The International Community Film Forum
How are you creating a better world?
What challenges do you face?
What successes have you had?
Have you used film to document your experiences?
Every nation now forms part of the day-to-day reality of every other nation.
Though it may not have a real awareness of its solidarity, the world continues to become increasingly interdependent.
This interdependence, however, goes hand in hand with a host of imbalances and sometimes gives rise to grave inequalities, leading to misunderstandings and manifold hotbeds of tension which combine to keep the world in ferment.
It is true that the patterns of domination and the conflicts of interest stemming from them cannot be made to disappear merely because the scope for communication has been broadened, but the increased possibilities of communicating can help to soften their impact by making every individual more alive to the problems and aspirations of others and every nation more conscious of the dangers lying in wait for the world community as a whole.
In these circumstances, the importance of communication is fundamental. Moreover, as a result of the tremendous strides taken by science and technology the means now exist of responding to that need.
UNESCO Report: Many Voices, One World. (1980)
The outcome of participatory communication for the people is consciousness-raising.
By reflecting about their own condition, they are better able to think about and articulate social action
that they believe would improve their well-being. Additionally, people develop communication skills,
acquire new knowledge and contribute indigenous knowledge to development decision-making.
Utlimately the participation process can lead to resource acquisition that enables people
to reach common goals within the community,
making it possible for people to live and work harmoniously.
(Shirley A. White, Participatory Video, p.38)
The aim is to gain for community film the widest possible reach.
We want to raise awareness of the issues presented and to promote debate.
We want to target key decision-makers across the world,
but we are also engaging the young people who are the future."
"To achieve this praxis, however, it is necessary to trust in the oppressed and in their ability to reason. Whoever lacks this trust will fail to initiate (or will abandon) dialogue, reflection, and communication, and will fall into using slogans, communiques, monologues, and instructions. Superficial conversions to the cause of liberation carry this danger." (Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, p. 66)
"The oppressor, who is himself dehumanized because he dehumanizes others, is unable to lead this struggle." (Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, p.47)
For further information contact ian.mccormick@easynet.co.uk
To join the debate see the ICFF Blog
For occasional updates visit the Facebook Group
For Archival Information on the 2006 Festival, visit the BBC, or check out the 2006 Programme
To watch a film about ICFF 2008 see below:
