As the Dutch government’s enterprise agency, RVO’s success lies in its collaborative approach, working closely with entrepreneurs and their partners to combine the best of their strengths. From renewable energy to responsible consumption, water supply to food security, RVO sponsors a diverse array of projects that embody their commitment to sustainability.
Highlighting the Power of Personal Narratives
Through Makmende’s partnership with RVO since 2018, we have captured the essence of captivating stories that celebrate the indomitable human spirit within these projects. Often, organizations such as RVO wants to showcase the impact of their partnerships, but it can be challenging to make them tangible and relatable to the audience. However, by employing an effective approach, the true value of these partnerships can be effectively communicated.
In our films, we ventured into the field, capturing partners engaged in collaborative activities on the ground. Our approach focused on portraying a world where action feels closer to home, where the impact of partnerships becomes tangible. By shining a spotlight on passionate entrepreneurs and their local partners, we weave together a tapestry of tales that resonate deeply with the audience. From short features to multi-film series, we bring their stories to life, evoking hope, resilience, and sustainable transformation.
We wanted to demonstrate that by showcasing the impact of partnerships through our local characters, we can create a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences and motivates them to become active agents of positive change.
Partnerships: Catalysts for Positive Transformation
Let’s dive into three recent RVO programs that highlight the power of these partnerships.
In celebration of UN’s World Refugee Day, we want to showcase RVO’s partnership with organizations including EnDev, SNV, CLASP, Renewvia, MECS, GIZ, and UNHCR for a project in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp. The focus of the project was piloting Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) to transition from wood fires to electric cooking in Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. With the help of remote interviews and research, we chose to highlight a partner from SNV as the main character, showcasing the program in action. These films demonstrate how RVO’s partnerships and programs drive positive societal change by fostering meaningful dialogues and creating transformative frameworks in the camp. Discover the story in this video!
RVO collaborates with Moyee Coffee, the Fairchain Foundation, Agriterra, and Kipkelion District Cooperative Union to demonstrate the importance of resilient food systems in Kericho, Kenya. Through research and remote interviews, we took the time to select charismatic characters that were directly impacted by the project. Our film showcases their stories, emphasizing successful outcomes and the crucial role of partnerships in driving transformative change in coffee production. By fostering collaboration and empowering farmers, RVO promotes sustainable practices and secures the future of the food system. Discover the story in this video!
We collaborated with RVO on the Shiraka program, fostering partnerships between Dutch municipalities and counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa. Our film focused on human rights, government accountability, and the SDGs. Through meetings and remote interviews, we refined the concept, gathered information, and identified local representatives. The film showcased all the partners in one conversation — stakeholders from the Netherlands and from the MENA region — sharing their experiences and challenges. By depicting their journeys, we highlighted the program’s role in meaningful dialogues and creating frameworks for better-functioning societies. Discover the story in this video!
A Collective Journey: Becoming Agents of Positive Transformation
Our storytelling approach, fueled by personal narratives and the indomitable Makmende spirit, sets the stage for a captivating and inspiring journey. Through the power of images, we aimed to bridge the geographical distance and show that despite being physically apart, we remain linked through a common vision. Therefore, partnerships are the backbone of our approach, enabling us to amplify the stories of these collaborations, driving sustainable innovation, and building a better future together.
See more of our work with RVO here!
