Quechua children will be trained in script-writing, storyboarding, blogging, directing and presenting in order to deliver a series of short films on customs of Andean Culture. The project brief is to record stories that make the children proud to be Quechua. The project will work to bridge the gap between the children’s traditional, indigenous roots and an increasingly modernised Peru, as well as train the children in digital media skills.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
21km from Cuzco
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
In modern Peru, racism against Quechua communities is rife and widely accepted. Subsequently, these children grow up struggling to believe in the value of their culture. With increased access to digital media, these communities have both the opportunity to speak out against this discrimination as well as to educate modern Peru about its rich Incan heritage, and ultimately change these accepted attitudes.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
12 children will create 3-5 minute videos in which they present a traditional skill or practice from their community. Themes could range from traditional farming techniques to social customs which ensure community cohesion. The children's role will be that of writer, director and presenter. They will also create a blog documenting their journey and the educational process behind the videos.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
Our most valued connection is the one we have with the children and their families. We have already worked with the children on a participatory photography project in 2012. For this, we garnered support from the BBC, The Tate, Thomson Reuters and Vodafone in order to disseminate the lessons inherent in the children's photo-stories. We have also identified a filmmaker in Peru who will train the children and work with them to produce the films.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
In the first instance, Amantani will work with 30 young people from Amantani's Boarding Houses in order to research the customs they would like to share. During a 6 month period, these children will receive a one-hour training workshop each week. In this time, they will develop their scripts and storyboards. The 12 children with the most inspiring scripts will go on to produce their films while the other children will play vital supporting roles.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
An important step of the process is for the children to hear the lessons that people from around the world have learnt from their videos. In doing so the children will learn their most important lesson, that they too have something to teach. We would much appreciate support in raising awareness about the films through shared publicity that will generate more positive feedback for the children whilst combatting racism against Quechua people.
Contact name
Fred Branson
Organization
Amantani