How to Build Trust and Capture Authentic Stories: Lessons from Documenting Kantamanto’s Rebirth 

Walking into Kantamanto market after the fire, I made a deliberate choice: my camera stayed in its bag.

Ghana’s largest secondhand clothing market was in ashes, but amid the rubble, traders were already rebuilding. Their resilience was humbling. Yet, I quickly realized this wasn’t just their story to tell—it was a privilege I had to earn.

Here’s a truth they don’t teach you in film school:

Authentic storytelling begins long before you press record.

When I approached a trader, she turned away. “You’re also here to make headlines,” she said, her voice heavy with distrust. That moment shifted everything for me.

For hours, I left my equipment behind. I brought bottled water, helped pass nails as they rebuilt, and simply listened. Traders shared their challenges and personal stories—stories that had nothing to do with my camera but everything to do with connection.

Then came the breakthrough.

“Why are you still here?” asked Mama Constance, her tone now curious instead of cold.

“My mission is to document how you’re rebuilding—not just structures but your lives,” I said. Her response? An invitation to record her story and others. By the end, I had not only interviews but also trust—and contacts for follow-ups.

Lessons for storytellers:

 • Your first job isn’t to document; it’s to connect.

 • Transparency isn’t just ethical—it builds trust. Explain your purpose and process.

 • Let your subjects shape their narrative. It’s their story, not yours.

 • Stay beyond the cameras. Authenticity grows in shared moments—helping, listening, and being present.

The footage I captured at Kantamanto wasn’t just powerful because of what it showed. It was powerful because it reflected trust, collaboration, and shared humanity.

The hard truth? When documenting trauma, your presence either heals or harms. Choose healing.

To my fellow storytellers: How do you build trust in your work? Let’s share insights in the comments.

Check out my Instagram page @nene_matey and @brandwithwisdom for more pictures and insights into this story.

Looking up at those rising structures one last time, I realised something profound: Success isn’t about never falling. It’s about rising every single time, stronger than before.

That’s the lesson Kantamanto taught me. That’s what I needed to share with you.

Follow this series for more stories of resilience and community power in action. Together, we learn. Together, we rise.