Amber has developed a unique methodology for community-led filmmaking, a collaborative approach of filmmaking that empowers communities to tell their own stories. At the heart of this method is guiding a group to create a short film by providing them with the necessary equipment and training in camera operation, interview techniques, and editing. The emphasis isn’t on technical perfection but on enabling communities to take control of their narratives. Through participatory video, they can share their experiences, perspectives, and raise awareness about the challenges they face. This approach ensures that storytelling remains powerfully in the hands of the community, fostering both self-expression and ownership of their stories. Amber is always interested in collaborating on community-led filmmaking projects. Whether it’s direct involvement, training in the methodology, or advice on project design, feel free to get in touch to discuss how she can support your initiative.
Participatory video is a powerful tool for community engagement as it promotes active involvement from community members around a certain issue. It can provide a platform for marginalized voices that are often overlooked or unheard and foster agency about the issues at hand. It can serve as a catalyst for community dialogue and decision making.
Community-led filmmaking can be a valuable tool for research, fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach to data collection. By actively involving participants, it promotes local ownership and engagement in research. This method captures the complexities of lived experiences and provides a deeper understanding of social and environmental contexts. Participants become co-creators of knowledge, promoting more equitable and inclusive research practices
Community-led filmmaking is a powerful tool for integrating local knowledge and empowering communities to take stewardship of their natural resources. However, it also presents important ethical considerations. While it holds great potential for researchers, NGOs, and organisations to collaborate effectively with communities, it must be carefully evaluated to avoid unintended consequences. Amber has published an open-access paper that explores both the benefits and challenges of this approach, offering insights into its ethical use.
Voices of the Vezo is a participatory media project that empowers traditional Vezo fishing communities in Madagascar to share their stories and raise awareness about the challenges they face from climate change and biodiversity loss through community-led filmmaking. In 2022, Amber spent two months in Madagascar, working with the NGO Blue Ventures and collaborating with youth groups from four different communities to help them create their own films, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and experiences. These films have been showed in coastal communities throughout the country to inspire action and local-leadership around marine management and conservation.
Kisah Kubu Raya (translating to Tales of Kubu Raya) was a community filmmaking project in collaboration with the NGO Planet Indonesia supporting local community members in the remote coastal region of Kuba Raya in West Kalimantan in Borneo. The three villages involved created short films about social and conservation issues of their choosing. Documenting a range of perspectives, the films were used to communicate the issues, needs, and concerns of members of the local community, support local leadership, and create a platform for dialogue
Amber is always eager to engage in community-led filmmaking projects. Whether you’re looking for direct involvement, training in the methodology, or guidance on project design, she would love to connect. Feel free to reach out to discuss how she can support your initiative.
