Often, experts and outsiders depict and analyze the situation of groups whose voices are less heard. They present the situation of the subjects based on their own concerns and presuppositions, leaving the subjects with less opportunity to influence the process and what is displayed. This creates a significant distance between the reality of the subjects and what is portrayed. To bridge this gap, the Participatory video tool was created as a part of the participatory approach to increase the ability of individuals and groups to share and display their own situations. At Ensanshahr Institute, our concern is to provide a platform for the voices of these groups to be heard, which are usually less heard, by using this tool.

Our first experience of using this tool was with a group of children from a care center called "Narmak Disabled Helpers Center". Our goal was to increase the children's ability to analyze and directly share their collective situation and concerns. The focus was on increasing the capabilities of the children of the center, rather than making a film. Throughout the entire process, the project team played the role of facilitator and provided conditions in which the children could analyze their situation, identify their priorities, and start planning and taking action themselves.

The children, who named themselves "Salvation Kindness Angels", planned and made a film called "Playing in the Garden" from November 2021 to December 2022 with the help of facilitators from our institute. The children went through a year-long process of planning and practicing in weekly workshops to achieve their goal. This participatory process provided a platform for the children to get acquainted with visual tools and practice sharing their concerns, needs, and interests with others using these tools. They were involved in all stages of making the film, from choosing the subject to preparing the story, editing, and planning for the public screening of the film. Finally, in December 2022, they performed a ceremony for the public screening of their film and showed it to their audience.

If you are interested in watching this participatory video, please let us know by emailing the institute.