From Film to Community: How to Organize Impactful Screenings

Miki gives a brief overview of her journey as an impact producer and shares some valuable resources:

The Impact Field Guide — A collection of ideas, tools, and examples intended to support filmmakers and their films to contribute to positive change in society;

The STEPS Impact Toolkit — A practical guide by STEPS: a Southern Africa-based media organization designed for creating social change through film. It features the This Land case study, written by Miki Redelinghuys; the link can be found on page 28.

Let’s unpack some of the more challenging aspects of impact work. No matter how huge or overwhelming the context of your film’s issue may seem, it’s essential to recognize what activists and organizers are already doing on the ground and to educate yourself about the ongoing work, existing communities, and available resources. Constantly aligning your priorities with social change can be difficult at times — but it is possible. 

How do you stay inclusive when working with participants? How do you follow the truth all the way through, even when it means listening to perspectives you don’t necessarily agree with? What tools can help you achieve maximum publicity and visibility? Should impact goals be remapped over time? And finally — what alliances are necessary to make that happen? Miki addresses these questions through the case study of Mother City.