What is PV?

Participatory Video (PV) is a development strategy equipping target groups with means to independently portray who they are, how they conceive matters, and/or how they would like things to be. Participants are in charge of identifying and analysing issues to be captured on video, shooting their own footage, and determining the presentation format (e.g. newsflash, short film, or documentary). They are engaged in the editing process by selecting scenes (e.g. during community screenings) or doing the technical editing as part of an additional training.

When to use PV?

PV has an empowering impact on those encouraged to create and direct their own video images. As the end result can be easily shared with various stakeholders, PV can help building bridges between grassroot and policymaking levels, or between competing/ conflicting groups. PV also provides a good channel for horizontal communication. It often is used for breaking stereotypes, awareness raising, and advocacy purposes.