meals will include grilled meats, potato stew, local veggies, fried yucca dishes, fresh bread, empanadas, and potato pancakes.
Lunches are on your own. This gives every traveler the opportunity to visit restaurants, cafes and street vendors wherever their daily adventures take them. You can seek out your favorite comfort foods or find more unique local dishes.
In the city of Cuenca, many change makers are an easy walk away in the central district past parks, colonial-era churches and other buildings mixed among modern commercial buildings. For further parts of the city, the local bus system is dependable and easy to use – plus interchanges for buses to neighboring cities are simple to manage. The Outreach Leader and Local Guide will be familiar with local transport when you arrive, and will help you understand how local transportation works.
Private transportation will be arranged between San Jose International Airport and Puerto Viejo for arrival and departure.
To get an opportunity to explore more of Cuenca’s surrounding communities you can add-on any of the following weekend excursions to your experience.
Artisan Villages (+ $60 USD)
In Cuenca markets you will find many traditional Ecuadorian crafts – but with this three-village tour you’ll get to see how several local crafts in the making – including guitars, filigrana jewelry, woven clothing, and pottery. Additionally you’ll visit food markets to watch local dishes being prepared, and to have lunch. Transportation, lunch, and a bilingual guide are included.
Eco Hike (+ $90 USD)
In one day, experience two vastly different biomes in the mountains of Ecuador. The day begins with a hike in the cloud forest to reach the 250 feet (~75 meters) high Giron Waterfall. You will then continue to the tropical Yunguilla Valley – where locals grow bananas, coffee, and flowers, and where you will sample the local sugarcane drink Mapanagua. After this you will take another, short hike – into the desert. Transportation, lunch and a bilingual guide are included.
Inca Ruins (+ $160 USD)
This overnight experience will bring you to the Sun Temple known as Ingapirca, the most important Inca complex in Ecuador. Learn about the Cañari people that pre-dated Inca in the region, learn about the local Sun Festival, and witness a nighttime shamanic ceremony! Lodging, transportation, breakfast and lunches, and a bilingual guide are included.
To Be Announced
To Be Announced