Samvad

Samvad means ‘dialogue,’ and them ision of this video unit is to provide criical information and basic amenities and services to slum dwellers in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Samvad is the video unit of Saath, an NGO which works on bringing infrastructure to thousands of slum residents through a network of women-led ‘community-based organizations.’ Saath also offers microcredit, health and job-training programs, allowing women and young people to be financially self-sufficient.

Samvad’s community producers were affected by the Gujarat riots in 2002, and feel empowered by the process of making films about issues such as slum redevelopment, women’s employment, education and peace between Hindus and Muslims.

Says Community Producer Tarun,
“During a screening one of my friends turned to me and said, “Those can’t be real Muslims—Muslims don’t look like that! I didn’t know they could be so nice.” I told them those were real Muslims, he’d just never taken the time to see one before or listen to them.”

Success Story: A film on a Government/Saath program where residents and government equally invest in slum redevelopment helped long-time ‘hold outs’ finally see the value in personally investing in their areas amenities. Saath organization saw enrollment in their Job Training Program increase by 50% after the screenings of their Livelihood film.

Stills of Samvad Producers: