Documentary Proposal

           I have always had an interest both personally and academically in using the media to raise awareness of injustices, and exploring the media as an activist tool which can educate, motivate, and inspire people to take action regarding a certain social cause. In following this, I am proposing to make a social documentary that highlights how people interact with social change on a personal level.

           I think that it would be interesting to go to a protest or demonstration happening in the next couple weeks and make a documentary that draws attention not only to the issue being advocated for, but also the experience of the protesters: the challenges that they face (any subsequent police activity), the location of the protest, and any socio-economic factors that might influence the protestors or the protest itself.  The documentary would portray a snapshot of people coming together as a community to ultimately raise awareness of something they are passionate about and the process/journey of making it happen.

           In doing a quick Google search I found that on March 9, there is a march and rally to stop violence against women hosted by Women Organized to Resist and Defend.  While this Saturday is probably too soon to put together a group and organize a documentary project, I plan to keep my eyes open for upcoming events similar to this. (If anyone is partial to an organization or knows of any protests that will be happening I am flexible about the topic!)

           From a visual standpoint, I think it will be interesting to look at the different signs and posters being used as well as looking at what is being chanted/said.  Of course this is a super early proposal and I am not set on this idea.  I am open to working collaboratively with people who have their own spin on this topic or completely other suggestions!