Lesson 03

03 Participatory video and documentary filmmaking

What are participatory visual methods?

Participatory visual methods include different creative forms of communication and expression, such as drama, photography, video, drawing, creative writing and music. Using collaborative processes, participants and facilitators together can produce powerful stories.

How does the participatory video process work?

  • Participants learn how to use video equipment through games and exercises.
  • Facilitators help groups to identify and analyse important issues in their community.
  • Short videos are directed and filmed by the participants.
  • Films are screened to the wider community and to decision-makers.

What is the difference between participatory video and documentary filmmaking?

Documentary filmmaking shows the point of view of the filmmaker. The subjects of the film are not involved in how the filmmaker decides to represent them and their stories.

In contrast, in participatory video the subjects make their own films showing how to be represented and what is important to tell in their stories.

Watch the video tutorial and then complete the quiz.

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Quiz - Participatory visual methods and documentaries [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]