participatory mode- case study


Case study task

1.      Write a definition of the participatory mode of documentary filmmaking
The participatory mode became popular around the 1960. The participatory mode is where “the filmmaker interacts with his or her social actors, rather than observes and participates in shaping what happens before the camera” (Nichols 151).
A participatory documentary is a general and collaborative process that engages communities in designing and carrying out the collection and distribution of their own story. It is not simply about producing stories.

2.      Find your own example of a participatory style documentary film/programme

XIBEJANA XA HINA Our Rhino is a participatory film project with a group of environmental monitors and Rhino ambassadors working with the Kruger 2 Canyons Biosphere Region
Duration: 21m56sec
Languages: English/some Tsonga
Negry is a Rhino Ambassador (RA) in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C). She lives in Newington, a village close to Kruger National Park and the network of private game reserves that support “Big 5” tourism. It is her job, along with RAs in other villages of the region, to speak on behalf of an animal species facing extinction driven by human greed. Her compassion for two young rhino calves orphaned by poachers is palpable when she recounts the loss of her own mother at a very young age. Her story, which is intertwined with the perspectives and energetic innovations of community elder, Killion Mabunda, is communicated in a participatory film project with a group of young Rhino Ambassadors and Environmental Monitors working with K2C.

3.      Write about the techniques used and how they create meaning for audience
Right at the beginning of the film, there is an overview of the environment and the animals so the audience knows what to expect from the film.
The subject topic is introduced by K.D Mabunda at the beginning of the documentary with voiceover and then it cuts to him talking to the camera, explaining about the village and its surroundings.
In the documentary, on few occasions we can see the camera men explaining and showing directions to the lady Negry and getting involved with the people from the village (2.40) which is what makes this film a participatory documentary because they are involving themselves with the community rather than just filming what they want.

Craig and Daniel are recording a session of K.D Mabunda where you can see both crew being videoed in the setting before the actual recording session taking place. There are also subtitles to help the audience understand when it is in Tsonga language.
Her passion is shared to touch the audience on the matter about the rhinoceros and the fact they used close up of her computer screen showing distressing images about what the hunters have done to the rhinoceros is to sensibiliser the audience and trigger awareness and  a sense of empathy & sympathy.

 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Secondary research for my ideas

Drake Sprite: The Spark Tv advert analysis