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VC Africa What part of the world is the most misunderstood by the West? Despite being made up of 54 countries and countless distinct cultures, the African continent is often portrayed by the mainstream media as a homogenous landscape scorched by civil war, epidemic disease and famine. This picture is incomplete. The power of Africa is in its people and countless Africans are taking control of their own destiny from the grassroots up. It is in these victories that our stories lie. That's why Villages Connected will begin its journey in an African community to document stories that we have never been told, mainly because we rarely ask. Warning: this is not your average documentary film that "captures" the lives of Africans. Instead, we hand the power of portrayal over to local residents. They tell their own stories of strength, solutions and, yes, challenges. We will travel to six remote communities, spending a month in each to train and assist each in creating a high quality film about the issues and stories that they feel are most important to tell a world watching. It is important to note that our production team does not choose the messages contained in these community films. We are simply the medium that amplifies the voices of the citizens of these communities. Villages Connected professional facilitators train community members to use the very still and video cameras previously pointed at them. We then facilitate community discussions that use residents' images and videos to critically examine their own social reality. These local insight then set the focus of each community's own documentary film. This film project will take you beyond traditional media to give you an opportunity to witness an Africa that is almost never seen. This Africa is full of hope; individuals collaborate with each other to change their own destiny. This Africa is full of life, optimism and joy. The Africa is rich in personal resources and from whose citizens we can only learn. However, the chatter will not dry up after we leave the community. We will establish and equip a community media co-op - complete with still and video cameras and internet connectivity - in each community. Drawing on their initial training, residents will continue producing content that continues to resonate both locally and globally. Building partnerships with partners in urban centers, we will also facilitate ongoing training that supports the rural communities in continuing to share their knowledge and vision. As an engaged community member, we know you want to see the films these communities produce. We do too! Help support their efforts by either becoming a Sponsor or purchase your Tickets. |
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