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Steps for Democracy ProjectSteps for Democracy is a global documentary film project on democracy. The ten one-hour films will be broadcasted simultaniously worldwide during the spring 2007. The global debate will be backed by public discussions, radio programmes, internet and a special distribution programme for educational purposes. Project aims:
Democracy: rarely has an idea been claimed by so many people with so many different views and interests. Yet democracy is sold as the blanket slogan of the century, the way to a better world. At its most open, democracy is supposed to involve people in every area of life. So now is a good time to involve people in a global discussion about democracy itself – where’s it going, who’s got it, who hasn’t, is it just dead talk, what does it suggest to you in your own life here and now wherever you are? Steps for Democracy is a global film project producing 10 documentaries and 15 short films on this diverse and difficult issue. The point of the films is to explore what democracy could, should or does mean in any individual, community, local, national or global setting. One of the best ways to fire argument and discussion about democracy is through documentary film. The films are being made by independent filmmakers backed by international financial and professional support. Steps International – a non-profit group created for the project and made up of members of major broadcasters – is using the resources of top broadcasting companies to sponsor the production of the 10 plus 15 films. Filmmakers from Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Europe are taking part. An editorial board created by the organisers decides which of the proposals for films will go into production. Broad informal networks of meetings at national level have provided the main channels for delivering project proposals to the editorial board. The aim has been to find the most outstanding projects, ones that can stimulate a global discussion on democracy. The films chosen for production will have worldwide distribution for broadcast The editorial board has sought unusual, original and fresh works. They can be in any filmmaking style as long as they are easy to understand. They are not journalistic news reports, but creative films that ask hard questions and don’t offer easy answers. The idea is that the 10 feature length films will be transmitted by broadcasters at the same time worldwide in January 2007. The transmissions will be backed by public debates, radio programmes and a high profile internet presence. And the point is to boost the debate about the most contested but widely proclaimed issues of our time. The partners so far include BBC, ARTE, NHK, SVT, TV2, YLE and EBU. The aim is not to seek consensus on a single view of democracy or to achieve a standard definition. Rather, it is to explore the meanings of democracy in a multitude of contexts. The project will give expression to a wide variety of voices. It will have both critics and supporters of democracy. It will look at different forms of democracy, and at their possibilities to solve contemporary problems. This is why the debate is not about giving a suitable launch pad for the films. The project will not end after the TV showings, but will continue to extend the discussion on democracy. The organisers are seeking funds to have versions of the films in as many languages as possible. And if broadcasters cannot pay for them, they will receive them free on the condition that they are shown prominently. The short films will be particularly targeted at countries where democracy has recently been introduced. In the final phase, the 10 documentary programmes will be shown on BBC World, about a year after their first transmission. And they will also be available to colleges and schools and organisations who wish to use them in their courses and outreach. |