Under the Radar

This note was written in collaboration with karin hazé, Founder and Artistic Director of 75 SHOTS Pocket Cinema

Under the Radar empowers persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals through smartphone filmmaking, providing a platform for the sharing of authentic, interconnected stories in public screenings and online workshops, fostering global connections and catalyzing new narratives.

Project Description

Objectives

Empowerment: To empower persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals living under oppressive regimes through smartphone filmmaking, enabling them to share their authentic, interconnected stories.

Visibility and Advocacy: Provide a platform for the marginalized voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering global connections and promoting awareness about the challenges they face.

Community Building: Facilitate a sense of community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals, while also creating an inclusive space for dialogue and artistic expression.

Catalyze Employability: Equip participants with filmmaking skills, potentially enhancing their employability and providing alternative sources of income, thereby contributing to their economic independence and stability.

Activities

Smartphone Filmmaking Workshops: Conduct online and in-person workshops to teach the art and techniques of smartphone filmmaking, ensuring participants can effectively share their stories.

Film Production Support: Provide resources and mentorship to participants in the production of short films, encouraging creative expression and storytelling.

Public Screenings: Organize pop-up screenings of queer short films in unconventional public spaces, creating a unique platform for marginalized voices to be heard.

Online Workshops and Forums: Host virtual workshops, webinars, and discussion forums for participants to further refine their skills and engage in conversations around LGBTQ+ issues.

Collaborations with Local Organizations: Partner with local organizations to create a supportive environment free from stigma, offering practical advice on professionalizing and safeguarding filmmaking devices.

Outcomes

Empowered Voices: Participants gain the skills and confidence to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a sense of agency and empowerment.

Increased Visibility: The project raises awareness about the challenges faced by persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy within the broader community.

Global Connections: By connecting individuals from different backgrounds and locations, the project builds bridges of understanding and support on a global scale.

New Narratives and Perspectives: The authentic and interconnected stories shared through the project create a new narrative, potentially influencing a broader societal shift in perceptions and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

Contribute to Legal Reform and Policy Change: By shedding light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, the project may play a role in advocating for legal reform and policy changes that protect their rights.

Societal Impact: Through the project's activities and outcomes, it aims to contribute to broader societal changes by challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

For more information about the project, visit www.cinemafeast.com/undertheradar 

Reflection on the project

→ Providing marginalized communities with accessible education and creative tools like smartphone filmmaking can be a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment. 

→ Using unconventional public spaces for screenings helped create an inclusive environment, breaking down barriers and making art more accessible to diverse audiences, as well as providing a unique opportunity for people considered criminals in their respective countries to exchange with audiences. 

→ Partnering with local organizations and individuals was instrumental in creating a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQ+ artists, offering valuable resources and a sense of community. 

→ Recognizing the potential for employability and income generation through artistic skills development can be a lifeline for marginalized individuals. 

→ This project showcases the transformative potential of digital technology, specifically smartphone filmmaking, in democratizing artistic expression. It highlights how accessible tools can empower marginalized communities, amplifying their voices and fostering connections. 

→ The use of unconventional spaces for public screenings challenges traditional art consumption norms, opening up new possibilities for community engagement. 

→ The online platform Video On Demand (VOD) serves as a dynamic space of learning, discovering, connecting, and even rewarding, as subscriptions contribute to artist fees. Despite the accessibility and connectivity issues, lack of electricity, limited resources, overall, this project has been a transformative experience, emphasizing the potential of digital technology in fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and societal change within the arts community in Canada and beyond.

Community

This project was specifically designed for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals living under oppressive regimes. The intended audience encompasses those facing legal persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The use of smartphone filmmaking, an accessible and versatile tool, catered to a wide range of individuals regardless of their prior experience in filmmaking.

The project aimed to address the pressing need for a safe platform for these individuals to share their stories and experiences, often in environments where open expression is limited or dangerous. By creating a community centered around creativity and self-expression, the project sought to provide a lifeline for those seeking empowerment and connection.

The online platform VOD served as a crucial space for learning, discovering, and connecting. It not only offered a means of showcasing their work but also provided a financial incentive through subscription-based revenue, directly benefiting the artists involved. This aspect was vital in addressing the economic challenges often faced by marginalized communities.

Despite the inherent difficulties such as limited resources, lack of electricity, and connectivity issues, the project persistently worked towards breaking down these barriers. It was tailored to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the community it aimed to serve, emphasizing adaptability and accessibility at every stage of development.

Location and languages

The home office of "Under the Radar" is located in Montreal. However, this project operates as a hybrid initiative, extending its reach far beyond its home base. The primary languages of communication and administration are French and English allowing for seamless collaboration and coordination. 

The films featured in "Under the Radar" retain their original language, showcasing the rich diversity of voices and cultures represented. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, all films are subtitled in English. Additionally, in recognition of the global reach and audience, select films are also subtitled in Arabic, French, and Spanish.

While the screenings are predominantly held in Canada and the United States, "Under the Radar" aspires to expand its reach to the Global South. This aspiration reflects a commitment to strengthening the global queer community and fostering connections across different regions and cultures. This multi-lingual and globally-oriented approach not only showcases the universality of LGBTQ+ experiences but also underscores the project's dedication to accessibility, inclusion, and global solidarity.

Want to get involved?

Join us in empowering aspiring filmmakers worldwide. We're seeking in-kind services in marketing, fundraising, and event hosting. If you're traveling to Africa, the Caribbean, or Asia, your assistance ensures safe delivery of essential filmmaking devices and lowers shipping costs. Have old devices? Donate them to directly benefit filmmakers.

For questions on this project, please contact Founder/Artistic Director of 75 SHOTS Pocket Cinema, karin hazé at 75shotsmovie@gmail.com or visit www.cinemafeast.com/undertheradar

Connect with us on IG @75shotsmovie and FB @75shots to be a part of this transformative journey. Together, we're amplifying voices and creating inclusive storytelling

Organization name: 75 SHOTS Pocket Cinema

Website: www.75shots.com

Launch date: June 1, 2022

Relevant fields of practice: Media Arts

Additional Keywords: Digital Transformation; Online Learning Platform; BIPOC; Global South; Human Rights; Empowerment Through Art; Marginalized Communities; Cinema Feast

This note is part of interConnect. If you are the content owner or the organization concerned and would like to take control of ownership of the note, write to IMAA at info@imaa.ca.