About
Cruzomundo
Welcome! I am Jaap van ‘t Kruis, founder of Cruzomundo Storytelling Academy, bringing over 25 years of filmmaking experience.
At Cruzomundo, we’re passionate about elevating storytelling for individuals and organisations.
We believe storytelling is a vital skill that directly connects with the human psyche. Specializing in empowering non-profits, businesses, universities, and filmmakers, we transform narratives into compelling stories that inspire and influence.
Over the years, we collaborate with renowned organizations like the Pulitzer Center, VICE, The New Yorker, and Netflix.
My team at Cruzomundo and I are looking forward to sharing our passion for the art and science with you!
Documentary Filmmaking Workshops - ELEVATING LOCAL VOICES
We empower storytelling talents across the world, guiding them to excel in both the art and science of storytelling.
In a world where technology has made filmmakers of us all, our workshops provide the missing link: the knowledge to weave a narrative that truly speaks to an audience.
We champion local voices, encouraging storytellers to share their unique perspectives and insights, firmly believing that their distinct viewpoints enrich our collective understanding of the world.
Story Coach & Editor
With over a quarter-century of experience in filmmaking, I stand as a seasoned filmmaker ready to be your guide and your collaborator in the pursuit of elevating your film and narrative.
My expertise lies not just in storytelling but in unearthing and refining the hidden gems within each tale.
I am very committed to making sure that your film not only realizes its full potential but resonates profoundly with its intended audience.
Masterclasses in Storytelling
At Cruzomundo, our storytelling masterclasses are more than instructional sessions. We offer immersive, transformative experiences, full of interaction.
Designed for a diverse audience, from dynamic corporations to impactful nonprofits, filmmakers and curious university students, each storytelling class is a journey through the world of narratives.
This approach ensures that every lesson resonates deeply and lasts long after the masterclass is over.
About Jaap van ‘t Kruis
Stuck in the Colombian Jungle
"Get out of here, now!’ said the FARC guerrilla commander, his words slicing through the thick Colombian jungle. Here I was, with my producer, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by guerrillas armed with AK-47s and grenade launchers. ‘Guards, come and get rid of these guys…’ Two guerrillas approached, and my heart pumped harder than normal.
Back in 2016, I was researching a new documentary, oblivious to the fact that this film's beginning would pave the way for a storytelling academy three years later.
The principles of storytelling
It was a moment of realization that the art of storytelling demanded more than just intuition; it required a systematic understanding of its underlying principles. It meant looking into how storytelling works in people's minds and figuring out how to make characters interesting.
I started to study the structural foundations that could elevate a narrative from a mere collection of scenes to a compelling, coherent story.
Film as a Bridge for Reconciliation
After the film's release, we did screenings in rural Colombia, around the villages where the documentary was filmed. The screenings were a success, bringing ex-FARC commanders and victims together.
It showed me how a film can really bring people together who think differently, listening to each other's stories for the first time. The film helped the victims of the armed conflict talk to the ex-FARC guerrillas; the film opened doors for them to reconcile.