The Community Video Unit (CVU) is a unique space for local communities to voice their stories of joy, strife or tribulations. Here communities create, control and disseminate their stories through the medium of videos. It comprises of 6 – 8 community members who are trained as full time Community Video Producers. They produce a ‘Video Film’ on different social issues in every 2months. These films are screened in around 25 bastis or villages on widescreen projectors to up to 10,000 people. Every film sparks debates, discussions and ultimately actions towards a positive change. Drishti collaborates with different non-profit organizations in India to set up a Community Video Unit, within communities they work.

WHY A CVU?  

WHY should media remain in the hands of a privileged few when communities can use it as a tool of empowering community voices and initiating social change? 

Lights, Camera, Action! Ever thought these could be the survival words for the underprivileged?  
Handy Cams aren’t anymore for only capturing leisure moments, family vacations or weddings. It is slowly but steadily becoming a weapon for the deprived to capture their realities and initiate social change. Marginalized communities armed with this audio- visual technology are articulating and expressing their voice, stories and struggles through this medium today.  

Even after decades of achieving freedom, a free media, the fourth pillar of democracy, is controlled by a handful of the privileged. The true essence of a free media can be realized only if people and especially the marginalized of our community begin to control and create media.  
This creates the foundation of Drishti’s Community Video Programme.  

Drishti believes that video technology as one of the tools of Community Media; possess the power to change the world. It has the strength to help people document issues that abuses human rights, prevents violence and exposes various unknown stories and issues to common people. A people’s media is also effective as it provides vital information on various policies of public welfare and government schemes.  

A film maker’s journey usually ends with the making of a film. However the Community Media Producer’s journey begins once the film is made. These films are screened through out the community in a regular screening cycle. Every screening is followed with intensive debates which is kick-started by a ‘call to action’, which every film provides. This is what lights the fire for change in a community.