10.06.23
Empowering the Voices of Young Tribal Women: Jamia Millia Islamia Conducts a One-Day Mobile- Based Filming Workshop in Malkangiri, Odisha
On 6 June 2023, faculty members from Jamia Millia Islamia conducted a seven-hour volunteer training programme on mobile-based short filmmaking in Telerai Panchayat, Kalimela block of Malkangiri district, Odisha. The workshop was structured to equip volunteers with the practical skills and conceptual knowledge needed to produce impactful films that explore the multifaceted relationship between forest resources and tribal communities. Following the training, 30 volunteers—many drawn from forest-dependent communities, especially from the Bonda Ghati—decided to articulate their own narratives and build a digital presence by organising a special film festival. The festival will explore the diverse ways in which tribal communities and the forest interact, shedding light on the myriad hues and complexities of their everyday lives. The Initiative of the Forest Economy (IoFE) team has made noteworthy progress in streamlining the production process—covering story planning, filming, and editing—to support these emerging filmmakers.
After completed the training, all 30 volunteers—supported by our team—embarked on their journey to produce captivating films
To help volunteers formulate engaging storylines, our team organised field training sessions guiding them in structuring narratives, planning video shoots, and managing the editing process effectively.
Hand-Holding Training:
To provide comprehensive support, our team organised a one-day camp in a Bonda Ghati village, featuring a three-step programme on story development, filming techniques, and editing skills. Volunteers began by conducting interviews to shape their narratives and then spent time capturing natural footage to enhance their visual storytelling. Almost all female volunteers successfully completed the training programme. A full-day video editing workshop was subsequently held, after which they published their films on social media platforms.
Structuring Storylines:
Learning through Interviews and Voice-Overs:
Interviewing subjects and using voice-overs have become the primary methods through which these volunteers are honing their storytelling skills. Publishing their first films will further boost their confidence to produce captivating content from their respective locations.
From Workshop to Action: Early Outcomes and Immediate Action Plan
We have designed a protocol for storing both raw and edited footage. Field-support coordinator Ms Bhavani will lead this effort full-time, extending it to more villages through the Jungle Rani Reporters—young tribal girls who document forest-related and natural-resource issues. These films will be published on two platforms: the Malkangiri Forest Economy Facebook page and Bado Didi’s YouTube channel. We are also exploring additional platforms to amplify the impact of this initiative.
Own Film Festival:
Recognising the importance of providing forest-dependent communities with a platform to share their stories, the Own Film Festival will be held on 21–22 July 2023. It will showcase the ten best films produced by the Jungle Rani Reporters, celebrating their talent and raising awareness of key environmental and tribal issues.
Moving forward, we will focus on three key aspects:
Refresher Course/Training: Conduct a short refresher course to update volunteers on the latest techniques and approaches in reporting and filming.
Digital Depository: Establish a digital depository where both raw and edited footage can be safely stored and accessed for future reference and collaboration.
Branding of the Jungle Rani Reporters: Position the initiative as one led by young tribal girls who document and address issues related to forests and tribal communities; through branding efforts, raise awareness and foster support for their valuable work.