Community Video Unit

Community Video Unit (CVU)

The medium of video can be a powerful instrument of social change, especially if people’s voices appear on screen highlighting their own perceptions of issues they face and the problems that they encounter in their day to day lives. The purpose of this unit is to train young activists with skills in interviewing, script writing, photography, editing and screening so that they can play an effective role as community producers. This idea was proposed to us by Drishti Media Collective, Ahmedabad, who in partnership with Video Volunteers New York, USA offered to collaborate on the training design and operational processes.

The purpose was to create video magazines based on people’s perspective on problems, issues, positive experiences and their life situation in general. The belief is that such a portrayal of live reality would spur people to act and become partners in the social change process. Last year 7 young Konda Reddy adivasis, 3 men and 4 women were trained. They have produced so far 3 short video magazines and have travelled to different villages screening these videos. After the screenings in each village they undertook discussions with the support of the Laya team members on the issues portrayed in the videos, and focused on possible actions.

MAGAZINES PRODUCED
	Malaria Fever
	Basic Infrastructure
	Food Security
	Saving and Money lending
	Adivasi culture and traditional knowledge