November 2013 Meeting
“Making Films that Change People's Lives” was the title of Ingrid Hesling's talk this month, introducing us to the lives of women in rural Malawi, formerly Nyasaland.
Though one of our members had actually visited the country whilst living in South Africa, most had no knowledge of the area.
Through her fascinating presentation and stunning pictures, (despite the obvious evidence of endemic poverty, the scenery and colourful dresses made a strong visual impact); we could feel the heat and the warm welcome extended to Ingrid and her team from Purple Field Productions as they visited remote areas of Malawi.
Based in Ilminster the small charity was set up 10 years ago having been asked to make a Bollywood style film in Bangladesh with the aim of changing local people's perception of wheelchair users. Since then many more films have been made, which are educational, documentary or drama, entertaining and fun, addressing such issues as HIV Aids, cerebral palsy and agriculture. The aim is to work with and for the local communities to help them improve their lives.
Most live on less than 20 pence a day in mud huts with no furniture. Fuel costs are comparable to ours, making vehicular travel very expensive. The main crop is maize which forms the staple diet for three starch filled meals a day. Wood is used for cooking on the traditional 3 stone fire. Women and children travel increasingly further and further from their homes in order to collect enough for their needs, exposing themselves to danger from snakes, animals and possibly men.
Through films made locally the charity is able to show the advantages of early screening for HIV Aids, how to live with it successfully, what drugs can be obtained and instruction regarding protection. As more and more trees are being lost the locals are being encouraged to plant tree seeds for the future and shown new ways of farming and how to improve their crops.
Grace featured in several of the pictures. She was a single mother with four children who had heard on the wind up radio that she could get free advice on how to improve her soil and learn about better growing methods. She implemented what she had been told, suffering much scepticism from her neighbours, who were convinced there would be no benefit. Now she is an ambassador to neighbouring Zambia.
Ingrid's enthusiasm, knowledge and visual displays were the highlight of a most enjoyable evening.
December's meeting is Christmas party night with vocal entertainment provided by folk song singer Yvette Staelens who will be encouraging us to sing along to some festive music.
We should be in good voice for this after the Group carol service on the 2nd. Seasonal nibbles at the party will be provided by the committee but bring your own drink and party outfits.