Participatory Filmmaking

Participatory filmmaking is an inclusive and collaborative process in which participants play an active role in shaping, directing and producing films. Rather than being the subjects of someone else's narrative, participants become co-creators, using film to express their own experiences, concerns and perspectives. This approach works well for informing policy, sharing research, raising awareness and strengthening communities, because it puts the voices of those most affected at the centre. This method also gives participants the chance to build skills, share their ideas and take an active role in creating change.

In this module Geraldine Brown explains how Participatory Filmmaking was used within PLANET4B, in this video she introduces the PLANET4B Learning Community:

In this video Geraldine Brown explains Participatory Filmmaking:

Key Features‍

Participants:

• Typically, 5–15 people per group, allowing for diversity while maintaining a manageable and inclusive dynamic. Participants are often those with lived experience or a stake in the issue being explored.

Timeframe:

• A minimum of three sessions over 2–4 weeks, covering training, filming, and reviewing. Longer timeframes enable deeper engagement, reflection, and impact. Elements of participatory filmmaking could be incorporated into a shorter project or single workshop. However, to conduct the method comprehensively, sufficient time and preparation are required.

Budget and Materials Needed:

• Participatory film is not a low budget option. It is possible to find cheaper workarounds, but in your budget, you should consider costs such as space hire, film production and editing, marketing, and travel costs should you wish to film in range of locations etc.

Specifically, you will need:

• Cameras or smartphones (with video recording capability)
• Editing software, and suitable space to undertake editing
• Storage devices (USB drives, SD cards or external hard drives for saving footage)
• Charging cables and power banks
• Workshop space and materials
  • e.g. flipcharts, sticky notes and markers (for planning, storyboarding and group discussion
  • Worksheets - covering filming techniques, ethics, planning etc.
  • Refreshments and snacks
• Participant sheets and ethical consent forms etc.
• Resources to distribute the film, this could include hosting a ‘film premiere’ or taking the film on a ‘tour’

Skills Required:

A participatory film project works best if you have the following skills, or can source them:

Facilitation skills

• Inclusivity – Create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable participating and sharing their views.
• Sensitivity – Be aware of power dynamics, cultural differences, and the potential for difficult or emotional topics to emerge — and respond with care and empathy.
• Trust-building – Foster trust within the group by encouraging active listening, openness, and respect for different ways of communicating.
• Conflict-resolution – Handle disagreements or tensions in a constructive and respectful manner that allows space for multiple perspectives to be heard.
• Coordination – Manage time effectively and keep the group focused, ensuring that objectives are met without rushing or excluding contributions.

Project management skills

• Planning and coordination - including scheduling, budgeting, and managing equipment.
• Outreach and marketing - to ensure the film reaches its intended audience.
• Ethics - the ethics process with a filmmaking method needs to be thought through with care. Filmmakers should understand seeking ethical approval from subject, data protection, how and where to film, and what is appropriate to capture.

Technical filmmaking skills

• Filming skills – Use of camera techniques including framing, shot composition, movement, lighting, and sound recording, to help participants capture clear, engaging footage in diverse environments.
• Editing skills – Ability to support participants in structuring and refining their footage, including basic sequencing, sound editing, transitions, subtitling, and exporting – with a focus on weaving stories together while retaining participants’ creative voice.