In Their Own Voices.
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One of my favorite programs at SAATH is the SAMVAD Community Video Unit. Comprised of 5 youth from nearby slums, a program manager and a producer, the CVU investigates, scripts, films and produces video magazines on pertinent social issues. Their intended market, though, is their community, not the mainstream. They conduct local viewings to help empower their communities to lobby for their rights and change mindsets. Subsequently, they send the videos to NGOs and local governments to promote inclusive city development.
In light of mainstream India calling Slumdog Millionaire “poverty porn”, I shared the movie with the CVU to get their view. Hesitant that the movie might offend them, I was relieved when they identified with the portrayal of slum condistions and were inspired by the hope of the film. Together, we’ve made posters to help market their films:
Ration Ni Dukaan addressed ration card and supply distribution inequality. Within 4 months slum communities started to receive the same amount of the kerosene as the rest of Ahmedabad.
Amne Khilva Do. Children from slum communities challenge town planners to address education, development and safety needs. Scripted and shot by children, officials were compelled to act.
Maro Mat focuses on progressive disillusion of community voters with the Indian Electoral process. It aroused feelings of unity and individualism and conveyed the value of voting.
Ashaeen. Children living in slum communities, fortunate enough to attend school, were compelled to study Ahmedabad Municipal schools and uncovered the poor quality of education.
finding rickshaw. 