Last month, our team had the pleasure of hosting a dynamic and engaging programme in partnership with the Ulster University’s Bordered Youth Project.
As part of the project’s ongoing efforts to amplify the voices of young people in Northern Ireland, we facilitated a three-day filmmaking workshop that invited participants to explore the complexities of the Irish Border in a fun, creative, and satirical way.
Open to young people aged 16–21, this workshop aimed to engage participants with the pressing issues surrounding Brexit, the Irish Border, and national identity, all while adding a humorous twist. Instead of focusing on heavy political discussions, the workshop challenged participants to create TV or news report parodies that addressed these serious topics through the lens of creativity, humour, and a bit of absurdity. The result? A whirlwind of ideas, collaboration, and plenty of laughs—including a murder by a toaster, a bold border smuggler, and the debate over the nationality of a sheep!
Day 1: Let's get creative
On day one, the workshop kicked off with activities led by the faculty from Ulster University, encouraging participants to dive deep into the topic of the Irish Border. The goal was to explore how the border — and the issues surrounding it — affected young people in a way that felt personal and relevant.
Participants were introduced to key concepts and historical events related to the border, with plenty of time for brainstorming and sharing stories. Some shared anecdotes from their families, hearing first-hand accounts of how previous generations had been impacted by the border. Others reflected on their own experiences growing up north and south of the border, considering how living on either side shaped their social lives, habits as a consumer, and views on national identity.
The groups were buzzing with ideas and ready to start crafting their scripts. Guided by our expert trainers, they worked on writing, storyboarding, and creating shot lists. This wasn’t just about making a funny video—participants also got a taste of the professional filmmaking process, learning industry jargon, and gaining practical knowledge about what it takes to create a polished piece of media.
Day 2: Lights, camera, action!
With scripts in hand, it was time for the groups to bring their ideas to life. Day two was all about filming. Participants were encouraged to go big with their creativity, whether that meant playing an over-the-top news correspondent or gameshow contestants duelling over who has the superior Tayto, north or south. There was plenty of improvisation, laughs, and creative collaboration, all while learning how to set up green screens, lighting, microphones, and camera gear.
Our trainers, with experience in the film industry, were on hand to guide the participants through every step of the filming process, ensuring they got hands-on experience with the equipment and techniques used in real-world productions. The atmosphere was filled with craic and camaraderie, as everyone worked together to capture the perfect shot. Despite the serious issues at the heart of the workshop, the focus was on having fun and enjoying the creative process—after all, it’s not every day you get to make a hilarious parody about one of the most complex political issues in recent history!
Day 3: Bringing It all together
The final day of the workshop was spent polishing the footage and learning the basics of editing. After a few pick-up shots and voiceover recordings, the groups sat down to edit their videos using professional software. Watching their ideas come together on screen brought the laughs with gafs and outtakes and a sense in the different groups that the magic of editing can help really sell even the most absurd story.
By the end of the day, each group had edited a rough cut ready for a quick screening in our Magazine Studios cinema. It was an opportunity for the participants to celebrate their hard work and creativity, and of course, share some laughs over their finished products.
The final projects
The result of these three action-packed days are three fantastic funny little video projects, each offering a unique and satirical take on the Irish Border. These films not only showcase the creativity of the young people involved but also highlight how important it is to give youth a platform to explore complex topics in ways that feel relevant to them.
With a bit more time now spent editing and touch-ups to both image and sound behind the scenes here at Nerve Centre, we are privileged to present the finished projects.
Watching these you’ll get a taste of the young filmmakers’ humour, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
Why this workshop matters
The Bordered Youth Project is about giving young people a voice and a platform to reflect on their identity and future. In a region where divisions still exist, and where political issues like Brexit and the The Northern Ireland Protocol continue to shape the landscape, young people must be included in the conversation. Through creative workshops like this one, we’re helping young people to reflect on these issues in ways that resonate with them and we’re proud to help provide young people with the tools and space to express themselves and make their voices heard.
A huge thank you to all the participants, as well as our collaborators at Ulster University, for making this workshop a success.