Lights, Camera, Action!
Ever thought these words could give power to the underprivileged?

Marginalized communities armed with cameras are making their voices, stories and struggles heard today.

Witnessing the power of grassroots filmmaking to engage and revolutionize communities inspired the formation of the Community Video Program. Drishti collaborates with innovative Indian non-profit organizations to contribute a fresh approach to their work by engaging 6-8 community members in film production. A Drishti trainer works with the emerging Community Video Unit (CVU) for 18-month, helping them understand filmmaking, journalism, and community development. Simultaneously, a Community Editorial Board, comprising of people who live and work within the community, is convened to discuss issues to be covered by the CVU and how the community can use these films as a force of change. Every two months, a film exploring a different social issue (decided by the Community Editorial Board) is produced and regularly screened in around 25 bastis or villages on widescreen projectors to up to 10,000 people. Community screenings are followed by a lively discussion led by the community producers and always close with a call to action.

Over 100 community members in 5 different states have created more than 100 films that are being screened to audiences in India and around the world!

TODAY we are creating a virtual network of grassroots producers who are utilizing low cost technologies to localize media and the arts. We are experimenting with the limits of low cost technologies and inventive dissemination mechanisms such as mobile screening vans and cable-casting to make video accessible and affordable for all!

Everyone has a story to tell - we make sure they are heard!