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Living Memory Lab is an 18-month project during which 100 people from Plymouth will be given the opportunity to make a three-minute film to mark the bicentenary of the Act to abolish slavery.

The project is looking for a variety of short film ideas. You may want to explore your family鈥檚 own slaving heritage or be interested in making a film about one of the heroes of the abolition movement like Equiano or Wilberforce.

Danovan Knott in Jamaica

Local historians may want to discuss the role of Drake and Hawkins in Plymouth's slaving heritage. But those interested in modern slavery can also get involved including people who have travelled abroad to discover their roots.

As long as the subject for your film is connected with slavery or abolition, the Living Memory Lab is keen to hear from you.

A series of four-day short courses in basic film-making are being offered as part of the project. At the end of the four days everyone will produce a short film.

The courses began in September 2007 and will run until autumn 2008. You watch two examples of the films already made below:

No film-making experience is needed, but very basic knowledge of using a computer is desirable.

The project is being co-ordinated by community journalist Fiona Evans.

Plymouth poet Shellie Gould

"Anyone can make a short film," said Fiona. "We provide the equipment and support but what we are looking for in return are people who want to express their feelings about slavery and help others better understand this very complex subject."

If you run a voluntary organisation and think some of your beneficiaries might be interested in making a movie, the lab is mobile and can come to where you are.

There is no charge for this unique training experience.

This ambitious film-making project is partnership between Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council, 大象传媒 South West and the community arts agency Creative Partnerships, with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To start the ball rolling all you need do is write a few lines down outlining your idea or simply pick up the phone.

E-mail fiona.evans@bbc.co.uk or contact the 大象传媒 Radio Devon Action Desk on 01752 255500.