Community Video Units
What is a Community Video Unit?
A Community Video Unit is
- a self-sustaining production company run by 10 community members trained in all aspects of video production and distribution.
- The CVU is a part of an NGO and makes media related to the issues/campaigns the NGO is working on.
- Each CVU has (a) 2 video cameras, (b) 1-2 computers, (c) TV/VCR and (d) a wide screen projector for outdoor screenings.
How it started, and why?
In June 2006, Video Volunteers (based in New York) and Drishti (based in Ahmedabad) developed the concept of a Community Video Unit. Six leading NGOs in India decided to invest in creating a Community Video Unit in their area. The idea behind the CVU model is to allow the community to produce and distribute their own locally relevant video programs and thus empower the audiences to lead, connect and create change. The goal of Channel 19 is to expose these voices and create campaigns, funds and a dialogue between the local communities in India and the world. Th long term goal is to train 200 plus people to become ‘Community Video Producers’ in various countries in order to enable the voices of those who are currently excluded to be seen and heard around the world.
What type of media is made by CVUs?
The CVUS produce a Video News Magazine every 6 weeks comprised of community news, opinion polls, success stories within the community, short documentaries, legal tips, expose/video raids/protests and entertaining bites on culture and music.Since the CVUs represent various groups of India – with 25% Muslim, 25% Dalit (caste in India), 25% Tribal and 60% women – the subject matter of the videos vary. The content of the magazine is decided by the Community Producers as well as a Community Editorial Board, which is based on viewer feedback and key campaign issues of the partnering NGO.
What is the impact of making these videos?
These videos are shown in over 200 villages and slums, with nearly 200,000 people having participated in the screenings and discussions, in over 800 community screenings.
- 750 villagers filed reports of land rights violations…
- 300,000 Rs (US$7000) allocated by Government for long-term road repair in a remote area…
- 3X more people joined the campaign to stop the privatization of water in Mumbai, India…
Read more about what the impacts of showing these magazine videos have been, by clicking here.
About the CVUs:
These are the first six NGOs to invest in the concept of Community Video Units in India.
- Apna TV, Mumbai, India— means “our TV” and works on urban issues is promoted by the women’s organization, Akshara.
- Manyam Praja Video, Andhra Pradesh, India—means “Forest People’s Video,” is promoted by Laya Foundation.
- Apna Malak Maa, Surendranagar, India— This Community Video Unit has an all Dalit team that aims to create a dialogue between the upper and lower castses. The CVU is promoted by the organization Navsarjan.
- Samvad, Ahmedabad, India—Samvad, which means ‘dialogue,’ provides critical information to slum dwellers in Ahmedabad, and is promoted by Saath.
- Hamari Awaaz, Mumbai, India—means ‘our voice,’ works on the needs of slum residents and the future of Mumbai, one of the fastest growing and globalizing cities on the planet. They are promoted by Yuva.
- Sakshi Media, Panchmahal District, Gujarat, India— means ‘Witness’ Media promoted by Yuvshakti. The Producers in this CVU were all witnesses to terrible violence in their district in 2002, when communal riots led to the deaths of more than 2000 Muslims in their state.
