Through taking part in Participatory Video people can grow in self-esteem, value their knowledge, reflect on local issues, share perspectives, identify commonalities and ways forward. This process leads to critical thinking and collective local action. Here are some examples from InsightShare projects.
In January 2011, a group of representatives from Nigerien non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on climate adaptation and human rights in Niger were brought together for a participatory video workshop. During the training, two short films were produced illustrating community based adaptation initiatives supported by UNDP in two respective villages in the Dakoro commune. This training was supported by UNDP/GEF Community-BASED adaptation (CBA) programme.
Phil Borda and his crew interviewed the InsightShare team and trainees participating in our PV M&E Initiative in Guatemala for his documentary on prevention of violence against women, commissioned by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, administered by UN Women.
As part of the 'Conversations with the Earth — Indigenous Voices on Climate Change' programme InsightShare has supported the development of an indigenous media network around the world. Since 2009 the participatory video process has helped inspire indigenous communities across five continents to work together to protect the planet for future generations. This impact report summarises their stories and the story of InsightShare's contribution to the programme.
Soledad Muniz, InsightShare Associate, has contributed with two articles in the PLA 63 How wide are the ripples? From local participation to international organisational learning: 'Western Balkans Green Agenda, local storytelling through participatory video making', in the section 'Making Sense'; and 'InsightShare's global network of community video hubs' in the section 'Structures, mechanisms and spaces'.
In March 2010 we organised the first Conversations with the Earth Community Festival to celebrate biodiversity and cultural diversity around the world and in our hometown Oxford in particular. Over the course of nine days diverse activities - ranging from film screenings and lectures to discussions, practical workshops, participatory ‘ceremonies’, comedy shows and dance events - took place in the Old Book Binders in East Oxford, UK.
Since the start of the Conversations with the Earth (CWE) Programme, InsightShare has worked with indigenous communities across 5 continents. This catalogue provides an overview of all videos that have been produced by these communities since the network’s launch in March 2009. The films communicate the collective voices of women, men, young people and elders.
The Participatory Video project in Fort Chipawayen worked with young Cree, Dene and Metis peoples around the changes in climate, culture and society they are facing.
Working in 6 Balkan countries MilieuKontakt and Kocka implemented a participatory process of local sustainable development called 'The Green Agenda'. Between November 2009 and October 2010 InsightShare facilitators visited the Green Agenda working groups in Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia to introduce participatory video as a way to tell their stories. This is the story of the workshops...
In this video the Comcaac explain how Western companies came to their communities -- promising lots of money -- but causing climate change, contamination and depletion of their natural resources. The Comcaac are proud of their wisdoms on how to conserve nature and feel responsible to leave a healthy and alive Earth behind for the coming generations.