It’s turning out to be quite a busy week on the blog. Sometimes, it’s like that. In conversation with a group of new writers, we talked about this case of intermittent journalling. There are periods when you have lots to write about and periods when you don’t feel like journalling.

It’s often hard for me to process on the spot, and it can be helpful when the buzz of being busy and engaged is more at a distance. I have to admit that I do forget to blog about events, so I’m trying to do better.

I gave a workshop on writing memoir to a group of new writers in connection with a project from Queer Work. Sajad, who is the founder of this organisation is passionate about giving visibility to the stories and the voices of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in The Netherlands. Not just that, there’s a deeper concern of wanting to equip and empower this group by providing what tools can be provided through workshops and trainings. In this case, the project is one underwritten by Gemeente Amsterdam Noord wherein the municipality asks for voices coming from underrepresented groups in The Netherlands.

I’ll continue to support and be present at these workshops, helping out and facilitating. I do feel a longing for something structural that will allow us to go deeper. I feel like gathering words isn’t enough. Underrepresented voices need more, but there is so little room for that more where institutions are concerned and whether I like it or not, I have to listen to my collaborators when they remind me that I also need to keep watch over my energy. I’m very thankful for this reminder.

Moving Love, which is one of the projects in which I am quite intensely involved with has completed most of its shooting. I love how this project has done what it’s promised to do, which is give participants the foundation for a possible career in filmmaking. The intensive workshop days are behind us, but the lessons into how films are made and the hands-on experience of making one themselves is something participants will carry with them. I’m sure we will see more from these young and talented people.

For the Moving Love team, it’s been a joy to witness participants in their element. They have always wanted to make films, and now they know what it’s like to make one of their own.

On the 6th of January, the first un-edited versions of Moving Love’s Moving Portraits will be shown during the International Film Festival in Rotterdam. It’s quite exciting as some of the participants will also be interviewed during the programme. I’m looking forward to this event.

For those interested and in the area, click on the link. It will lead you to the exact page and let you know where Moving Love will be. I hope to see you there.

Thanks again for dropping by. Blessings and peace and thanks for reading.