All over the world stories from less developed areas are rarely broadcasted in the mainstream media. Villagers and slum dwellers lack platforms to share ideas and find solutions. This lack of access to voice means that they cannot create a lobby for their issues, combat corruption or exercise their franchise properly. Not only are they not represented properly in the mainstream media they themselves cannot produce their own stories because they have no training in technology and journalism. Community media – does that, it equips men and women from disadvantaged communities/groups in journalism and technology. Participatory video is utilization of video technology as a catalyst in social development. I was fortunate to be a part of such a participatory media movement with Drishti and Video Volunteers. I got an opportunity to work as a trainer for a community video group (SAMVAD- meaning dialogue) in Ahmedabad slums. During my tenure at Samvad, we produced 16 video magazines and 9 documentary films, which were written, shot and edited by community members. These are powerful films and what makes them most interesting is that the issues presented are as seen by the same - the people who face them – it brings about a genuine inside perspective - truly a by the people , for the people and of the people media.
In the summer of 2007, We at Samvad Video Unit conducted a video workshop for children between the ages of 9-12 years. After the workshop, a film was scripted and shot by the children on the issue of having playgrounds in the vicinity of their homes. “Amne khilva do” is an honest and heartwarming film that compels each of us to think about our role on the issue of decrease of open public spaces in our cities. (Winner of the ICCF Film festival (1st prize) held in Italy)
This video magazine focuses on ration shop beneficiaries and the problems faced by them in terms of irregular timings, quality and quantity of goods disbursed through the ration shops. In a coup of sorts, it captures on camera the discrepancies in distribution of kerosene – one of the most commonly used domestic fuel in slums of Ahmedabad. The screening of this film led to an uproar that compelled the authorities to take action against the shop keeper and the issue – that was pending since many years was resolved with four months of the screening.