Deccan Development Society India, Hyderabad and the Network of Women in Media, Bangalore cordially invite you to the launch of a unique publication:

Our partners in hosting this event are Communication for Development and Learning (CDL), Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), Sarathi and Openspace.

Affirming Life and Diversity is a multimedia publication comprising 12 video films made by the peasant women filmmakers of the DDS Community Media Trust based in Pastapur, Medak District, Andhra Pradesh. A short note on the publication is attached for your information.

The public event will include screening of selected parts from the films, a presentation of their work by the rural women film-makers, and a panel discussion involving media and social activists -- especially people with a special interest in gender and Dalit concerns.

The panelists include Deepa Dhanraj (well known film-maker), Keya Acharya (Development Journalist; Correspondent Inter Press Service), Dr. Ila Vijaya (film critic and actor), and Jyothi (Founder Director of Rural Education and Development Society, Tumkur).

The afternoon session will feature interactions between the women film-makers from Andhra Pradesh and women from rural and urban Karnataka, including some running community media of their own, on questions of food security/sovereignty and media autonomy. Dr. Suchithra Vedanth, Director, Mahila Samakhya – Karnataka, will respond to the discussion.

The event promises an exciting and meaningful exchange of information and views on a subject of vital current interest, especially in the context of the ongoing global food crisis. For details, contact: Charumathi Supraja at 94490 62588 or Centre for Advocacy and Research, 80-4151 1821; 4151 2949 ⊕

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