Stories about Video from August, 2010
Venezuela: Rapper Defies New Ban Against Violent Images
Venezuelan rapper OneChot is using social media to distribute his video criticizing the violence in Venezuela in days after president Chavez declared a month long ban on media's use of violent images, triggering an investigation surrounding the video's release.
Madagascar: The Undercover Investigations That Exposed Rosewood Trafficking from the Rain Forest
One of the consequences of the enduring political crisis in Madagascar is its punishing impact on the environment. The investigation of activists specialized in conservation and protection of the environment was instrumental in documenting the crimes and holding the government accountable for protecting Malagasy natural resources. Here are there reflections on the initiatives:
China: Apple Peel
The video shows how the China made new product Apple Peel 520 turns a IPod Touch into an IPhone. More Apple Peel alike products are coming out. This one equips IPhone with an extended keyboard.
France: Racism and Politics
Following a speech from French president Sarkozy that France ought to consider stripping delinquents of their citizenship and the planned expulsion of groups of Roma people back to Rumania and Bulgaria, the UN Comittee on the Elimination of Racial dDiscrimination (CERD) denounced a "recrudescence of racism and xenophobia" in France. Bloggers weigh in on the tense social scene in France.
Nigeria: Citizen Reporter Interviews Fiery Lagos Preacher
A video of a citizen reporter, Kayode Ogundamisi, interviewing fiery Lagos pastor of the convener of the Save Nigeria Group.
Jamaica: Art About Dudus
“The Dudus Chronicles is a body of work I’ve had the opportunity to watch as it took root and developed in front of my eyes”: Annie Paul is excited about the exhibition's official opening, and republishes a series of Facebook comments in response to news of the upcoming show.
Hong Kong: You want to take the bus? That's so tragic!
This youtube video (with English subtitle) showing a quarrel between the private van owners and bus passengers after has become a big hit online. For more background, see ESWN.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Dialogue through film
The free flow of information between Armenia and Azerbaijan since independence is obviously problematic given the still unresolved conflict over Nagorno Karabakh, but can new media move in to fill the gap?
Video: Music videos under 99 USD
In an industry where expenses keep rising, making and promoting a music video can get tough. The 99 Dollar Music Video website gives bands and filmmakers a chance to shine with creative videos, shot in one day, edited in one day and costing no more than 99 US Dollars.
Cuba: Marching in Memory
Cuban bloggers discuss the harassment of Reina Luisa Tamayo, as she makes attempts to organise commemoration marches to the grave of her son, political prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo.
Egypt: Youth using social media to close the gap
Thirty young Egyptians joined hands to produce 10 social advertisements, aimed at social reform. Marwa Rakha takes a closer look at the “Closing The Gap” project, and shares some of the videos produced in this post.
Russia: “Watchmen Intro” Parody About Police
Popular Russian political designer and cartoonist Egor Zhgun (aka LJ user zhgun) published [RUS] his parody of “Watchmen Intro” involving sketches of famous misdeeds conducted by the Russian police.
Europe: Stranger Festival Film Submissions
The Stranger Film Festival is looking for creative short documentaries by youth (younger than 30) from European and neighboring countries in a variety of topics regarding European narratives. Submission deadline is on September 1st. via
Mexico: Citizen video and Drug Trafficking
Mexican bloggers debate whether citizen videos and pictures showing graphic violent crimes are an answer to what some say is the mass media's resistance to cover drug trafficking related violence or if it is just another way to spread fear and terror.
USA: Oil Spill Generates Swell in Creative Expression
The BP oil spill has left in its path a disaster that has affected ecological stability and the economic future of the Gulf Coast region. Art is a refuge where people can envision a less bitter finale to the tragedy unfolding in their backyards. It is also a means to dialogue about a profound sense of loss no amount of money can ever remediate.
Voices of Young African Leaders Heard at Obama's Forum
The President's Forum with Young African Leaders took place in Washington, DC from August 3-5 2010. Delegates from Sub Saharan Africa were invited to exchange ideas on development in their countries as many were celebrating their 50 years of independence.
Open Video Conference at New York City in October
The Open Video Conference at New York City in October 1st and 2nd, 2010 will explore the future of online video in different areas such as technology, creativity, business, public policy/law, education and activism.
Bangladesh: Visitors Share Their Thoughts On Grameen Ventures
This summer, eight students and faculty members from the Master of Public Administration program of the Northern Kentucky University in Kentucky, USA are completing an internship at Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. They have made numerous field visits and are recording their experiences in their blogs using texts, pictures and videos.
Advocacy Video Toolkit Feedback
WITNESS is working on a Video Advocacy Toolkit and would like your input. With this information they would improve on the toolkits and make sure they cover most of the needs of people who work with or wish to work with video for advocacy purposes.
China: Aftershock – history or political allegory?
While the 2008 Sichuan earthquake has become a taboo in mainstream media because of the bean dregs school building construction scandal and the arrest of citizen investigator Tan Zhouren, the Tangshan Earthquake has been put on big screen on July 22, six days before the 34th anniversary of the biggest...
Video Contest: Internet for Peace
The Internet has been nominated for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize. As part of the ongoing debate on the contribution of Internet to our society, Condé Nast and Google Ireland have joined to organize this video contest and the winner will have the opportunity to travel and get their video featured on Italian MTV.