In November 2018, we facilitated a participatory video project on climate change adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem services with women from six different indigenous communities in Nagaland, India. In these North Eastern regions of India, the majority of the population depends on agricultural activities for survival and are therefore highly vulnerable to climatic changes.

The women of Nagaland play a key role in farming. They are the main influencers of rural economy and the welfare of their families. The women hold a wealth of highly specialized knowledge about the environment and its natural resources and are the key drivers for adaptation and change.

In this very unique inter-tribal exchange, the women learnt how to produce their own films from the initial idea, to the production and editing process. Throughout the workshops, the women were discussing regional customary and climatic differences, shared their knowledge on biodiversity, eco system services and climate change adaptation. Within one week, they produced 2 films, which celebrate and document the women’s local knowledge in traditional farming, the forests and crop diversity. In a series of screening events with following Q&As the films were shown and discussed with a wider audience of family, friends, local and regional decision makers and policy influencers. The films are an invaluable document of inter-tribal knowledge, which are giving a voice to local female farmers.

The overall project consisted of 2 modules. A ToT (training of trainers) and a PV (participatory video) workshop. In combination, they guarantee sustainability, longevity and a maximised reach and dissemination of the projects’ outcomes.

Funded by GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) India, the project highlights the power of participatory media in environmental communication, knowledge exchange, and gender justice.¹

In close collaboration with our client organisations, we develop bespoke film and media projects for the cultural, educational and international cooperation sectors. We strongly believe that the method of participatory video is a tool for empowerment, amplifying the voice of those, who often remain unheard.

To maximise stakeholder engagement, our projects serve as a medium for research, training, documentation, communication, evaluation and dissemination.

We provide

• Participatory video (PV) workshops to stimulate dialogue and exchange

• Training of Trainers in filmmaking and PV methodology for sustainability

• Strategies to maximize reach and dissemination

• Corporate and campaign videos for communication and fundraising

¹ Originally implemented by Glocal Films in 2018, now continued under Glocal Collective.