Iowa Stories and Lived Experiences (ISLE) is a multimedia documentary workshop experience offered through the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication in collaboration with Midwest Connections. This 16-day inaugural workshop focused on exploring the cultural, economic, and political currents that shape the lives of African immigrants in Eastern Iowa.
The completed project will premiere in September 2025 at FilmScene in Iowa City in partnership with the African Festival of Arts and Culture.
- Kabedi MutambaDirector of Visuals/Co-Lead Director of Photography
- Charice SalazarDirector/Co-Lead Director of Photography
- Gabby DreesDirector of Photography
- Alayna LarsonDirector of Visuals
- Alice CruseDirector
- Rose GrauDirector of Visuals
- Annika NelsonDirector
- Sofie NettletonDirector of Photography
- Leah LatellaField Producer, Visuals Mentor
- John RichardVideo Mentor
- Kevin RipkaCo-Director, Design & Interactive Mentor
- Alex ScottCo-Director, Photography Mentor
- Sunday GoshitCommunity and Cultural Communication Leader
- Sabena Abdul RaheemCommunity and Cultural Communication Leader
- Marandah Mangra-DutcherStudent Coach
- Jami Martin-TrainorStudent Coach
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
The University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Dr. Melissa Tully
Dr. Sunday Goshit
The Nupolu Family
The Sato Family
Roger Atchou and Family
Daniel and Dodo Batige
Kisonia Mafuta
Feed Iowa First
Kelvin Nucico and Angela Looney
Voice of Christ Ministries International
Peace Christian Reformed Church
The African immigrant community of Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas
This project was supported in part by Midwest Connections: Linking narrative-based research to understand the changing Heartland, an interdisciplinary scholars grant from the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Iowa.
