29 February 2008
On Wednesday 5th March at 7.00pm cars, coaches and minibuses filled with people from across the borough will descend on Blackwood Miners Institute and take over the theatre to enjoy an evening of short films - made by the audience themselves!
For the last 18 months people from across Caerphilly Borough have been making digital stories, short films made on computers, with the Breaking Barriers outreach team. The evening will be a celebration of all the hard work of volunteers and staff alike - projects have taken place in all 19 of the Communities First wards. Thanks to funding by the Communities @ One fund which specifically targets digital inclusion in isolated and deprived communities in Wales.
Digital arts workers Diego Vidart, Ffion Rhys and Matt White have been working with groups of all ages helping them to make short films about their lives and the things that interest them most. More than 500 people have take part in the projects. By the time the project finishes at the end of March in excess of 70 films will have been made. The aim of the project is not just to produce digital stories but to leave the skills and enthusiasm behind to carry on creating more films. So far 5 independent projects have grown out of the project - with more set to follow.
Each of the films to be screened lasts for around two minutes and shares a personal story, using each individual's voice, script and images. The films cover a variety of topics such as family history, personal triumphs, passions and memories. The stories of everyday reality from the past, present and even the future are uplifting, inspiring and sometimes very moving snapshots of the people that make them.
The Communities @ One project is part of the Breaking Barriers digital storytelling project, co-ordinated by Caerphilly CBC's Arts Development team, with support from the Arts Council of Wales. Over the past five years the team has helped participants to create over 500 films - that adds up to at least one every 4 days!!
The event is free and open to all ages - call the Blackwood Miners Institute Box Office on 01495 227206 to find out more.
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