Program Overview|

The everyday issues of slum residents have been traditionally ignored by conventional media outlets. As a result, residents lacked a medium by which they could capture, discuss and organize around issues of social change in their communities. The Samvad Community Video Unit (CVU) was established in 2006 in response to this need. Supported by Saath, Drishti and Video Volunteers, an NGO with CVU’s across India, the Unit was founded to empower slum residents to advocate for themselves. Through regular video magazines, filmed and screened entirely by community members, Samvad CVU provides an inclusive platform for awareness and dialogue about social issues and methods to address them. Samvad’s video magazines are created by a team of 7 producers who are all community members themselves. Most have limited educational background, but have been trained in the processes of filming, production and editing.

History|

Samvad CVU began in 2006 with support from SAATH, Video Volunteers and Dhrishti Media. Since then, Samvad has produced 16 video magazines on topics ranging from domestic violence to elections.  

Reach|

Samvad CVU now reaches 100 people each night through its screenings. In 2009, Samvad held 2010 screenings, reaching a total audience of 32,448.

By exposing slum audiences to community-based media, the CVU aims to catalyze community organization so that they will mobilize to change their communities for the better. The films also bring accountability to government, by exposing corruption and giving residents a method by which to demand improved municipal services.

Future Goals |

Samvad CVU plans to make its media advocacy training and services available to members of the community and other NGOs in 2010. 

Leadership |

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